Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Tom S. Ray

Best Record Player for Beginners: Top 5 Models in 2023

For those who appreciate the warm, rich sound of vinyl records, investing in a high-quality record player is a must.

As a beginner, finding the right record player can be an exciting yet daunting task, considering the wealth of options and features available on the market.

Modern record players come in a variety of designs and styles, but some essential features remain constant. Understanding the key components, such as the turntable, tonearm, cartridge, and stylus, will help you in determining the best choice for your needs.

For a beginner, it is also crucial to look for a record player that is easy to use, reliable, and cost-effective.

With these factors in mind, we’ve carefully researched and evaluated numerous record players, focusing on the best options that cater to beginners.

Best Record Players for Beginners

We’ve carefully curated a list of the best record players for beginners to help you start your vinyl journey on the right note.

Fluance RT81 Elite Vinyl Turntable

The Fluance RT81 Elite is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use turntable with an elegant design.

Pros

• High-fidelity audio performance
• Sturdy, stylish wooden plinth design
• Built-in preamp for easy setup

Cons

• Limited upgrade options
• May require external preamp for optimal sound
• Fluance has no UK or EU parts distributors

We recently had the chance to test out the Fluance RT81 Elite Vinyl Turntable, and we were impressed by its pure analog listening experience.

The Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with a diamond elliptical tipped stylus ensures high definition audio, allowing us to enjoy every detail of our favorite records.

The build quality of the RT81 Elite is equally impressive, featuring a high mass MDF wood plinth with a beautiful piano black finish.

This turntable not only looks stunning, but also provides superior isolation from unwanted vibrations, thanks to its high-quality components, isolation feet, and rubber slip mat.

Setting up the Fluance RT81 Elite was a breeze, with the built-in Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal, and gold plated RCA line outputs ensuring clear and warm sound. However, for those seeking the best possible audio experience, an external phono preamp may be a worthwhile investment.

Overall, we believe the Fluance RT81 Elite delivers outstanding value for beginners entering the world of vinyl records.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Turntable

If you’re a beginner seeking a high-quality, user-friendly turntable that offers an exceptional listening experience, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB should be at the top of your list.

Pros

• Direct-drive, DC servo motor for smooth and steady playback
• USB output for easy digital conversion of records
• Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier for versatile connections

Cons

• No automatic return when a record finishes playing
• A tad slow when reaching 78 RPM speed
• Price point may be higher than other beginner options

We recently had the opportunity to use the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable, and it made our vinyl listening sessions truly enjoyable.

Its direct-drive, DC servo motor ensured a consistent and accurate playback speed, making our records sound clear and as intended.

The adjustable dynamic anti-skate control significantly reduced skipping and distortion, allowing us to dive deep into our beloved vinyl collection. The selectable 33/45/78 RPM speeds further expanded our listening options.

What truly sets this turntable apart is its ability to convert records to digital files via the USB output.

This feature proved to be incredibly useful, as it allowed us to preserve our favourite tunes digitally, share them with friends, and take them on the go. Overall, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB impressed us with its performance and features, making it one of the best record players for beginners.

Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable

We highly recommend the Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable for beginners looking to delve into the world of vinyl records, as it delivers an excellent balance of user-friendliness, sound quality, and convenience.

Pros

• Simple Bluetooth pairing
• One-step auto playback control
• Built-in Phono Pre-Amp supports phono and line output

Cons

• Plastic construction
• Manual drive belt installation
• Limited to 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds

After setting up the Sony PS-LX310BT, we were impressed by its seamless Bluetooth pairing process.

By pressing the Bluetooth button, we easily found our wireless speakers, soundbar, and headphones to enjoy our favorite records. The one-step auto playback feature made it very user-friendly, which is essential for beginners.

The sound quality of this turntable was a pleasant surprise.

We thoroughly enjoyed the rich, clear sound and punchy bass tones, providing that true vinyl listening experience.

The thick dust cover proved to be effective in muffling pressure from our speakers, preventing any unwanted noise interference. The built-in Phono Pre-Amp was a nice touch, offering support for both phono and line output.

Our only gripes with the Sony PS-LX310BT are its plastic construction, which may affect long-term durability, and the manual process of attaching the drive belt.

Nevertheless, for a beginner-friendly, easy-to-use, and affordable turntable, this Sony model certainly hits the mark, providing a fantastic introduction to the world of vinyl records.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a great choice for beginners looking for a high-quality record player with USB connectivity and various features.

