Record Player Under $200 – You might have come across recent developments like the sudden surge in demand for vinyl records or the penetration of established music brands into the production of turntables (record player). It might be a wrong claim to make that “vinyl records are making a comeback” or “turntables are once again entering the households as music players.”
Record players – popularly known as turntables (record player) have always been on the landscape, the contemporary ones are just diverse and dynamic enough to replace full-fledged music systems. From Ariana Grande to Mariah Carey, some musicians have released their recent track albums on vinyl records – which is a clear sign that turntables are here to stay and maybe even replace a lot of entertaining devices that we currently possess.
The millennials were born at a time when boomboxes were ruling the streets, and Walkman was all set to enter the market. Unlike portable radio sets or contemporary music systems, turntables (record player) are complicated devices; they are sophisticated and require a certain degree of expertise to operate.
This list not only explores the best turntables (record player) of 2019 under the price slab of $200, but the buying guide would also advise on the ease-of-usability, affordability, and sound quality.
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60 Turntable
Audio-Technica is known for its simple, easy to use turntables (record player). This variant is no different from its predecessors in terms of premium quality and affordable price.
With a striking aluminum look, the stylus pulls down when the music has to be played, and automatically raises the tonearm once the grooves on the record end. The player’s belt-driven design works perfectly to minimize any sound leakage and mitigate any vibrations produced by the movements of the platter.
2. House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable
Attention to detail is one of the key features of Stir It Up. Made with eco-friendly bamboo wood and premium quality of rubber, this turntable (record player) is robust, portable, and beautiful.
With the USB outlet, listeners can convert their vinyl records into mp3 songs (digital file). The commitment of the company, House of Marley, towards the creation of a sustainable environment is praiseworthy. This record player is made up of eco-friendly wooden material and embedded with circuits that conserve energy. This device is relatively expensive to other recommendations made by us.
Features: Capable of playing records at 33.3 and 45 RPM. Solid body with appealing design and diverse functionalities. Availability of regrind silicone matte 3.5mm headphone jack in front and RCA output.
3. Sony PS LX300usb (Aka – The Plain Jane)
One of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, Sony’ PS LX300usb is the simplest turntable (record player) available in the market. The brand name is an assurance of premium quality and long-term usability. Equipped with sophisticated chips, the belt-driven turntable (record player) is fully automated and comes pre-fitted with a cartridge.
The availability of a USB port allows the transformation of analog signals to digitalized formats. The Audio Software by Sony is multifunctional, which means that it can be used with several other peripheral devices.
Function: Ability to play records at 2 speeds – 33.3 and 45 RPM. Embedded with static balance tonearm and fully automatic operations. Diamond stylus for superb sound reproduction.
4. Numark PT-01 Scratch
The company had a clear market segment in mind because this turntable (record player) is an ideal device for DJs who are continuously on the move. The performance and portability are two keynotes of this record player by Numark.
This device is not designed to just decorate your space, but its functionalities will compel you to play with it. Flashy design and the inculcation of a rocking conspicuous, bold red color on the platter is symbolically a tribute to the pop culture.
Features: Robust design and vibrant panel. Capable of playing three playback speeds (33.3, 45, and 78 RPM). Additional features include a built-in speaker and a protective casing. AUX and RCA Outputs are available to connect external devices.
5. Pioneer PL-990 Automatic Stereo Turntable
There are some devices that are produced to only fulfill the bare minimum needs of the consumers. Simple design with the core function of playing vinyl records, this turntable (record player) by Pioneer sounds like a quintessential sound box.
Every note is crystal clear, and every beat is sharp. One of the major drawbacks of this affordable turntable (record player) is the compromise that consumers have to make on the looks of this device. Fairly simple, this device is as simple as the old record players.
Features: Balanced, clear, and sharp sounds. Plays at 2 record speeds. Precision DC servo motor which aids in stabilization and rotation. Embedded with Phono EQ.
