Turntable/record player recommendations

[dancingirl21]

DH’s birthday is coming up and I would like to get him a record player. My Dad gave us a ton of his old records from the 70s and 80s, so something that can play old records.

Around the $300 range.

We really know nothing about turntables. Any brand recommendations? Do I want automatic? Do I need speakers?

[linamax]

After falling down a research rabbit hole last year, I ended up buying my mom this turntable set for Christmas: www.amazon.com/dp/B07H8VG9BB/ref=syn_sd_onsite_mobileweb_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aref=IoYPT3WyGz

I learned that unlike record players, turntables don’t have speakers built in. Speakers need to be added. But turntables are generally thought to produce better sound quality than a record player.

I had a similar budget. For the set I bought, the speakers and turntable itself had pretty good reviews, including on music message boards. I don’t think it was too tricky to set up, but I think my brother helped her. My mom loved the gift, and I paired it with a vintage Karen Carpenter vinyl.

[dancingirl21]

linamax, thank you! That is helpful info.

[jeaniebueller]

I have this one/

www.audio-technica.com/en-us/turntables/all/at-lp60x

And these speakers

a.co/d/0tNZXTC

[dancingirl21]

Nov 21, 2024 21:52:27 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

I have this one/

www.audio-technica.com/en-us/turntables/all/at-lp60x

And these speakers

a.co/d/0tNZXTC

Thanks! I have been looking at Audio Technica, but really didn’t know what model to get.

[glw]

I have a U-Turn Orbit Custom turntable connected to my home audio system (I needed to add a preamp but if your receiver has phono inputs or you're plugging directly into powered speakers you wouldn't need one). I'm an audiophile and this is my favorite turntable so far.

ETA: This is an easy setup guide that applies not just to U-Turn:  uturnaudio.com/pages/connecting-your-turntable

[ProfessorArtNerd]

My husband also has a uturn turntable. He’s a research guy and decided for his money this was the best option. You’ll need speakers for it as well

[lab7979]

We have this one

www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3RFXRL?tag=track-ect5-usa-698593-20&linkCode=osi&th=1

It has bluetooth so we just pair it with one of our little anker bluetooth speakers.

[pixy0stix]

I also have an Audio technica, one of the cheaper Bluetooth versions, it works great. I have a friend who is something of an audiophile who pointed me in that brand direction.