While the appeal of vinyl isn’t apparent to everyone at first glance, budget-friendly options like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT have made this collectible hobby more accessible than ever. For optimal return on your new investment, make sure to read on guide on how to best set up speakers in your home before taking a look at our top picks for the best turntables. But the analog functionality of the unit is top-notch, too. It has three playback speeds. 33 1/3rd and 45 RPM are in tow. However, there’s also a 78 RPM option, giving you amazing flexibility. A pro-level, anti-resonance aluminum plate helps cut down on artifacts while anti-skate controls keep the tonearm from flying too close to the sun. And, speaking of which, that tonearm is loaded with the AT-VM95E cartridge, resulting in impeccably balanced playback quality. The LED target light — which can be turned on or off depending on your environment — helps position the tonearm in low-light scenarios. It all comes in a sleek, contemporary chassis that Audio-Technica says is designed to eliminate unwanted vibrations and grace your turntable with unparalleled sound. For more efficient audio playback, the Sony PS-3LX10BT has a low-vibration aluminum plate. There’s also a USB output option, allowing for digital connectivity for copying audio files to your computer, and RCA cables are included in the box for standard analog output. But what’s most impressive about this unit is its Bluetooth connectivity support — meaning you can connect it wirelessly to a set of compatible speakers and spin away, without the need for a separate amp or long cables running across the room. Otherwise, the design is minimalist. In addition to the aforementioned, it has controls for speed and playback, but not a whole lot more. You can look forward to a 3.5mm-to-RCA plug in the box for analog connectivity, though most of us will get more mileage out of the Bluetooth functionality. That’s right, you can stream music from your records to the Bluetooth speaker setup you already own if you’re so inclined. At this price, Bluetooth is a rarity, so kudos to Audio-Technica for making it happen, along with everything else. The Fluance offers a purely analog listening experience, meaning that it has no Bluetooth or USB connectivity, only RCA. While this does limit your listening options somewhat by requiring a dedicated set of hard-wired speakers, it provides a no-nonsense approach to your listening experience that can feel refreshing in a modern context. Weighing in at a generous 15 pounds and measuring 16.5 x 13.75 x 5.5 inches, the Fluance is far from portable but is the perfect size for any entertainment center or room in your home. Weighing 10 pounds and measuring just 5.12 x 10.04 x 13.78 inches, the Victrola portable turntable still manages to deliver the brand’s signature rich quality, but in a fashionable, durable, easy-to-carry package. Its retro briefcase design makes it easily portable and is available in a variety of colors and designs to suit just about any living space. The only downside is that this product can’t play music with the top down, but we consider that a small issue overall.
Connection Types
Does the turntable you’re looking at have built-in speakers? If it has connections to hook up external speakers, how can it connect to those devices? Whether it’s through an AUX input, Bluetooth, or something else entirely, it’s important to make sure that any turntable you buy will work with your current speaker setup.
Style
A turntable is more than just a device you can use to play music. They are often conversation pieces within the home. Because the typical turntable is large (even the most portable version), it will likely be on display. Make sure the style, colors, and aesthetics of the turntable match the decor of whatever room it’s going to be placed in.
