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[ProgenitorCastle]

Hi GAF. I'm trying to get a record player. I want one that's affordable and reliable. I got one today, the Vinyl Styl Groove portable turntable, new for $30...but it seemed too good to be true. Further research online confirmed my suspicions, with average ratings for it online from Amazon for example. So if anyone here is experienced with record players, I'm open to better suggestions than the one I got today. Thankfully, I didn't open the one I got today and don't plan on it, instead I'm gonna try to return it as soon as I can.

 

[Rival]

There are different definitions of affordable. How much are you willing to spend?

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

There are different definitions of affordable. How much are you willing to spend?

Anywhere from $40-$70 ish, I don't wanna spend too much on it as I barely have any records to begin with and don't plan on becoming a hardcore record collector.

 

[Rival]

Anywhere from $40-$70 ish, I don't wanna spend too much on it as I barely have any records to begin with and don't plan on becoming a hardcore record collector.

Do you need an all in one or do you have components to connect to?

 

[#Phonepunk#]

i listen to a lot of records. been through many turntables. used to be that you could find them in thrift stores for $10-15. they are a little harder to find nowadays but you can still get lucky. just make sure there is a needle in it before you buy =)

a far as new cheap ones, beware. i got a Crosley suitcase player a few years ago. it worked well until it started playing records slow. i got another one. same thing happened.

since then i invested in an Audio Technica AT-LP60-USB turntable. it was less than $100 with shipping. hasn't given me problems and i listen to it all the time. wonderful sound.

highly recommend spending a little more to get a decent one, since records can last you decades. i still listen to my mom's Rolling Stones albums she bought new as a kid on it and they sounds great.

 

[ProgenitorCastle]

Do you need an all in one or do you have components to connect to?

An all in one is fine

 

[godhandiscen]

If you want something cheap and reliable, buy a used one and replace the needle. The technology has not improved in decades, whereas the quality of the equipment has deteriorated to the point that new machines don't last six months.

 

[Soltype]

thrift store, so many great older players there.Just google model numbers to see how good they are.

 

[Old Retro]

Best Buy has some cheap ones. They're not top of the line direct drive, but I would imagine they'll spin vinyl just the same.

 

[Master Of Illusion]

Anywhere from $40-$70 ish, I don't wanna spend too much on it as I barely have any records to begin with and don't plan on becoming a hardcore record collector.

Anything at that range is Crosley-level trash that will eat your records.

At minimum you'll want this, though you can find much better turntables than that if you look for it (I got my Technics from Craigslist for $99).

 

[SLoWMoTIoN]

Get a DAC/Good headphones or speakers and join the FLAC life instead!

 

[ScarletSpider]

.

 

[#Phonepunk#]

Good thing about vinyl is you can find used records for really cheap. There is a used record shop nearby that sells most older used record for $15, but they have a huge discount section where all LPs are $3-$5. And yeah thrift stores still sell them for a buck or so.

 

[Master Of Illusion]

Good thing about vinyl is you can find used records for really cheap. There is a used record shop nearby that sells most older used record for $15, but they have a huge discount section where all LPs are $3-$5. And yeah thrift stores still sell them for a buck or so.

Also OP, if you do peruse the discount section make sure to take the LPs out of their sleeve and inspect the disc there so you don't accidentally purchase a frisbee.

 

[Durask]

Uturn audio

Yeah I'd say they are bare minimum but this is double the budget.

Orbit Basic Turntable

Start your vinyl journey with the Orbit Basic Turntable — a streamlined, high-quality record player designed for easy everyday listening.

uturnaudio.com

 

[#Phonepunk#]

Also OP, if you do peruse the discount section make sure to take the LPs out of their sleeve and inspect the disc there so you don't accidentally purchase a frisbee.

even then, it is hard to tell how a record will play. a record may look very dirty at a store, or be scratched up, and still play. if it is cheap ($1) and has a nice cover i usually get it anyways. sometimes i get home, wash it in the sink, wipe it down with a paper towel, and put it on, usually it will still play all the way through, even if there are visible scratches. it doesn't have to look flawless. IMO there is a much higher success rate with whether a scratched vinyl record will play vs whether a scratched CD (or CD-R) will play. if there is a record player at the store, that is the best, just try it out there.