Choosing the best turntable can be a lot of fun. There are hundreds of options to select from, and for this reason, it is possible to find a turntable that suits your personality and sound system. However, the more the choices, the harder it will be for you to find the best turntable that has the specific features that you may want.
This is where we come in, we have done the hard part, and now we bring you the best record player with speakers in the market today. As we mentioned above, finding the best sounding turntable with speakers can be an uphill task. But it does not have to be hard – at least not while we in the market.
With all kinds of styles, construction, affordability, and functionality as our guiding principles, in this post, we bring you the best turntables with speakers. Turntables are one of the oldest technologies, but that is still in use today. So many new-age technologies have tried to replace it, such as the MP3 players, CD players, cassette players, among others, but still, turntables are found in the mainstream industry.
Do you know how a turntable works? Well, it is no magic but the simple transfer of data like any other technology used to play music. However, we would like to dig deeper and understand how it works.
How Turntables Work
There are different parts in the turntable that work together to make it play. Let us take a look together.
1. The Base
The base of the turntable is made from different materials, and they come in all forms of shapes. Its function is to make the turntable run. It helps to hold the motor, which moves the platter where the record is placed. Manufacturers usually use the base to showcase their creativity.
The most important part of the base is the platter because it not only holds the record in place but also it helps to maintain the consistency of the speed at which the record plays. They are usually made of heavy materials such as aluminum which will help prevent the rumbling of the platter so that it can produce a sturdy sound.
There is rubber on top of the platter, which holds the record in place and prevents the formation of scratches on the album.
2. The Arm
This is the most complicated part of the turntable. It is attached to the base but away from the platter to prevent any shaking of the arm. It is made flexible so that it can move the record, but at the same time, it is heavy such that the motor will not shake it.
Most importantly, it does not have any friction when it touches the record so that it will not damage it. Also, it rotates at an angle that will not scratch the record. When the record is playing, the arm continuously tracks along with the record at a tangent angle so that it will not damage the record.
The arm has a cartridge at the end, which makes the record to play. It has electromagnetic power, which helps to transmit the grooves on the record into sound. The cartridge has a removable stylus, which is thin, which touches the grooves of the record.
When the stylus moves, it creates small disturbances in the electromagnetic field, which is transmitted via the arm to the speaker as the sound we hear. Depending on the grooves of the record, different sweet sounds if given out by the speakers.
Belt Drive Vs. Direct Drive
Different turntables are made with different styles of motors. On one hand, the direct-drive turntable has the motor placed directly under the platter. The motor and the platter are connected directly such that when the motor moves, the platter spins. The belt drive, on the other hand, the motor, and the platter are placed in different locations. They are connected via a belt.
In the belt drive kind of turntable, because the motor and platter are connected via a belt, it might take more time before they can attain the full speed. Besides that, the belt can wear out and hence needs to be replaced.
On the direct-drive turntable because the platter and the motor and connected directly, they instantly reach the full speed almost immediately. For this reason, direct-drive turntable is the most common among most users. They are common among the DJs because they are easy to spin and have lower risks of damaging the record. Besides that, because they hit full speed faster, the music hits the right pitch as soon as the arm touches the record.
In addition to that, direct-drive turntable allows you to control the speed at which the record will play. As compared to their belt drive turntables, they take some seconds before they can hit the right pace. Also, if you spin the record on the belt drive turntable, it might cause damage to the record. In addition to that, the platter of the belt drive turntable does not spin freely because it gets some resistance from the belt. Additionally, you cannot change the speed at which the record is playing.
Top Best Sounding Turntable With Speakers
1. ION Audio Max LP Turntable with Built-in Speakers
This is an all in one turntable in the market today at a pocket-friendly price. It comes with inbuilt stereo speakers, and you can use it to listen to all kinds of music genres.
Besides that, you can connect it to the mac and then convert all your records into digital format. Moreover, if you want to amplify the sound, you can connect it to your home theater system.
It comes with an elegant design that will add to your home décor. The base is made of wood, and it comes with a plastic cover, which helps to prevent dust from gathering on the turntable player.
In addition to that, it comes with a free felt-slipmat and a 45 adaptor. It also has a port for the headphone if you would like to listen to music via the headphones. Also, it has two inbuilt speakers, which has excellent sound quality. Most importantly, it has a vinyl conversion software that you can use to convert the vinyl records into digital format.
Pros
- Has a vinyl conversion software
- The sound quality from the speakers is superb
- Has a headphone port
- Comes with a free 45 adaptor and felt-slipmat
- Ideal for playing all kinds of music genres
- Affordable
Cons
- The volume is only audible within the room
- The speed of the platter does not exceed 45 RPMs
2. Jensen JTA-230 Stereo Turntable
It is an entry-level turntable player which is very portable. Also, it is available at an affordable price. The audio quality is excellent.
The arm is made with a metal cantilever, and it can play at three different speeds. The platter is small, and the record will protrude from under the dust cover.
It comes with four inbuilt speakers, which are very loud, even without amplification. Besides that, it a USB port, an RCA out, and a headphone jack pin port.
It also comes with a plastic dust cover that covers the turntable when not in use. However, it does not have a handle. Also, it does not have a speed adjuster.
Pros
- It is affordable
- Has inbuilt loudspeakers
- The player has three-speed levels
- It comes with a USB, RCA and headphone jack pin ports.
