The Best Bluetooth Record Players
Vinyl records are making a big resurgence these days. Once the most popular format for recorded music, vinyl starting falling out of favor in the late '80s with the advent of compact discs. By the time digital streaming and downloads came along, vinyl records — and record players — all but disappeared. But vinyl is back in a big way as a new generation of music lovers rediscovers the tactile experience of listening to music on a record player. Though record scratches will never be a thing of the past, poor sound quality can be, as Bluetooth-enabled record players allow you to listen to your favorite vinyl on your high-tech speakers or headphones. Here are a few of our favorite Bluetooth record players.
Victrola Vintage Suitcase Record Player
Sink your teeth into this
The Victrola suitcase record player is so jam-packed with features there’s hardly anything it won’t do. With a belt-driven turntable that plays at three speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm), this record player uses built-in Bluetooth to either transmit audio or stream sound from your mobile device through its integrated speaker. It also has RCA outputs to connect external speakers and a headphone jack for a more personal listening experience. And with an auto-stop control function, the record player will automatically stop spinning the turntable once the record is finished playing.
Pros:
- Sound-absorbing feet reduce vibration
- Self-contained in a vintage suitcase with a handle
- All-in-one package; no extra equipment needed
Cons:
- Does not come with a turntable slip mat
- Arm would benefit from a little more weight
Udreamer Bluetooth Turntable
A pound of sound
With fantastic sound quality and a cool, retro vibe to boot, the Udreamer Bluetooth record player is another one of our favorites. The integrated sound system features two stereo speakers and a bass-thumping woofer, which can not only be used with the turntable, but also with your mobile device via Bluetooth connection. The turntable base is built with both a spring and a belt-drive, which provides consistent performance and added shock absorption. Capable of playing 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch records, the player comes with a smooth-motion lift arm to reduce needle-skips on your favorite records.
Pros:
- Integrated USB drive for music files
- AUX-in and RCA-out jacks
- Available in brown and claret
Cons:
- Only comes with Bluetooth input, not output
- Turntable does not stop automatically when the record is finished
Victrola Nostalgic Bluetooth Turntable
Retro record
If you are a fan of the retro look, you’ll love this Bluetooth record player from Victrola, makers of some of the first 78-RPM record players. Featuring the classic, turn-of-the-century design, but chock full of modern features, this record player will make a stunning addition to your home. Victrola features three turntable speeds for all your different records, along with Bluetooth compatibility to play songs from your mobile device through the record player’s built-in stereo speakers. An RCA output jack allows you to hook up your favorite speakers as well, either directly or through a pre-amp.
Pros:
- Built-in cassette player and FM radio
- Integrated compact disc player
- Available in various colors
Cons:
- Heavier than some models at 17 pounds
- Cassette player has no rewind feature
Audio-Technica Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable
Audio awesome
Audiophiles know that Audio-Technica is one of the premier names in quality audio hardware. They were building world-class turntables back when Bluetooth meant it was time to see the dentist. This turntable in particular has all the quality and durability of earlier models, but with high-tech features, like Bluetooth output, an anti-resonance turntable, and a redesigned tonearm for improved tracking. The diamond-tipped stylus lasts for months without damaging your delicate vinyl records, and with a signal-to-noise ratio of less than 50 dB, the sound produced from this Bluetooth record player is incredible.
Pros:
- Available in black or red trim
- Compatible with aptX codec
- Dual Moving Magnet phono cartridge
Cons:
- No integrated speakers
- Tonearm is not adjustable
Voksun Precision Turntable with Dual Speakers
Pairing pair
Featuring an elegant, simple design featuring an MDF plinth wrapped in a faux walnut veneer, the Voksun is a complete Bluetooth record player and 15-watt stereo speaker system. The upgraded belt drive reduces both vibration and noise, ensuring consistent speed when you play your records. The premium metal tone arm comes with an Audio Technica diamond-tipped stylus to help deliver purity of sound. A single, minimalist three-knob design allows you to adjust volume, switch speeds, change the pitch, and engage the built-in Bluetooth receiver. Set-up is easy as well. With this unit, you’ll wonder why we ever switched from analog.
Pros:
- Plays 33-, 45-, and 78-RPM records
- RCA outputs for other external speakers
- No pre-amp required for speakers
Cons:
- Included speakers are not wireless
- No cover or dust lid included
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bluetooth affect the quality of sound?
A tiny bit, although the degree to which this is true is greatly exaggerated. Though companies that use Bluetooth technology in their products offer different variations of the algorithm — known as a codec — the differences between codecs are nearly impossible to hear. The quality of your speakers or headphones makes a much bigger difference to the sound quality.
Can I convert my old, wired Hi-Fi speakers into Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, you can, and it doesn’t require a degree in electrical engineering or a second bank account. Bluetooth converters are plug-and-play devices that turn your wired speakers into Bluetooth-connected, wireless speakers. This is especially cool for old, cabinet-style speakers.
Do you still have to replace the needle on a Bluetooth record player?
Yes, you do. Remember, everything else about the record player is the same, except that it converts the analog audio signal to a digital signal, which is transmitted to your speakers via a Bluetooth codec. Change out your needle after every 1,000 hours of playing time.