Old Record Players

Lauren Nguyen
11 min readJun 7, 2024

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of vinyl records with our roundup of the best old record players. From vintage designs to modern features, we’ve curated a list of top picks for music enthusiasts to rediscover their favorite tunes on vinyl.

The Top 5 Best Old Record Players

  1. Vintage Crosley Record Player Anthology Turntable — White — Experience ultimate convenience and sound quality with Crosley Radio’s Anthology Turntable — White, a portable three-speed record player designed to delight old record lovers with its impressive features and powerful sound.
  2. Jensen Turntable with CD, FM, AM Radio, and Cassette Playback — Jensen’s 3-Speed Turntable CD Radio, Cassette and AM/FM system offers versatility, premium features, and ease of use — the ultimate music hub for any audiophile.
  3. LP&№1 Retro Turntable with Speakers: Revive the Vintage Record Player Experience — Get ready to experience quality with LP&№1’s vintage-inspired 3-Speed Belt Drive Turntable, featuring a diamond-tipped stylus and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a pair of separable stereo speakers for an unmatched audio experience!
  4. Classic Meageal Wooden Vinyl Record Player for 33/45 RPM Records — Experience retro-style music and modern tunes with the stylish Meageal Wooden Phonograph Gramophone Turntable, featuring a classic design, Bluetooth connectivity, CD/FM radio, and versatile applications.
  5. High Fidelity Walnut Turntable with Built-In Speakers — Indulge in the nostalgic charm of vinyl with this high-quality, colorful Turntable equipped with built-in speakers, offering a delightful blend of sleek Walnut finish and impressive Wooden construction.

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Reviews

Vintage Crosley Record Player Anthology Turntable — White

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I recently tried out the Crosley Radio Anthology Turntable, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. This turntable is a great addition to any vinyl lover’s collection. Its sleek design, with the turntable deck sporting an elegant white finish, makes it a standout piece in any room.

One feature that immediately caught my attention was the upgraded components, which provide a richer and more engaging listening experience. The larger built-in speakers truly bring out the warm, rich sounds of the vinyl records, and the three-speed turntable ensures you can enjoy your entire music collection.

What’s even better is the convenience of transitioning between different record sizes, thanks to the built-in 45 adapter. Plus, the tonearm’s moving magnet cartridge and functional counterweight ensure optimal sound quality, while the pitch adjustment knob gives you full control over your music.

The turntable’s external connection options also add to its versatility. You can hook up to external speakers through the RCA output, or even stream your digital music through the Anthology’s Bluetooth receiver. It’s the perfect blend of classic design and modern functionality.

However, one drawback I noticed is the relatively small size of the speakers. While they do a fantastic job in a small living room or bedroom, you might want to consider using external speakers for larger gatherings or parties.

Overall, the Crosley Radio Anthology Turntable has quickly become my go-to record player. Its stunning design, powerful sound, and convenient features make it truly stand out in a sea of portable turntables. It might be a bit on the smaller side, but that’s just a testament to how much Crosley managed to fit into such a compact and stylish package.

Jensen Turntable with CD, FM, AM Radio, and Cassette Playback

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The Jensen JTA-475 is a versatile home entertainment system that lets you play all your favorite tunes in one place. As someone who appreciates the nostalgia of vinyl records, I was drawn to the turntable’s 3-speed functionality and the convenience of having a CD, cassette, and AM/FM radio all in one.

One feature that stood out to me was the front-loading CD player, which allowed me to play both regular and rewriteable compact discs. The AM/FM tuner also came in handy, as I could easily tune in to my favorite radio stations while cooking or working around the house.

The turntable itself is both practical and stylish, with a sleek design and a blue backlit LCD display for easy operation. The cassette deck was a bit fragile, but overall, the unit held up well to frequent use.

Speaking of use, the versatile Jensen JTA-475 also includes a stereo headphone jack for private listening, as well as programmable memory for storing your favorite songs and tracks.

While the turntable’s speakers offered a satisfactory audio experience, some might find the bass to be on the lighter side. Additionally, the device’s small size might not appeal to those seeking a more powerful sound system.

