Recently, vinyl records are again gaining popularity among music lovers, largely due to the high sound quality. Even well-known artists again begin to release their albums in this format. Accordingly, players for vinyl records are in fashion. The choice of such products is wide enough, therefore, to purchase the optimal device is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. In this article, we will tell you about the key characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying such equipment, but also analyze the most popular models so that you can choose the most suitable player for yourself.
Summary of the rating:
How to choose a vinyl player?
The principle of operation of this unit is to convert the unevenness of the tracks of the plate into a high-quality sound signal. Contrary to the opinion of many people, the principle of operation of the product is significantly different from a gramophone or gramophone. All modern designs are part of the audio system, which consists of a large number of various components. On sale you can find models equipped with an amplifier, speakers and a large number of connectors.
The main elements of a vinyl player are the following details: faceplate, which is a special platform on which the plate itself fits. There is also a tonearm - it has a cartridge with a needle on it, in modern models, technology has been implemented that allows you to adjust its height and maintain it at a certain level. The counterweight is responsible for the force of pressing the needle on the vinyl. One of the most important parts is the cartridge, which reads and converts the audio signal.
The most expensive and high-quality devices are assembled by hand, and there is always the opportunity to install any other parts, for example, released later and being more modern. A sufficiently heavy device should be purchased. If the player weighs less than 8 kg, then you can hardly expect high quality sound from him. The faceplate weighs a lot.
Be sure to pay attention to the cartridge - in modern products they are half-inch or T4P. The first type has higher sound characteristics and it is much easier to update it, but it should be tuned, which not everyone is able to handle. The second option is simpler, it is much easier to use. The sharpening of the reading needle should ideally be in the form of an ellipse. To obtain the best quality sound, preference is given to models with a belt drive - with its help it is possible to achieve perfect gliding and minimal vibration. Direct players are more suitable for DJs. Devices with a roller drive are characterized by the greatest vibration, so you should refuse to buy them if you do not want to spoil the expensive vinyl.
When choosing models to include in our rating of the best vinyl players of 2019, we were guided by all the above principles.However, we did not ignore the ratio of price and quality of products, so that for most of our readers these products would be quite affordable, in addition, we also relied on user reviews. We hope that the information collected by you will be quite enough for you to decide on the product that is optimal for you.
The best vinyl players
10. Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USBHC
Most lovers of quality music respond very positively to the vinyl players released by this company. First of all, they note the original design of the pickups, due to which the sound is very deep and full-bodied, and they also talk about headphones belonging to the premium class. The design is assembled on a turn-key basis - just remove it from the package, plug it into the network, put the record down and start enjoying music. The design resembles classic Soviet products. Despite the minimalistic appearance, the device will fit perfectly into any room interior. The case is made in black or silver colors. All buttons are quite pleasant to the touch, pressed smoothly, an LED backlight is provided, which allows you to comfortably use the device even in the dark.
There is a reverse rotation, allowing you to return to your favorite track or segment of the composition. The tonearm lowers the needle onto the vinyl quite slowly, which helps to prevent the occurrence of damaged areas on the tracks. The needle supplied with this player helps smooth out sharp corners, so even quite heavy and hard tracks will be felt with a high degree of softness. Regardless of style, the music will sound as realistic as possible. The device is equipped with rubberized legs, so even with active dancing, the needle will not jump from one track to another. The player can be connected to a laptop or personal computer. No interference was detected.
Benefits:
- The presence of a direct drive that facilitates rotation;
- Optimum tonearm height;
- A quality counterweight is provided;
- High quality standard cartridge.
Disadvantages:
- The wires are not shielded enough, but this almost does not affect the sound quality.
9. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe CR8005D
The model differs in quite reasonable price and classic appearance, which is stylized by old players. Customizing the design is quite simple, so it is suitable even for beginners, who are just beginning to comprehend the beauty of the sound of vinyl records. The drive is equipped with three speeds, can be used for 7, 10 or 12 inch format records. The case is made in the form of a small suitcase lined with fabric materials very pleasant to the touch. There are not too many connectors for third-party devices - one jack for a power cable, two inputs and one for connecting headphones. Using the input, the device can be connected to the music center, personal computer and other similar devices. The sound quality is quite acceptable.
On such a player, it is optimal to listen to hard rock, since its pickup allows you to get a metal sound. The vocals sound the most vivid, high notes feel very good. The melody will have noticeable bass lines as well as mid frequencies. The sound in the headphones directly depends on them. The model is equipped with two built-in speakers of medium power, if you do not twist them to full power, then they will be quite acceptable to play music of various styles. The needle is pressed against the plate quite strongly.
Benefits:
- Attractive appearance and original finish;
- It is very easy to use even for a beginner music lover;
- Acceptable number of connectors;
- Quite an acceptable cost.
Disadvantages:
- The reproduction itself could be added with more detail.
