Want to Get Started with Vinyl? 3 Great Beginner Record Player Systems to Get You Started
There are many reasons to love vinyl records. There’s the sound of a good LP, of course. But there’s also the joy of crate digging, rummaging through the racks in the hope of finding a lost classic, an obscure oddity, or an absolute bargain.
It’s great to get your hands on a brand new version of an old favorite. It’s made of sturdy vinyl, so you can listen to it as if you’re hearing it for the first time.
There’s the art of a good cover, the seductiveness of an interesting sleeve, and the tension between the moment you drop the needle (hopefully on one of the best turntables Ny Breaking recommends) and the music starts.
And with independent artists and artists on small labels, there’s also the knowledge that some of the money is actually going to the artist rather than to shareholders somewhere, so it’s also better for your conscience.
In other words, vinyl is brilliantHow do you start?
While it’s a little more complicated to get started with vinyl than streaming, it’s not terribly complicated: all you need is a turntable, an amp, and some speakers—and sometimes you can get all of those things in one. There are plenty of really good, really affordable, and really simple turntables that are absolutely perfect for vinyl beginners and returning music lovers alike.
Here at Techradar, we test all sorts of turntables, from super-cheap models to models that cost more than you’d spend on a car. And that means we know which turntables are the least fuss-free and offer the most musical bang for your buck.
Whether you’re buying your very first turntable or returning to vinyl after years of digital downloads and streaming, the following three turntables are highly recommended.
Buy now, enjoy forever: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
The sound of your turntable is everything, we know. But there’s also value in a turntable that makes your heart sing a little when you see it. And that’s certainly the case here, because the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon comes in a range of colours and looks great in all of them. It’s a bit like having really great artwork on a really great record.
The Debut is one of Pro-Ject’s most user-friendly and affordable turntables, and it sounds fantastic. As we said in our review: “The Debut Carbon Evo is a luxurious, full-bodied listening experience, but that’s not to say it’s in any way sluggish. It has plenty of the warmth and richness that’s so often regarded as an undeniable virtue of vinyl, but it doesn’t wallow or slouch. It’s easy to listen to, but it’s not uninteresting… Like any worthwhile turntable, it’s very accomplished and ties everything together.”
This is at the upper end of many beginners’ budgets, we know. But the sound it delivers is truly great, and while this particular model doesn’t bother with Bluetooth, that’s no problem if it does, it does it beautifully.
If it’s a bit too expensive, or you want Bluetooth, we’d recommend checking out the company’s recently updated E1 series. It’s available with or without Bluetooth, and the non-Bluetooth version is cheaper than the Debut.
Read our full Pro-Ject Debut Carbon review
A brilliant budget buy: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the Pro-Ject, this sub-$200 turntable (street prices are typically $149 / £179 / AU$299) is a great alternative – it’s currently our best budget buy . That’s because it does a credible job in every area, including Bluetooth streaming to wireless headphones and speakers.
The materials aren’t quite as touch-me as the Pro-Ject, but it’s well-made and looks pretty good; the tonearm does feel a little rickety, though, so you’ll want to be careful there. But we’re being nitpicky here: the sound you get for the money you pay is really good, and this is a great option for a starter turntable that you won’t quickly outgrow.
Read our full Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT review
A capable all-in-one: Lenco LS-410
We’re not snobbish about all-in-one systems: if you’re short on space or money, or both, an all-in-one system can be a great way to dip your toes in the vinyl waters without too much effort or expense. We wouldn’t recommend this as an audio source for a seriously specced hi-fi system, but for around $230 / £220 you get a lot of kit for not too much money – including Bluetooth streaming from other audio sources such as your phone. There’s 50W of power through four speakers, and as a Bluetooth speaker it really is very good.
Inevitably, though, the low price means that some corners have had to be cut. We found a few shortcomings compared with rival turntables: the tonearm and lifter feel insignificant, so this might not be for the clumsy, and the sound is decent rather than amazing. In our review, we found that the turntable’s rotational speed varied noticeably, and once we noticed it, we couldn’t ignore it. It’s certainly not a bad turntable, but it’s not up to par with the very best.
If you’re thinking about taking the first steps toward building a truly great hi-fi system, we wouldn’t start here. But if you’re looking for a player for the bedroom, something for a small apartment, or just not sure whether you’re going to be bitten by the vinyl bug, this is a good, affordable, portable option.
Read our full Lenco LS-410 review