In conclusion, the Jensen JTA-475 3-Speed Turntable CD Radio, Cassette, and AM/FM combines nostalgia with modern convenience. While it might not be the best option for those seeking a high-powered audio experience, it remains a reliable and stylish choice for music lovers who appreciate the versatility of having all their favorite tunes in one place.

LP&№1 Retro Turntable with Speakers: Revive the Vintage Record Player Experience

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The LP&№1 Retro Bluetooth Turntable takes you on a musical journey back in time. This stylish turntable offers three-speed vinyl record playback, handling various 33 1/3, 45, and 79 RPM records delightfully. With its auto-stop feature, your record comes to a halt at the end, adding to the experience’s authenticity. What sets this turntable apart is its stereo speakers, providing an outstanding audio performance for a more immersive soundscape. Although it may not be the loudest set of speakers, it’s perfect for various occasions.

Connecting your smartphone to the turntable via Bluetooth allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts wirelessly. The high-quality vinyl player and speaker set can easily be converted into a powerful sound base or placed on a bookshelf or record shelf, providing flexibility for different settings. The solid wood appearance adds a touch of vintage charm to your room, complemented by a dust cover that protects your records from dust and dirt while you’re enjoying your favorite tunes.

Classic Meageal Wooden Vinyl Record Player for 33/45 RPM Records

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This wooden phonograph gramophone turntable record player strikes the perfect balance between classic and fashion design. The pure copper horn with its wooden base exudes elegance and charm. Its ability to play a variety of music formats, from retro records to modern wireless tunes, offers a unique listening experience. With two built-in 20W stereo speakers for optimal sound and a 10W silk treble speaker at the top, it ensures a professional stereo acoustic effect.

Designed to serve various purposes, this record player is perfect for enriching the ambiance of yoga rooms, adding character to home or office decorations, and even making for a cool gift. It also supports multiple formats, including 33 and 45 RPM speeds and plays records in three different sizes. The built-in Bluetooth 4.2, CD/FM radio, and USB flash drive memory reader make it a versatile machine. Weighing around 4.2kg, it’s easy to move around, making it suitable for different locations. Its dimensions are 302mm x 354mm x 576mm, and it comes in a package measuring 445mm x 340mm x 540mm.

High Fidelity Walnut Turntable with Built-In Speakers

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I recently tried this 1 by One High Fidelity Belt Drive Turntable with Built-In Speakers, and the sleek wooden design caught my eye immediately. The walnut finish gave it a warm, classic look that perfectly complemented my vinyl collection. Its large size offered plenty of room for the built-in speakers, adding a convenient touch to this versatile piece.

One of my favorite features was how easy it was to set up. With the simple plug-and-play functionality, I was able to get it up and running in no time. The built-in speakers made it great for both small and large spaces, providing loud and clear sound quality. However, the one downside I noticed was that the weight of the product made it a bit challenging to move around. Despite this, its sturdiness showed that it’s well-constructed and designed to last.

Overall, this turntable was a great addition to my home, and it allowed me to fully enjoy my favorite vinyl records. It may have been a bit difficult to transport, but I’d definitely recommend it for those who appreciate the classic vinyl listening experience.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to our buyer’s guide for the Old Record Player. Whether you’re a music enthusiast looking to relive the past or simply curious about the revival of this retro entertainment system, we’ve got you covered.

Important Features to Consider

When selecting an Old Record Player, there are several essential features to consider. These include the following:

  1. Turntable size and speed options, 2) Speaker quality and power, 3) Audio controls, and 4) Connectivity options. Each of these plays a crucial role in ensuring your listening experience is enjoyable and seamless.

Factors Influencing Your Decision

Beyond the technical features of the Old Record Player, there are other factors to take into account when making your purchase. Consider aspects such as size and weight, aesthetics, ease of use, and price. By weighing these factors, you can find a product that not only meets your technical requirements but also suits your lifestyle and budget.

