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

Best Record Player with Preamp: Top Picks for 2023

Record players have made a significant comeback in recent years, appealing to both audiophiles and casual music lovers alike.

As a vinyl plant, we have a fair experience with all sorts of turntables and today we’ll review Record players with built-in preamps.

What to Look for When Choosing Record Player with Preamp

The preamp is a critical component of a record player, taking the weak phono signal from the cartridge and amplifying it to a line-level output, suitable for connection to external amplifiers or powered speakers.

The inclusion of a built-in preamp in a record player simplifies the setup process and eliminates the need to purchase an external preamp.

When choosing the best record player with a preamp, it’s essential to consider factors such as sound quality, ease of use, built quality, and additional features.

Look for a device with a reliable preamp that produces minimal noise and distortion while enhancing the vinyl’s natural warmth and depth.

Moreover, it should be easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and compatibility with various turntable cartridges.

We conducted extensive research and testing to discover the best record players with preamps available on the market, ensuring sound quality, durability, and user-friendliness.

Read on to find the perfect record player with a preamp that meets your needs and enhances your vinyl listening experience.

Best Record Players with Preamps

We have carefully selected a list of the best record players with preamps for your convenience.

House of Marley Stir It Up Record Player

The House of Marley Stir It Up Record Player is an excellent choice for those who value quality sound, sustainable materials, and a stylish design.

Pros

• Sustainable materials, such as bamboo and REWIND fabric
• USB to PC/Mac recording feature
• Built-in pre-amp for easy speaker connection

Cons

• Requires additional speakers for optimal sound quality
• Takes patience to set up the tonearm weight
• Bluetooth edition may be ordered mistakenly

Having recently experienced the House of Marley Stir It Up Record Player, we were delighted with its attractive appearance and environmentally-conscious construction. The use of bamboo not only gives it a warm look, but also indicates a dedication to sustainability, since bamboo is highly renewable and versatile.

The sound quality of this record player is impressive, thanks to its built-in pre-amp, which is compatible with various speakers.

Plus, the auto-pitch and auto-start features make it a joy to use. However, we noticed that the sound quality was lacking when not connected to additional speakers. Investing in good-quality speakers would elevate one’s listening experience.

One unique feature of this turntable is its USB to PC or Mac recording capability, which allows users to digitize their vinyl collection and enjoy it on their digital devices. Overall, the House of Marley Stir It Up Record Player is a great combination of style, sustainability, and sound quality that we would highly recommend for vinyl enthusiasts.

Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable

We highly recommend the Sony PS-LX310BT for its excellent Bluetooth connectivity, rich sound, and ease of use, offering a fantastic vinyl experience.

Pros

• Effortless Bluetooth pairing and compatibility
• Built-in phono preamp for versatile output options
• One-step auto playback simplifies control

Cons

• Made of plastic material
• Manual belt drive installation
• Limited to two-speed options (33 1/3rpm and 45rpm)

Our experience with the Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable was delightful, from the easy setup process to enjoying our classic vinyl collection.

The built-in phono preamp provided us with the flexibility to connect the turntable to various audio systems without worrying about compatibility.

The Bluetooth functionality made it a breeze to pair the turntable with our wireless speakers, soundbar, and headphones, allowing us to fully immerse in the authentic and warm audio that vinyl records offer.

We also appreciated the inclusion of a thick dust cover to protect our records and suppress any audio interference from our speakers.

Although the turntable body is made of plastic, the device felt sturdy and reliable.

The manual belt drive installation was straightforward but might need some extra attention for those unfamiliar with turntables. With its excellent audio quality, ease of use, and Bluetooth capabilities, the Sony PS-LX310BT is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a modern turntable experience.

ROBERTS Radio Stylus – Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

We highly recommend the ROBERTS Radio Stylus for its elegant design, easy setup, and impressive audio performance.

Pros

• Elegant and sleek design
• Effortless setup
• Exceptional sound quality

Cons

• Higher price point
• Not suitable for larger rooms
• Limited software update guarantee

The moment we laid our eyes on the ROBERTS Radio Stylus, its beautiful light oak finish and sleek design instantly caught our attention.

We found the vinyl turntable to be quite stunning, blending classic elements with a modern touch. It fits perfectly in our space and is sure to be a conversation starter among our guests.

Setting up the turntable was a breeze; with its simple instructions, we had it up and running within minutes.

Plugging it into our existing sound system was easy due to its versatile connectivity options, including corded electric power and USB compatibility. Immediately, we were treated to rich and immersive sound while listening to our favorite records.

Despite its incredible performance, we did notice that the ROBERTS Radio Stylus may not be suitable for larger rooms, as the volume levels might not be sufficient to fill every corner.

Additionally, the higher price point may be a drawback for those on a tight budget. However, we believe that the impressive design and sound quality outweigh these minor weaknesses, making the ROBERTS Radio Stylus an excellent investment for vinyl enthusiasts.

