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10 Best Beginner Record Player 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Audio-Technica LP60XBTW Full Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable White

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,209
Connectivity Options
Build Quality
Connectivity Options
The Audio-Technica LP60XBTW is perfect for reconnecting with the vinyl world, offering seamless Bluetooth connectivity that works like a charm.
Build Quality
After trying multiple budget turntables, the LP60XBTW stands out for its superior sound and build, providing a satisfying listening experience.

The Audio-Technica LP60XBTW is a versatile and user-friendly option for beginners looking to enter the world of vinyl. As a fully automatic belt-drive turntable, it simplifies the process of playing records, making it perfect for those who are just starting out. The two-speed settings (33 1/3 and 45 RPM) cover the most common vinyl formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of records.

The built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier is a handy feature, allowing you to connect the turntable directly to most speaker systems without needing additional equipment. The integral Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus (ATN3600L) provides decent sound quality and longevity with the option to replace the stylus when needed. One of the standout features is its Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to wirelessly connect to the latest Bluetooth speakers and headphones, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

The build quality, being primarily plastic, may not feel as durable or premium compared to higher-end turntables. At 2.6 kilograms, it's relatively lightweight, making it easy to move and set up. Some users may miss the absence of more advanced features, but its simplicity and ease of use are significant advantages for beginners.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,209
Connectivity Options
Build Quality
Connectivity Options
The Audio-Technica LP60XBTW is perfect for reconnecting with the vinyl world, offering seamless Bluetooth connectivity that works like a charm.
Build Quality
After trying multiple budget turntables, the LP60XBTW stands out for its superior sound and build, providing a satisfying listening experience.
#2

Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable with built-in Phono Pre-Amp, 2 speeds and 3 gain modes, Black

Rating
9.4
Build Quality
Connectivity Options
Build Quality
While the unit is lightweight, it remains stable during operation.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity enhances the convenience, allowing seamless pairing with speakers.

The Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Turntable is designed with beginners in mind, offering user-friendly features and solid build quality. This turntable has an automatic one-step playback, making it easy to use even for those new to vinyl. The belt drive system ensures smooth operation and good sound quality. A significant advantage is the built-in phono preamp, which means you don't need additional equipment to connect to speakers or other audio devices.

With Bluetooth connectivity, you can wirelessly pair it with speakers, sound bars, or headphones, adding to its convenience and versatility. The turntable supports two speeds, 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM, catering to most vinyl records. There's also a choice of three gain modes, allowing you to adjust the sound output to your preference. However, being made of plastic, it might not have the premium feel some might expect.

At 3.5 kg, it's relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around. The build quality is decent, and the thick dust cover helps protect the turntable and records from dust and minimizes vibrations from the speakers. This turntable is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free vinyl experience with modern conveniences like Bluetooth.

Rating
9.4
Build Quality
Connectivity Options
Build Quality
While the unit is lightweight, it remains stable during operation.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity enhances the convenience, allowing seamless pairing with speakers.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Record Player

Choosing a beginner record player can be an exciting journey into the world of vinyl. It's important to understand the key features and specifications that will help you find the best fit for your needs. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects to consider when selecting a record player, ensuring you make an informed decision that enhances your listening experience.
Turntable TypeThe turntable type refers to whether the record player is manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic. This is important because it affects how you interact with the player. Manual turntables require you to place the needle on the record and lift it off when the record is finished. Semi-automatic turntables will lift the needle off the record at the end of play, while fully automatic turntables handle both the start and end of play. For beginners, a semi-automatic or fully automatic turntable can be more convenient and user-friendly.
Drive SystemThe drive system of a record player can be either belt-drive or direct-drive. This is important because it affects the sound quality and durability of the player. Belt-drive turntables use an elastic belt to spin the platter, which can reduce vibrations and provide better sound quality. Direct-drive turntables have the motor directly connected to the platter, offering more consistent speed and durability, which is preferred by DJs. For beginners focused on listening to music, a belt-drive system is often recommended for its superior sound quality.
Cartridge and StylusThe cartridge and stylus are the components that read the grooves of the record and produce sound. This is important because it directly impacts the audio quality. Cartridges can be either moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC), with MM being more common and easier to replace. The stylus, or needle, can be elliptical or conical, with elliptical providing better sound quality. For beginners, an MM cartridge with an elliptical stylus is a good balance of quality and ease of maintenance.
Built-in PreampA built-in preamp amplifies the signal from the turntable to a level that can be used by speakers or headphones. This is important because it simplifies the setup process. Some record players come with a built-in preamp, while others require an external one. For beginners, a turntable with a built-in preamp is often more convenient, as it reduces the need for additional equipment and makes it easier to start listening to records right away.
Speed SettingsSpeed settings refer to the rotational speeds at which the turntable can play records, typically 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and sometimes 78 RPM. This is important because different records are designed to be played at different speeds. Most modern records play at 33 1/3 RPM, while singles often play at 45 RPM. If you plan to play a variety of records, ensure the turntable supports the necessary speeds. For beginners, a turntable that supports both 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM is usually sufficient.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the record player. This is important because it affects the durability and performance of the player. Higher quality materials like metal and wood can reduce vibrations and improve sound quality. For beginners, it's important to find a balance between good build quality and ease of use. Look for a sturdy, well-constructed turntable that feels solid and reliable.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to the ways you can connect the record player to other audio equipment, such as speakers, headphones, or a computer. This is important because it determines how versatile and compatible the player is with your existing setup. Common options include RCA outputs, USB ports, and Bluetooth. For beginners, having multiple connectivity options can be beneficial, as it allows for more flexibility in how you listen to your records.