General Advice for Old Record Player Buyers

To ensure you have the best possible experience with your Old Record Player, follow these pieces of advice:

  1. Research the product thoroughly before making a purchase, 2) Check for compatibility with your records, 3) Properly maintain and clean your record player, and 4) Explore the various genres and formats of music available on vinyl.

With these important features and considerations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to select an Old Record Player that fits your needs and preferences. Enjoy the unique listening experience that this classic entertainment system offers! Make sure to explore the variety of music available on vinyl and immerse yourself in the rich history of this timeless medium.

FAQ

Why Would You Want to Own an Antique Record Player?

Antique record players possess a vintage charm that adds a touch of elegance to any living environment. They’re not just for playing vinyl records; they also make for a fantastic decorative piece. And with modern advancements, most vintage record players now come equipped with built-in speakers and digital outputs, allowing you to connect them to other sound systems effortlessly.

Moreover, owning a vintage record player provides you with the opportunity to share a unique musical experience with your loved ones, fostering a deep connection over shared memories and music tastes. Whether you’re an audiophile, a collector, or just appreciate nostalgia, an antique record player is an excellent investment.

What Are the Different Types of Antique Record Players?

There’s a wide range of antique record players available, each with its distinctive features and design. Some of the most common types include the fully manual record player, the semi-automatic record player, and the fully automatic record player. Fully manual record players necessitate users to manually adjust the record’s speed, while semi-automatic record players have an automatic stop feature when the record reaches the end.

Fully automatic record players, also known as “jazz boxes,” offer the most convenience as they automatically change the record’s speed and stop the record when it reaches the end. Additionally, there are portable record players with built-in speakers and rechargeable batteries for added convenience and portability. Choose the type that best suits your needs.

Are Antique Record Players Hard to Operate?

While antique record players might seem daunting at first, they’re actually quite user-friendly. Most models offer straightforward controls, such as a knob to adjust the speed and buttons to start, stop, and pause the record. Additionally, most contemporary record players come with instruction manuals or online tutorials to guide you through the process. Once you learn the basics, playing records on an antique record player can be a fun and rewarding experience.

If you’re concerned about the fragility of vinyl records, rest assured that with proper maintenance and care, they can last for many years. Always clean your records before playing them, store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. With minimal effort, you can enjoy high-quality sound from your antique record player for years to come.

Do Antique Record Players Damage Vinyl Records?

Antique record players are generally designed with care and precision to preserve the delicate vinyl records. As long as you purchase a high-quality record player, it should not cause damage to your vinyl records. However, if you’re experiencing scratches or skips while playing records, it may be a sign that your record player is not functioning correctly or that the vinyl records require proper cleaning.

Always adhere to the care and handling instructions provided with your record player to ensure the longevity of your vinyl records. Furthermore, consider investing in a high-quality stylus to minimize wear and tear on your records. By treating your records with the respect they deserve, you can enjoy the rich sound of vinyl for an extended period.

How Do I Connect My Antique Record Player to Other Sound Systems?

Most modern record players come equipped with digital outputs, such as RCA or 3.5mm jacks, which enable you to connect your record player to other sound systems, such as speakers, amplifiers, or even your TV. Simply consult your record player’s manual to determine the correct output cable to use and follow the instructions for connecting the cables.

If your record player doesn’t have a digital output, you can still connect it to other sound systems by using a Bluetooth receiver. Simply pair the receiver with your record player and connect it to your speakers or amplifier. With this setup, you can appreciate the rich sound of vinyl while enjoying the benefits of modern sound systems.

Which Record Players Should I Avoid When Purchasing an Antique Record Player?

When buying an antique record player, it’s crucial to avoid models that are not well-maintained or have a poor reputation for performance. Look for reputable brands with a history of producing high-quality record players that have received positive feedback from customers and audiophiles alike. A knowledgeable record store owner or employee can also assist you in determining which models are worth considering.

Be cautious of low-cost or unknown brands that may lack the necessary components and craftsmanship to provide a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. While you don’t have to invest in the most expensive record player on the market, spending a little more for a reliable brand can significantly enhance your satisfaction with the product.

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