House of Marley Get Together Duo Bluetooth Speakers & Stir It Up Record Player

If you’re looking for a stylish and eco-friendly record player with preamp and speakers to elevate your music experience, the House of Marley duo is what you need.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly materials and design
• Powerful sound with crisp and clear detail
• Long-lasting battery life for portable speaker

Cons

• Only available on Amazon
• One speaker requires a power source
• Signal-to-noise ratio might not suit audiophiles

We recently gave the House of Marley Get Together Duo Bluetooth Speakers and Stir It Up Record Player a spin, and we absolutely loved the combination.

The bamboo and REWIND fabric used in the construction not only give the products a sleek appearance but also align with the brand’s sustainability mission.

The sound quality took us by surprise as the duo filled the room with powerful bass and crystal-clear details.

This made our listening experience truly immersive.

Despite one speaker needing a power source, the portability of the other speaker, featuring a 25-hour battery life, made it easy for us to enjoy our favorite records anywhere in our home.

A drawback we noticed is that these products are exclusively available on Amazon, which may limit the purchasing options for some.

However, the sheer quality and performance of the House of Marley Get Together Duo Bluetooth Speakers and Stir It Up Record Player left us more than satisfied and we wholeheartedly recommend it to music lovers who appreciate style and sustainability in their audio setup.

Sony STRDH190.CEK 2 Channel Amplifier & PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable

The Sony STRDH190.CEK 2 Channel Amplifier and PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable combo is a fantastic choice for those who want excellent audio quality and seamless connectivity in one package.

Pros

• Phono input for turntable connection
• Bluetooth capability with standby
• Rich, clear sound and punchy bass tones

Cons

• Sensitive controls on the amplifier
• Requires careful setup for best results
• Volume may not be intense enough for some users

We were genuinely impressed with the sound quality of this Sony package.

The 2 Channel Amplifier delivers powerful audio output, while the Bluetooth Turntable lets you experience the warmth of vinyl with modern wireless convenience.

We really appreciated the built-in Phono Pre-Amp, which allowed us to use the turntable without needing a separate amplifier.

Setting up this combination was relatively easy, but it’s essential to ensure that you align your speakers correctly for the best surround sound experience.

The Automatic Phase Matching feature was quite helpful in fine-tuning the audio performance of our setup.

The only downside we found was that the controls on the amplifier could be a bit sensitive, making it a bit challenging to adjust the settings at times. However, the overall performance and features of this Sony STRDH190.CEK 2 Channel Amplifier and PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable combination far outweigh this minor issue.

We highly recommend this package for anyone who wants an excellent audio experience with the nostalgia of vinyl records and convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.

Aiwa APX-680BT Premium Brushed Aluminium Turntable

We recommend the Aiwa APX-680BT Turntable for vinyl enthusiasts who want a great-sounding and stylish record player with modern features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in preamp.

Pros

• Superb sound quality
• Attractive, high-quality design
• Convenient Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Small learning curve for set up
• Bluetooth may not be preferred by purists
• Limited to built-in preamp

As soon as we took the Aiwa APX-680BT out of the box, we were impressed by its premium brushed aluminium body and the attention to detail in its construction.

The silicone mat for the metal alloy platter feels durable, and the overall design exudes sophistication.

Setting up the turntable was relatively easy, although there was a small learning curve when it came to balancing the tonearm and adjusting the counterweight.

Once we got it set up, however, we were thrilled with the rich, vibrant sound that this turntable produced. The AT3600L moving magnet cartridge plays a significant role in the excellent audio quality.

The built-in preamp and Bluetooth capabilities allow for versatile listening options.

While vinyl purists might prefer a traditional connection to an external preamp, we found the convenience of wirelessly connecting to our Bluetooth speaker a fantastic feature for casual listening. The range of up to 10 meters allows for seamless integration with any sound system.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best record player with a preamp can be a challenging task, especially with the numerous options available in the market. To make this process easier for you, we have prepared a simple buying guide that highlights the important features to consider when purchasing a record player with a preamp.

Sound Quality

Sound quality should be one of the top priorities when choosing a record player with a preamp. Look for a device that delivers a warm, balanced, and clear sound. The preamp should be able to amplify the tiny signals from the phono cartridge without introducing noise or distortion.

Compatibility

Ensure that the record player you choose is compatible with the different types of vinyl records like 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. This will allow you to enjoy a wider range of music from various eras and genres without having to purchase additional equipment.

Build Quality and Design

A record player with a preamp should have a sturdy and well-built design. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, but it also ensures that the device lasts longer. Look for features like an anti-resonance platter, solid base, and a high-quality tonearm that will contribute to improved performance and durability.

Additional Features

Here are some additional features that can enhance your experience with a record player:

• Automatic or semi-automatic operation – allows for easy playback and reduced risk of damaging the stylus or records.
• Built-in Bluetooth or USB connectivity – to connect with other devices like speakers or computers for added versatility.
• Adjustable counterweights and anti-skate control – to optimize tracking and prevent skipping of the stylus on the record.

By considering all these factors, you should be able to find the perfect record player with a preamp that meets your requirements and offers excellent performance. Happy vinyl listening!

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.