As economic times change many baby boomers choose to downsize. This means that many of their once prized vinyl record collections end up at garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores. This is great news for vintage music collectors, and they will want quality record players to spin their old favorites without damaging the vinyl. The top 10 budget turntables that are described below offer users quality sound systems that are almost as affordable as the deals that they found on their second hand vinyl record purchases.
1. Jensen JTA-230 Stereo Turntable
The Jensen JTA-230 turntable operates at three speeds that include 33.33, 45 and 78 revolutions per minute (RPM) and has built in stereo speakers that far outperform the ones included with 1970s styled record players. The compact turntable’s dimensions are 6.38 by 13.38 by 13.75 inches. This modern vinyl record player includes numerous input jacks and line out ports to integrate it with other entertainment devices. For example, the unit can connect to external speakers or home entertainment systems for a surround sound musical experience. The Jensen JTA-230 turntable also comes with a USB port, software and cable connector to facilitate converting vinyl record content to digital formats like MP3. The turntable has manual rotary controls that are used to set the player’s speed, tone and volume. A dust cover is included with the unit.
2. Jensen JTA-222 3-Speed Turntable
The Jensen JTA-222 turntable has an antique look and feel with its wooden case and rotary control knobs. This unit plays records at three speeds that include 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM, and it comes with a built in speaker system. The record player also has input outlets and line out ports that enable users to connect the device to headphones and external speaker systems. The Jensen JTA-222 features an AM/FM stereo receiver so that users can switch from listening to their favorite classic vinyls to desired radio stations.
3. Audio Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable System
Consumers purchase the Audio Technica AT-LP60 Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable System primarily to convert vinyl records into digital formats for compact disc (CD) compilations. The simply designed record player comes with the necessary input and output ports as well as the software that is needed for the conversions. The turntable plays at two speeds that are 33.33 and 45 RPM. The Audio Technical AT-LP60 is silver in color.
4. Audio Technica AT-LP120 Direct Drive Professional Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP120 Direct Drive Professional Turntable plays records at the standard three speeds that include 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM. It has USB ports, software, an adapter cable and a connecting cable that allows one to listen to records through a PC or Mac computer and make digital copies of the recordings. The professional grade turntable also has controls that allow for forward and reverse play as well as finer pitch control.
5. Audio Technica AT-LP60USB Automatic Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP60USB Automatic Turntable is a two speed player that operates at 33.33 and 45 RPM. This turntable automatically connects to stereos, amplified speaker systems and computing devices through the use of a USB port and cable; no additional software or firmware is required for these connections. However, users who want to convert vinyl recordings to digital files have to use the included Audacity software that is compatible with PC and Mac computers.
6. Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player Classic Turntable Stereo System
The Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player Classic Turntable Stereo System is a three speed system that plays at 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM. The turntable has input and output ports and cables that allow one to listen to vinyl records through home entertainment systems, computers, iPods and even certain smart phones. The record player is housed in a vintage styled suitcase that allows the unit to be easily transported. The Electrohome Archer Vinyl Record Player also features a high quality stylus that will not damage or prematurely wear out valuable vinyl record collections.
7. Innovative Technology Nostalgic Turntable
The Innovative Technology Nostalgic Turntable is actually a comprehensive entertainment system that features classic platforms like a quality record player, AM/FM radio receiver, cassette player and CD player. The turntable’s wood case matches the old fashioned systems of the past, and it comes in mahogany and graphite hues. The record player function operates at three speeds that include 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM. The system also brings a touch of modern technology with its Bluetooth connection that enables users to listen to streaming music through the turntable’s built in stereo speakers.
8. Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Automatic Belt Drive Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP60BK Automatic Belt Drive Turntable is a two speed record player that operates at 33.33 and 45 RPM. The turntable comes with built in stereo speakers and a switchable preamplifier that offers users great sound quality whether they are listening to records directly from the unit or through connected computing devices. Consumers give the product great reviews for ease of assembly, simplicity of use and quality performance. The unit also comes with a replaceable stylus.
9. Electrohome Winston Turntable EANOS501
The Electrohome Winston Turntable EANOS501 is housed in a handsome wood veneer case that has the look of an antique stereo system. The unit plays CDs and an AM/FM radio in addition to 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM vinyl records. The Electrohome Winston Turntable EANOS501 also has the necessary ports and cables to connect the turntable to a variety of music playing devices that include iPods, tablets and smart phones. The manufacturer touts the unit’s superior built in speaker system and high quality stylus as primary reasons for the unit’s great performance.
10. Jensen JTA475B 3-Speed Turntable with Remote Control
The Jensen JTA475B 3-Speed Turntable is a full service entertainment system that includes music playing platforms that have been popular across several decades. For example, the system plays CDs, cassettes and AM/FM radio stations as well as 33.33, 45 and 78 RPM vinyl records. The unit comes with external stereo speakers and bass boost to take vinyl and digital audio recordings to the next level in sound quality. The Jensen JTA475B 3-Speed Turntable includes input jacks for connecting the unit to more modern, portable listening devices such as iPods, MP3 players, tablets and smart phones.
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