8. Technics SL-1210GR
The player is versatile, as it can be used by both DJs and ordinary fans of high-quality sound. Like all the models discussed above, this design is characterized by a standard appearance - it is difficult to determine by design when it was released. The electric motor rotates as evenly as possible, which was achieved largely due to the installation of a coreless motor, and the rotor is equipped with a single magnet. The chassis of rotation is made as rigid as possible. The support disk has two layers - the top coating is made of high-strength rubber, which excellently resists abrasion, under it is an aluminum wheel, additionally reinforced with special stiffening ribs. The side of the disc immediately adjacent to the vinyl is also double layer. Materials such as rubber, aluminum and filler made on the basis of polymeric materials are used here.
The tonearm is made in the shape of the letter S, it is equipped with an aluminum tube, which has a small mass and an increased level of strength. All connectors for connecting external devices are gold-plated, and this even applies to the ground terminal. The device itself, fully assembled, has a mass of over 14 kg. The relaxation and softness of sound characteristic of most vinyl players is not found here. Rather, on the contrary, the device lays out all sounds, tones and notes as evenly as possible, the rhythm is heard perfectly. The speed and accuracy of notes output does not depend on the range at all: this is optimally realized both at high and low frequencies.
Benefits:
- Very technological device;
- Decent weight;
- Good sound quality
- Long service life;
- The optimal combination of quality materials, build and play tunes.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
7. Rega Planar 1
The players of the British company have long been well-deserved popularity, however, engineers are constantly continuing to develop more and more new models. These products were able to preserve the signature sound of vinyl, however, a higher rendering of both high and low frequencies was achieved largely due to the installation of the latest RB110 tonearm, equipped with precision bearings. In addition, he has an intelligent adjustment of the offset angle, which allows you to extract absolutely all frequencies from the track. The downforce here is optimal, on the scale for its selection there is a special mark that allows you to choose the most suitable parameter, which, in turn, greatly facilitates the setup of equipment before direct use. The tabletop is made of thermosetting plastic, which has not only an attractive appearance, but also a decent mass, which positively affects the sound quality.
The power button of the device is rubberized, located on the left side, directly under the table. The player can be produced in black or white. In order to optimize the rotation speed as much as possible, the mass of the support disk was made as large as possible. This is where the Rega Carbon cartridge is located to ensure the full sound you produce. This model is equipped with a synchronous motor, which has an aluminum pulley. Due to this design solution, it was possible to significantly reduce the amount of noise emitted and stabilize the speed. The sound here is closer to professional than amateur. Especially users note the clarity of the vocal line. The sound of melodies is dense and juicy, regardless of the genre of music.
Benefits:
- Ideal for both new records and products that are more than a dozen years old;
- The melody is audible quite clearly, despite the vivid emphasis on the vocal line;
- The case is well protected from dust penetration to the rotating disk thanks to a special plastic cover.
Disadvantages:
- The tonearm will be quite problematic to replace if necessary.
6. Ion Max LP
This design optimally combines good musical characteristics and a very interesting design. The upper part of the case is decorated with traditional light wood, and all other panels are made in a minimalist style. Such a player will fit perfectly into the laconic interior. However, on sale you can find a model made in black, covered with piano varnish. In general, this design was originally designed to play records at a speed of 33 rpm, but the manufacturer decided to add the speed of old vinyl - 45 and 78 rpm. The internal filling allows you to digitize the melody from fairly ancient records, and the final sound of the melody is obtained as clean as possible. If necessary, the player can be connected to a personal computer - for this, a USB connector is provided, as well as a special ION application. With its help, the sound is not only digitized in the required format, but also divided into separate tracks.
The design provides a pair of built-in speakers that work in stereo. For the average user, the volume and quality of such speakers will be quite enough, however, if necessary, you can connect external speakers to fully reveal the potential of this player. The playback quality of the tunes is quite high - no distortion or extraneous noise was found.
Benefits:
- Very convenient arrangement of connectors;
- Stylish and original appearance;
- Microlift is provided;
- Automatic stop;
- Includes a set of interchangeable needles;
- You can digitize vinyl.
Disadvantages:
- Too lightweight design;
- No dust from the records.
5. Pioneer PL-30-K
It is a budget design, which at the same time is characterized by users as very reliable and characterized by acceptable sound quality. The device is designed simply, there are not too many functions - start / stop playback, two speeds (33 and 45 rpm, respectively), a phono stage is provided, which can be turned off if necessary. The main disk is made of an aluminum plate, the gasket between it and the vinyl is rubber. The player has a microlift and a direct tonearm. It is equipped with the MM-Audio-Technica AT3600L game. The device has a dust cover made of transparent plastic. The player is elementary in use - even a child can figure it out. It is equipped with a DC motor drive. Lowering the needle as smoothly as possible.
Management is fully automatic. The player’s center of gravity is lower, which positively affects the stability of the melody, regardless of its style. A built-in equalizer is provided, and it is perfectly acceptable to use an external equalizer. The rubber gasket allows the plate to fit snugly against the disk, the anti-slip type disk regulator. The connector on the device is shielded with gold. The power cord can be disconnected if necessary. The motor is mounted with a belt drive, which ensures uniformity and stability of rotation of the plate.
Benefits:
- Ability to adjust the clamping mechanism;
- It is completed with a cover protecting from dust;
- Pretty thick rubber mat;
- Power cable disconnectable;
- Microlift is provided;
- High quality sound.