Pros

• Fully manual operation for full control
• USB output for recording vinyl to digital files
• Adjustable dynamic anti-skate control for improved tracking

Cons

• No automatic return function
• Takes a bit longer to reach 78 RPM speed
• May require additional equipment for optimal sound quality

We recently tried the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB record player and found it to be a solid choice for those just starting to explore vinyl.

The fully manual operation allows beginners to learn the ins and outs of record playing without being overwhelmed by automatic features.

The sound quality is impressive for the price, and the adjustable dynamic anti-skate control improves tracking and ensures stable performance.

What sets this turntable apart from others in its category is the USB output feature, which allows you to convert your favorite records into digital files.

This feature makes it easy to transfer the warm sound of vinyl to your digital music library, ensuring that your collection stands the test of time.

That being said, we did notice that it takes a bit longer to reach the 78 RPM speed compared to other models.

A minor disadvantage we noticed is the lack of an automatic return function when the record is finished playing.

However, this is a small trade-off considering the overall quality and functionality of the AT-LP120XUSB.

Some users may also find that the sound quality can be further enhanced with the addition of higher-end speakers or a separate phono pre-amplifier.

Overall, we find the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB to be an excellent choice for beginners looking to enter the world of vinyl records.

Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

We highly recommend the Fluance RT81 Elite for beginners looking for a high-quality turntable with a great listening experience and user-friendly features.

Pros

• Pure analog listening experience
• High-performance Audio Technica AT95E cartridge
• High mass MDF wood plinth with a beautiful walnut finish

Cons

• Manual arm operation
• Bulky and heavy
• May require additional preamp for optimal sound

The premium components, like the Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with a diamond elliptical tipped stylus, track record grooves with precision, producing high-definition audio that brings us closer to the original recording.

The solid MDF wood plinth, featuring a walnut finish, adds a touch of elegance to our listening space.

Its high mass construction ensures superior isolation from unwanted micro-vibrations.

The balanced aluminium S-Type tonearm, along with the adjustable resonance damping feet, contributes to superior record tracking and captivating signal clarity, thanks to the built-in Texas Instruments preamp.

Despite the manual arm operation, which may deter some users, we found this turntable to be a fantastic option for beginners looking for a high-quality and user-friendly record player.

Although the Fluance RT81 Elite comes with a built-in preamp, some users may prefer to use an external preamp for optimal sound quality. The size and weight may also be a concern for those with limited space, but for us, this incredible turntable is worth making room for.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best record player for beginners may seem daunting if you’re not familiar with the features and specifications these devices offer. To help make this process easier, we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider and features to look for while buying a record player.

1. Turntable Type

There are two main types of turntables: belt-driven and direct-drive. Belt-driven turntables use a belt to spin the platter, while direct-drive models use a motor directly connected to the platter. Generally, belt-driven turntables are more beginner-friendly because of their lower price and easier maintenance. However, direct-drive models offer more accurate speed and better durability.

2. Cartridge and Stylus

The cartridge and stylus are essential components that affect the sound quality of your records. A high-quality cartridge can enhance the overall listening experience. Look for a record player with a replaceable cartridge and stylus, so you can upgrade and replace them over time to suit your preferences.

3. Adjustable Counterweight and Anti-skating

Ensuring the appropriate tracking force is applied to the stylus is essential for accurate playback and protecting your records from damage. An adjustable counterweight and anti-skating feature can help you refine the tracking force and prevent stylus misalignment.

4. Built-in Preamp

Having a built-in preamp simplifies the process of connecting your turntable to speakers, as it eliminates the need for separate components. However, if you’re looking for customizable sound quality, consider an external preamp instead.

5. Connectivity Options

Some modern record players come with additional connectivity options, such as USB connections for digitizing your records, or Bluetooth capability for wireless streaming. While not essential for beginners, these features can enhance the versatility of your turntable.

6. Budget

Lastly, consider your budget as you explore different options. While it’s important to prioritize quality, there are plenty of affordable options on the market that offer great performance for beginners.

Hope that was helpful and now you can find a perfect record player for beginners.

Thanks,
Tom

Tom S. Ray( Mastering Engineer, Co-Founder )

Hey I’m Tom, I’m a mastering engineer here at Audio Unity Group. I mostly look after Vinyl production and audio side of things. I hold a bachelor’s degree with honours from Kingston University in London. I love audio and helping others create outstanding-sounding records.