- Has a plastic dust cover
- Sound quality is exceptional
Cons
- Does not have a carrying handle
- The dust cover is small and leaves some parts exposed
- It does not have a tonearm counterpart
3. AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-LP60
Audio-Technica is one of the oldest manufactures in the turntable industry. This particular turntable is designed as a full swing vinyl renaissance. Apart from that, it has a rotating platform that has a clear plastic cover, an inbuilt phono preamp, phono pickups, and a metal plate.
Besides that, you can connect it to the home amplifier, soundbox, a computer, Bluetooth speakers, or any other sound amplifier system.
It is designed with a belt-drive, so it is not ideal for use by the DJs. On the backside, it has a button that you can use to select the preamp that you would like to use. The jack pin port is compatible with most pins so you can use any external amplifier easily.
Additionally, it is portable and appropriately priced. Also, it is automatic, which means the arm can turn records by itself.
Pros
- It is fully automatic
- Appropriately priced
- Can be connected to an external amplifier
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with a plastic cover
Cons
- The cartridge of the arm is irreplaceable
- Sound is very passable
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4. Audio-Technica Black Turntable (AT-LP120BK-USB)
This turntable is designed to meet all your music needs optimally. It has a USB port that you can use to connect directly to a computer. Besides that, the platter is made of aluminum, so it is heavy, and it will not tumble as it plays.
It uses the direct-drive motor, so it quickly starts the speed of playing. Moreover, it is ideal for DJs. It has a sleek design so that it will add to your home décor.
It comes with a plastic dust cover. Besides that, it has inbuilt speakers which play the music loudly. However, if you would like to amplify the sound, you can connect to the external amplifier via the jack port.
The audio quality is satisfactory, and the internal speakers are loud. It is user-friendly, and both music gurus and ordinary users can use it.
Pros
- It has a USB output port
- Heavy aluminum platter to prevent tumbling
- Uses the direct drive
- Can connect to the laptop
- Sleek design
- Available in two color shades to choose from
- Comes with a user manual
Cons
- Lacks the auto-return capability
- Slightly expensive
5. VICTROLA NOSTALGIC 6 in 1
If you are looking for a long-lasting turntable player, Victoria wooden is the ideal turntable. It comes as a six in one turntable, which you can use to play your music.
It comes with three-speed rotations per minute. The different features available in this turntable include cassette player, CD player, FM radio, inbuilt Bluetooth for playing with Bluetooth enabled devices, headphone port, RCA jack, and aux jack for external amplifiers.
Besides that, you can use it to record any music from the cassette tape and recorded it on the CD without using a computer. Moreover, the Bluetooth connection is strong and can connect up to 33 feet away from the source. This allows you to listen to your music from any device conveniently.
Also, if you would like to listen to the radio, you can select the FM radio and listen to your favorite FM station.
It is built of wood, which ensures that it lasts for long. Also, it has a wooden cover which you can close when the turntable is not in use.
Pros
- Can connect wirelessly via the Bluetooth
- Beautiful design
- Durable
- Has three different play speeds
- Designed with six different functions
- Can convert music without the help of a computer
- Has an Aux jack for an external amplifier
- Vintage design
Cons
- Bulky
- The motor driver is weak
6. Crosley CR6230A-TU Snap Portable Turntable
If you are a beginner with the turntable players, this is the ideal turntable for you. It comes with external speakers, which are very powerful. The speakers are portable, and they fold outwards from the suit-case holder.
The speakers have great sound when the volume is appropriately adjusted. It uses an NP5 needle, which according to the price range of this turntable, is excellent.
It plays at three different speeds, and it has a variety of hookups that you can use. Also, it comes with an AUX jack which you can use to connect an external amplifier. It also has an RCA port, a USB port, and a headphone jack in case you want to listen to music privately. Most importantly, you can use the USB port to convert music to digital format.
However, the platter does not have an inclusive slip mat. But it has three rubbers which hold the record in play as it plays. The rubbers help to prevent damage to the record. It is advisable that once you buy this turntable, you change the slipmat. Also, you cannot be able to control the tracking force.
Pros
- Comes with powerful external speakers
- Has RCA and USB ports
- Can convert music from analog to digital formats
- Three different play speeds
Cons
- It is bulky
- Lacks a slip mat
- Does not have a torearm
How to choose the best Turntable Stand!
Owning a turntable is lovely, but nothing compares the feeling of organizing your collection of records on a turntable stand, which also represents your personality and style. However, choosing a turntable stereo system is not easy.
When choosing a turntable stand, you need to have in your mind not only style but also durability and cost.
When buying a record player stand, consider the following things:
- Material use – consider wooden stands
- Does not require assembly
- Can be placed as a companion for all music players
- Can store a lot of records but not very big in size
The following are some of the best turntables stands available in the market today.
- Victoria wooden stand – we choose this wooden stand because it does not require any assembly when you buy it, it can hold up to 50 records, it is made of wood, and it can be used with other music players.
- Crosley Everett Record Player Stand – it is the best because it can hold up to 70 records, has a sleek design, it has a door for protection of your items, and comes with wired slots to hold the records.
- Line phono turntable station – it is ideal because it is easy to assemble, has two shelves which can hold up 200 records cumulatively, and has an ultra-compact design hence does not require a lot of space.
- Lumiwood record player stand – we liked it because it has hairpin legs, durable because it made of pure oak and a sleek design with shelves.
- Winsome Wood 92314 Leo Model Name Shelving – we included here because it is multipurpose, made of wood, elegant design has a wire basket, and extra shelves.