Best Beginner Record Player

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.

Best Beginner Record Player model reviews

Our team tested dozens of beginner record player sets. Down here we review 6 of the best sets comprehensively. Most of them include a nice pair of speakers. Would you like to more record player models with speakers? Then check this comprehensive review guide.

Turntable Lab: Audio-Technica Turntable Starter Package (ATLP60/A2+)

Overview:

One of the basic beginner record player sets by Turntable Lab. This set is quite affordable, it includes all the features you need to enjoy your records and music straight away.

Detailed description and features:

Turntable Lab’s Audio-Technica starter package is comprised of Audio-Technica AT-LP60 record player, Audioengine A2+ external speakers, a Turntable Lab mat, a carbon brush, and the corresponding documentation. The speakers are pretty basic, but they’re capable of producing decently strong and clear sound.

The AT-LP60 Audio Technica record player is great – it has a simple design, the turntable stylus is fashionable and precise, and all the settings and controls are simplified.

The package includes:

  • Audio-Technica AT-LP60 record player;
  • Audioengine A2+ external speakers;
  • Turntable Lab Mat;
  • A carbon-fiber brush;

Pros:

  • A great set comprised of high-quality products – Audio-Technica company earned their fame with state-of-the-art technology;
  • A decent price for a starter pack – You would pay quite a lot if you got these items separately;
  • Simple design, simple features – both the record player and the speakers have a pretty straightforward design;

Potential Flaws:

  • The external speakers aren’t too powerful – you will get clear and accurate sound, but these speakers aren’t too strong;

Value for the price:

The Audio-Technica starter package holds a great value for the cash. These items are more expensive when bought standalone, and the combination of these two is perfect. Phenomenal value.

Klipsch R-15PM + Pro-Ject Primary Turntable Bundle

Overview:

Klipsch is a great and reputable brand that’s one of the leaders in the turntable industry. Their products are all about quality – great sounding turntables with attractive plinths and fashionable turntable stylus, but they’re not exactly cheap.

Detailed description and features:

Here’s the deal, you couldn’t get much better than Klipsch for the price. Now, this set might be a bit more expensive than you had in mind, but it will definitely last for quite a while. This Basic turntable bundle is comprised of Pro-Ject Primary record player (special edition), R-15RPM monitors, and the latest Bluetooth technology.

Now, you might be thinking – “why do I need all of this stuff?

I already have a pair of speakers, all I need is a turntable”. Of course, you could connect your speakers to this record player, but you shouldn’t expect too much in that case. Klipsch made this set of speakers in a special way so they could contribute to the sound performance of the high-end turntables.

The Pro-Ject Primary record player features a beautiful, yet plain design. It’s very attractive with its simple matte black plinth, it has a very accurate turntable needle that doesn’t scratch your records, and the additional supports make sure that this turntable is stable.

The R-15PM speakers are pretty powerful – they are capable of delivering full-spectrum soundstage, along with exceptionally deep bass and precise middle-section. Great sound overall, compact design, and they don’t even weigh much.

The package includes:

  • A pair of R-15PM monitors;
  • Pro-Ject Primary record player (special edition);

Pros:

  • The latest Bluetooth technology – this turntable set comes supplied with the latest Bluetooth technology that lets you connect this record player with your PC or your TV;
  • An amazing set of speakers – The R-15PM speakers have a solid sound performance, they’re quite compact, and they deliver a powerful bass;
  • Extremely easy to setup – you don’t need to waste too much time and effort connecting the speakers to your turntable, just follow the instructions;

Potential Flaws:

  • The steep price- this turntable bundle costs quite a lot, which is the only flaw of this package;

Value for the price:

Despite the price, you won’t find a single thing that’s bad about this record player set. The speakers are incredible, the turntable itself is exquisite, so it’s safe to say that this record player package holds an exceptional value for the price.

Epsilon INNO-PROPAK DJT-1300 USB Turntable and INNO-MIX2 Mixer

Overview:

Now, this is something else. Epsilon INNO PROPAK is a turntable set for beginner DJ’s. Of course, audiophiles and people who really value music quality might find it great too, but the Mixer (equalizer) is best utilized by people with the know-how.

Detailed description and features:

Inno DJT-1300 USB record player has a great design – it’s attractive, it’s modern, and it features USB connection so that DJ’s could easily roll their tracks on top of the vinyl records. Now, the best thing about this set is that it features two Epsilon INNO DJT-130 record players, so you could easily practice your DJ skills with a friend at home, or set the stage on fire.

