The shopping team 11:37 a.m., January 30, 2024, modified at 11:37 a.m., January 30, 2024

Want to immerse yourself in your memories of yesteryear in song? There's nothing like a vintage record player to rediscover the retro titles that marked your childhood or adolescence.

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Over the years, vintage record players have become

collector's items in their own right

. Their retro design transforms them into true icons, capturing the rich sound of vinyl from a bygone era. Combining old-fashioned charm with exceptional audio quality, these iconic devices deliver a unique sensory experience that transports listeners to a bygone era while adapting to today's new features.

Available in a variety of styles, these vintage record players create a perfect harmony between the charm of yesteryear and the demands of the present.

Here are the 5 models of vintage record players that particularly stand out.

Summary

  • The VC400 vintage record player from the Prixton brand, the best value for money

  • The B800 vintage record player from the Mersoco brand, the most connected

  • The vintage Belle Epoque 1908 record player from the Auna brand, the most contemporary

  • The Voksun brand S300 vintage record player, the easiest to transport

  • The M422 vintage record player from Digitnow!, the most flexible

Our comparison of the best vintage record players

The VC400 vintage record player from the Prixton brand, the best value for money

The VC400 vintage record player from Prixton charms with its retro aesthetic and an elegant wood finish on the case.

Easy to connect via Bluetooth, it combines nostalgic design with modern ease of use, offering excellent value for money.

However, some consumers consider the sound quality to be insufficient.

Maximum rotation speed

78 rpm

Compatible devices

Smartphone, Speaker

Connections

Bluetooth

The B800 vintage record player from the Mersoco brand, the most connected

The vintage B800 record player from the Mersoco brand elegantly combines the splendor of the past and modern practicality. Featuring integrated stereo speakers, it offers unrivaled sound immersion.

Thanks to Bluetooth technology, the user can easily enjoy their favorite music from their mobile phone.

The USB function adds a practical dimension by allowing direct playback of music files.

The versatility of this model is also accentuated by compatibility with three listening speeds and three vinyl record sizes (7, 10 and 12 inches). 

However, some disadvantages remain, such as the inability to close the cover when the disc is in place, sound quality that can be improved and the possibility of receiving defective items upon delivery, as some users on the Web point out.

Maximum rotation speed

78 rpm

Compatible devices

Smartphone, Speaker

Connections

USB,Bluetooth,RCA,AUX IN

The vintage Belle Epoque 1908 record player from the Auna brand, the most contemporary

Entirely designed in wood, with a walnut finish bringing a touch of elegance, the vintage Belle Epoque 1908 record player from the Auna brand exudes undeniable robustness.

Powered over a voltage range of 100 to 240 Volts at 50 to 60 Hertz, this model offers reading speeds of 33 and 45 revolutions per minute. The board is equipped with an LCD screen displaying the functions, accompanied by LEDs to indicate power and FM radio. Controls, such as the on/off switch, volume control and frequency regulator are conveniently positioned on the side of the device.

The benefits of this equipment include an all-in-one stereo system, a USB interface for digital encoding and MP3 file playback, as well as a built-in AM/FM tuner and CD player supporting all formats .

The only downsides: the absence of the possibility of three-speed playback and the absence of an integrated stereo preamplifier. 

Maximum rotation speed

-

Compatible devices

Loud speaker

Connections

USB

The Voksun brand S300 vintage record player, the easiest to transport

The S300 turntable from Voksun stands out with its unique features. With a vintage case design available in several shades, this vinyl turntable becomes a decorative piece in its own right, charming lovers of nostalgic memories.

Its design offers appreciable portability, ideal for those who like to share their music from room to room or even on the go.

Users unanimously praise the exceptional sound quality of the device. It is also capable of playing vinyl while offering the possibility of streaming content via Bluetooth or a USB key. However, certain points for improvement were raised.

Some users mention a

"plastic"

feel to the design, suggesting possible fragility.

The latter also reported unexplainable operational interruptions. The speakers stop working then start again for no reason.

Maximum rotation speed

78 rpm

Compatible devices

Loud speaker

Connections

Bluetooth

The M422 vintage record player from Digitnow!, the most flexible

The vintage Digitnow record player! M422 presents itself as the ideal companion for your moments of entertainment. It allows playing vinyl records at different speeds.

 Equipped with a USB port, this device allows direct connection to a computer and thus facilitates the playback and recording of your vinyl collection in WAV or MP3 formats.

For even more powerful sound, it can be connected to a hi-fi system thanks to its stereo phono outputs on the back. The presence of a headphone output also allows individual listening, while its suitcase vinyl turntable design makes it easy to transport for use on the go. This model stands out for its ease of use, the efficiency of its conversion software and its versatility thanks to its retro design. However, some Internet users note that the speakers slightly lack bass.

Maximum rotation speed

78 rpm

Compatible devices

Computer, Speaker

Connections

USB

What was the first record player called? 

Émile Berliner, the inventor of the first record player, revolutionized the music industry with his invention, the Gramophone, patented in 1887.

This creation marked a major turning point by replacing recorded cylinders with rotating flat vinyl records . This device used a stylus and membrane to reproduce sound, establishing the foundations of modern music reproduction. The Berliner Gramophone Company, founded by Émile Berliner to commercialize his creation, contributed significantly to the evolution of musical recording.

This innovation paved the way for a new era of sound delivery and became the precursor to the multiple technological advances that followed in the audio industry.

What is the difference between a turntable and a record player?

The distinction between a turntable and a record player essentially lies in their respective design and functionality.

A turntable generally refers to a versatile audio device capable of playing various media such as vinyl records, CDs, or other analog or digital formats.

It can be integrated into a more complete stereo system, including an amplifier and speakers, and can also offer modern features like Bluetooth or USB connectivity. On the other hand,

 the term

"record player"

is often used more specifically to describe a device dedicated exclusively to playing vinyl records.

A record player typically includes a vinyl turntable and a tonearm equipped with a cartridge to travel through the grooves on the record. It may be a standalone device with built-in speakers or require connection to an external audio system.

Also read: 

MP3 player: 5 models for listening to music without a smartphone