Disadvantages:
- User cannot adjust speed;
- A ground terminal is not provided.
4. Sony PS-HX500
On sale, these products appeared a little over a year ago. This model is interesting both in itself and due to its built-in ADC - this function allows you to record in DSD format. The design is characterized by an increased level of strength, all nodes are reliable, there is not a single flimsy among them. The case has compact overall dimensions, the mass is not very large. It is made from MDF panels, painted with matte paint.Despite the fact that it looks quite simple, the entire finish looks very neat. Almost all the elements are made in black, the lines of the form are thin and clear, no extra details were noticed. The legs are made of dense rubber and are not adjustable in height. From the bottom you can see the metal casing. There are also tuning elements for the ability to adjust each speed.
The main rotary bearing is non-separable, fixed with a ring, the drive of the passive type is fixed exactly according to the same principle. The disc is made of cast aluminum. An external power supply, which by no means seems convenient to all users. You can control the drive and the player itself with the help of a single handle located on the front side. It is four-position - off, standby mode and two rotation modes of 33 and 45 revolutions. Not a single LED indicator is provided. The tonearm is made of high-quality metal, balanced, its effective length is 221 mm.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- You can archive records;
- Interesting design;
- Very high sound quality;
- Long service life;
- It is possible to change the selected speed using fine tuning.
Disadvantages:
- The power supply unit is not thought out.
3. Pioneer PLX-1000
In third place in our review of the best vinyl players is a premium-class professional product. It is suitable for both home and professional use. The design is equipped with a direct-type quartz drive, characterized by high torque - even at the start it is capable of delivering a minimum of 4.5 kg / cm. This makes life easier for DJs who specialize in scratch. The tonearm is made in the shape of the letter S, it has anti-skating and is also equipped with insulation. It is made of thick rubber, which ensures precise control, the tonearm in the process of reproduction has the smallest error. The chassis of the player is made of zinc - this material protects the sound from the occurrence of vibrations and resonances. The lower part of the device has a rubber reinforcement with a layer thickness of 8 mm. This allows you to minimize not only your own vibration, but also successfully cope with the external.
The player itself has two operating speeds - 33 and 45 rpm. Included with the device is everything you need for a professional DJ. The supporting disc is aluminum, there are counterweights that change the force with which the needle presses on the plate. There is also a dust cover. The device does not have a phono stage, so it will have to be connected either to an external phono stage, or use a mixer or amplifier.
Benefits:
- Excellent quality;
- Truly professional equipment;
- Excellent build - there are no backlashes, or extraneous creaks that can affect the sound.
Disadvantages:
- There is no own phono stage;
- Pretty high cost.
2. Onkyo CP-1050
A unique product that combines traditional methods of working with reproduced sound, the latest technology and an original look, made in retro style. Most music lovers were able to appreciate this product. These products are Japanese-made, which already speaks of the high quality of production of the model. The player has a direct-drive engine with a smooth ride, due to which it is possible to significantly minimize all low-frequency noise that occurs during playback.The basis here is a reliable MDF panel, which has additional protection against the occurrence of various kinds of vibrations. The rubber gasket prevents resonant vibrations from forming. The rotation of the plates is smooth and stable, even when starting no jerking is observed.
The kit comes with a special adapter that allows you to use plates with a diameter of 7 inches. The design is made in the style of players made in the middle of the last century. The toner has an S-shape, it can be replaced if necessary. To further combat vibration, four more special supports are provided, and depending on the conditions of use of the device, the user can adjust the height of the game. The housing has a connector for grounding, as well as outputs to the right and left column.
Benefits:
- Direct drive provides a smooth start and reliable fight against vibration and runout;
- Attractive appearance, stylized antique;
- Tonar with the ability to replace;
- There is a plastic cover for protection against dust;
- Deep and clear sound.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
1. Denon VL12 Prime
A professional design that can be used to play records, use for DJ performances, scratching, there are also a number of other possibilities. The case has increased strength and good stability, it has an all-metal palm rest. The controls are matte, which prevents finger sliding. Largely due to these characteristics, the tool is very reliable and convenient in use. It provides direct drive with a quartz type stabilization system. The tonearm has the shape of the letter S, it is additionally equipped with original locking functions. The support disk, like all models that fell into our rating of the best vinyl players, is made of aluminum, its diameter is 13.1 inches. The drive has two torque modes - Low and Hi.
The backlight of the reference disk is provided, and its brightness and color can be changed. There are two rotational speeds, the tonality can be changed within plus or minus 8, 16 and 50%. The legs are vibration-isolated, the equipment is rich - there are all the necessary cables for connecting third-party devices.
Benefits:
- Truly professional products;
- The highest quality workmanship;
- Superior sound;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- Except for the high price not found.
Finally, a useful video
In our review today, we tried to collect the maximum information for each model. If it turned out to be insufficient for you, then write to us in the comments - we will promptly respond to your message and provide additional data so that you can evaluate how much the model you like is suitable or if you need to choose some more suitable one.