Now, the INNO-MIX2 speaks a story on its own. It’s a mixer (otherwise referred to as the “equalizer”) that lets you specify the quality and density of the sound output, but the controls are pretty confusing to a person who doesn’t have the appropriate skills. This is one of the main reasons why this pack is favored by the beginner DJ’s.

The package includes:

  • Two EPSILON INNO DJT-1300 USB record players;
  • A single INNO-MIX2 audio mixer;

Pros:

  • Ideal for DJ’s in the making – amateur DJ’s would be thrilled to have this record player pack. It features two great record players and a professional mixing table;
  • High-quality features – both the turntable and the equalizer hold great quality;
  • Built to last – every content of this package has an incredible durability rate;

Potential Flaws:

  • The set doesn’t come with turntable needles;

Value for the price:

Now, the price might appear a bit too steep, but you won’t find a better solution in the price range. Excellent value for the cash.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge Bundle with Phono Box and Audioengine A5+ Speakers

Overview:

There’s a very logical reason why people put Pro-Ject and Audio-Technica items in their turntable bundles. They’re simply better than the rest. This record player set is the perfect combination of high-performance record player and speakers.

Detailed description and features:

Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon DC is a turntable of exceptional quality. The beautiful matte black design is simple and it provides great sound output, and Audioengine A5+ speakers do an amazing job of delivering that clear and powerful noise.

The package includes:

  • Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon DC record player;
  • Ortofon 2M Red turntable cartridge;
  • Audioengine A5+ external speakers;

Pros:

  • Remarkable quality – excellent turntable and a pair of premium-quality speakers;
  • A cartridge of unprecedented performance – most beginner’s turntable sets don’t include a cartridge. This one does;
  • Built-in power amps – the speakers do an amazing job, even when used standalone;

Potential Flaws:

  • The price is way too steep for a beginner bundle;

Value for the price:

Here’s the deal – this turntable set does cost quite a lot, but don’t let that dissuade you. Pro-Ject and Audioengine create a great combo, so it’s literally unimaginable to find a better combination of beginner turntable and speakers. High value for the price.

TechPlay Package TCP4530 Turntable with Audio-Technica’s AT95E Cartridge + 50w RMS Powerful Sykik Pro

Beginner turntable Techplay

Overview:

If you’re on a budget and if you’re looking for a beginner turntable bundle, you might want to hear this out. TechPlay record player package offers an easy way to enjoy your music for a bargain price, so let’s see what it comes supplied with.

Detailed description and features:

TechPlay package includes a pair of Sykik Pro speakers (50W RMS with a 4-inch woofer, and magnetically shielded speakers), and a TechPlay TCP4530 record player. The latter is equipped with AT95E Audio Technica cartridge and the S-shaped metal stylus.

The package includes:

  • A pair of Sykik Pro external speakers;
  • TechPlay TCP4530 record player;

Pros:

  • A phenomenal price – this record player bundle belongs to the cheap price point category;
  • A phenomenal pair of speakers – Sykik Pro speakers are some of the best in the price range;
  • High-quality turntable – TechPlay TCP4530 record player is supplied with premium-quality AT95E Audio-Technica cartridge and the S-shaped metal turntable stylus;

Potential Flaws:

  • The features of this set do not excel in any field of performance – they’re satisfactory at best and great for a start;

Value for the price:

Since it’s a bargain, the value is obviously pretty high. However, don’t expect too much, they’re good for starters, at best.

 

Hercules DJ Control Air + S Series

Overview:

Now, this could hardly pass as a “record player bundle”. Hercules DJ Control Air is a DJ Mixing table which has two record players attached to it. It’s a great way to save some space and get started right away.

Detailed description and features:

The best thing about Hercules DJ Control Air is that it doesn’t cost too much. The second best thing is that it’s convenient – you will have the speakers, the mix table, and the record player, all in one place. High-quality features and simplified method of operation.

The package includes:

  • A single Hercules DJ Control Air Mix-table;

Pros:

  • Save up on your storage space – you don’t need external speakers or anything else, but this record player;
  • Ideal for DJ’s – the features and controls on this record player makes it ideal for DJ’s and audiophiles;
  • Very cost-effective – this record player set is a bargain, literally;

Potential Flaws:

  • This is not exactly a turntable;
  • No speakers;
  • No additional parts;

Value for the price:

Abnormal value for the price. You get everything in one place, and the features are all premium-quality.

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