Best 78 RPM Turntables

Written by Ben W

I love vinyl since the first day I discovered an old record player at my grandparents attic. Now, I own over a dozen record players and I am always looking for gems like albums of vintage models.

What are the 78 RPM Turntables?

First of all, there are various types of records, and some of the most frequently used (and sold) are the 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records. The difference between them can be in the quality of sound, or in the size as well. You should be able to get one for under $300. To give you some directions, this guide is here to provide you with all the information you need to get the best 78 RPM turntable.

 

Top 5 best 78 RPM Turntables


Jensen Professional 3-Speed Stereo Turntable with Speed Adjustment

A brief summary:

Jensen’s professional 3-speed stereo turntable is a great record player – it has a USB port with which you can pair it with your PC in order to convert your vinyl records to MP3 format. It’s a belt-driven turntable which can play 33, 45 & 78 Rotations Per Minute records, but it doesn’t have too many features. Anyhow, let’s see what it’s made of.

The detailed description and features:

This magnificent turntable includes a recording software that can be used to convert or edit your audio files into MP3 format. A belt-driven stereo record player which is capable of 33, 45 & 78 rotations per minute playback, it also features a USB port that can be used for PC connectivity, a 3.5mm jack, and pitch control.

Pros:

  • A free software included in the set – you could use this software to edit or record your music content;
  • A versatile belt-driven turntable – you can play 33, 45, or 78 rotations per minute records with it;
  • The USB port and cable included – Connect your record player to your PC and convert your vinyl records;
  • Pitch control – this feature enables you to adjust the record speed;

Potential flaws:

  • Most of the features are quite basic

Value for the price:

Jensen’s professional 3-speed stereo turntable is quite affordable and valuable for the price.

The final verdict:

This record player features a bargain price, a plain design, and a decent level of versatility. If you’re after a budget turntable, this might be a good place to start your search.


Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB Direct-Drive Professional Turntable in Silver

A brief summary:

AT-LP12-USB Record player might be a bit expensive, but it’s quite versatile, and it features a beautiful design. Most of the features it comes supplied with are high-class, so it’s only natural that it costs quite a lot.

The detailed description and features:

Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB record player features a selectable stereo preamp & USB connection that allow you to connect this turntable to your PC. The variable speed settings support records of 33-1/3, 45 & 78 rotations per minute, and the S-shaped tonearm comes with an adjustable counterweight. All in all, great quality.

Pros:

  • Selectable phono preamp – this feature comes in a pair with the USB connection;
  • Variable speed settings – Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB supports records of 33-1/3, 45 * 78 Rotations per minute;
  • Pitch adjustment – you could adjust the percentage of pitch by +/-10 or +/- 20;

Potential flaws:

  • This turntable leeches quite a lot of electric power – it’s preset to work on 120V AC

Value for the price:

AT-LP120-USB belongs to the modest price point category, but it’s also one of the models that feature a high versatility level, so It’s safe to say that it has a great value.

The final verdict:

Selectable phono preamp, variable speed settings, an exquisite turntable stylus, and an affordable price are all you need to know about AT-LP120-USB turntable. It might not be the best of the best, but it certainly can compare to some of the greatest record players.

 

Teac TN100B Belt-Drive Turntable with Preamp and USB

A brief summary:

Teac’s TN100B record player has a plain and straightforward design, but it comes supplied with a limited number of features. However, it’s one of the best audiophile record players that money can buy, so let’s see why.

The detailed description and features:

The design of this record player might be the first (and only) thing you will notice when we take a look at Teac’s TN100B. Most of the features it comes supplied with (such as the high-tech hardware) are safely tucked inside the plinth. It’s a belt-driven turntable with 3 speeds – 33 1/3. 45 & 78 rotations per minute.

Pros:

  • A plain, durable design – Teac’s TN100B features a beautiful and simple, yet durable design;
  • A belt-driven turntable with 3 selectable speed settings – this record player supports records of 33 1/3, 45 & 78 rotations per minute;
  • An affordable price – this record player belongs to the cheap price point category;

Potential flaws:

  • A very modest set of features – Teac’s TN100B comes supplied with a handful of features

Value for the price:

People who value simplicity would find great use for this record player, but people who like new-age urban turntables might not agree. Overall, a modest value for the price.

The final verdict:

As simple as it gets, Teac’s TN100B is able to satisfy the needs of audiophiles who value great sound and plain features, but people who’re into newer models of turntables might be accustomed to versatility, so they might not like it as much.

 

1byone Suit-Case Style Turntable with Speaker, Bluetooth support and Vinyl-To-Mp3 Recording belt-driven record player

A brief summary:

A suitcase turntable with RCA that belongs to the modest price point category. It has selectable speeds, multiple input and output jacks, and the possibility to convert vinyl to MP3.

The detailed description and features:

1byone’s Suitcase Turntable is equipped with an RCA output, an AUX input, a Bluetooth connectivity, and the possibility to convert vinyl records to MP3 format. It also features 3 selectable speeds – 33, 45 & 78 rotations per minute.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth connectivity – you can easily connect this turntable to your PC with the latest Bluetooth technology;
  • The possibility to convert your vinyl records to MP3 format;
  • Three selectable speeds – you can playback records at 33, 45, 78 rotations per minute;

Potential flaws:

  • Not exactly “compact” as it weighs quite a lot

Value for the price:

With a great suitcase styling, protection, three selectable speeds, the RCA output, the AUX input, the Bluetooth, and the possibility to convert your vinyl records to MP3 format, this may be the best 78 RPM record player on the market.

The final verdict:

A beautiful suitcase design is what decorates this beautiful turntable. It’s equipped with a set of very useful features that are more than capable of delivering to demands of audiophiles and people who value high-quality sound.

 

Numark PT01 USB Portable Vinyl-Archiving Turntable for 33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM Records

A brief summary:

A great portable turntable with a built-in speaker, it features a class-compliant USB type of connection, and +/-10% pitch control, and it’s capable of converting your 45 and 78 records into LP records.

The detailed description and features:

Numark’s PT01 USB Portable turntable has three selectable speed settings (33, 45, and 78 rotations per minute), it features a built-in high-performance speaker, and the adjustable pitch control (+/- 10% pitch).

Pros:

  • A modest price – Numark’s PT01 USB portable turntable belongs to the modest price point category;
  • The compact design – the design of this record player is quite small and very compact;
  • Three selectable speed settings – you can playback your records at 33, 45, or 78 rotations per minute;

Potential flaws:

  • The built-in speaker is in an odd position – usually, the sound should go out from the sides, not from the top

Value for the price:

It’s cheap, it’s versatile, and the sound clarity is amazing. Great overall value for the price.

The final verdict:

While this may not be the best 78 record player on the market, it’s safe to say that it earned its place among the top 5 best 78 turntables with the class-compliant USB, the pitch control, and the high level of versatility.

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