6. Gemini TT-1100USB
Well, we have pulled this device from the folds of the past. It is a blast from the past with a twist from today. This turntable deserves to be in our list of best turntables (record player) under $200 due to its elegant design and durable nature.
It might give a feeling of being somewhat bought from a hardware store, but this power-packed device is a bang for the buck. For novice DJs and musicians, this can be the perfect starting point of their music careers. Gemini has produced a turntable that focuses greatly on the functionalities rather than the aesthetics of the commodity.
Features: Manual belt-driven design. Capable of playing three record speeds (33.3, 45, and 78 RPM). Speed buttons and A +/-10% variable pitch slider to give you a personalized playback.
7. Music Hall USB1
The company, music hall, is known for making premium quality turntables (record player) and other accessories related to it. Music Hall USB1 is one of the cheapest options offered by the company. With an adjustable forearm and an anti-skate system, this device is inculcated with a removable cartridge.
The device is made up of plastic which fails to give it a robust feel. Plastic body may not be attractive or eye appealing, but its portability is a huge benefit. This option is perfect as an entry-level turntable (record player).
Features: Quiet belt-driven mechanism. Capable of playing two record speeds (33.3 and 45 RPM). The encoder of analog signals into mp3 format and transferring to iPods. S-shaped needle is a distinct feature.
8. Jensen JTA-230
A powerhouse of performance and good looks, Jensen JTA-230, is a good option under $200. With 2 built-in speakers that sound mediocre, this device has external output units of AUX or line-out jacks to connect with periphery speakers and amplifiers.
The makers of this turntable (record player) push a bit further with a straight, dynamically balanced tonearm that enhances tracking and makes scratching a facile.
Features: Capable of playing three record speeds (33.3, 45, and 78 RPM). Includes AUX and RCA line-outs for connecting external devices to the turntable (record player). Pitch Control option with volume adjuster. Glass lid to protect the platter from dust.
9. Stanton T62
The T62 has a sleek design, great built quality, and even better sound production. The device is sturdy and beautiful, and this appearance might be at the cost of compromising some of the contemporary functionalities like a
USB port. The value proposition of this product by Stanton is the flawless sound quality which is clear, loud, and distortion-free.
Features: Capable of playing 2 speeds (33.3 and 45 RPM). Contains a pitch fader which controls tempo and pitch. Includes RCA stereo output.
10. Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Turntable
An old-fashioned wooden box which resembles an entrance to magical realms. This turntable (record player) is a perfect decorative piece which resonates with wooden designs of the house.
A belt-driven device which is aesthetically appealing, Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Turntable (record player) is affordable, sturdy, and powerful. The device might look gigantic in size and shape, but it is powerful with diverse functionalities.
Features: Capable of playing 3 record players (33.3, 45, and 78 RPM). Built-in Bluetooth connectivity. With a USB output, the analog signals can be converted easily to digital format. 3.5mm AUX jack and RCA output allow the connectivity to external devices.
11. D&L Vintage Record Player Wooden
This is our second recommendation concerning the vintage category of turntables. The D&L Vintage Record Player is a culmination of multiple functionalities.
In one package, you are getting everything that you need, from Bluetooth compatibility to USB/SD output. Everything at an affordable price.
The leather coated exterior of the turntable gives it a classic look which is further improved by the old school knobs and frequency meters.
Features: 3 playback speeds (33.3, 45, and 78 RPM). Bluetooth connectivity of up to 33 feet. Radio, cassette player and external output are built-in. Upon purchase, you get 1 replacement stylus needle and 12-month warranty and 24 hours customer service.
Buying Guide
Now that we have concluded our list of the best turntables under $200, it is time that we move towards the factors that determine which turntables suit your preferences. The following guidelines will allow you to select the most appropriate turntable for yourself:
Manual turntables have the tonearm that needs to be physically pulled upward or towards the grooves. Automatic turntables have the feature of automatically pull the needle once the record grooves have ended.
This option might seem trivial, but it forms the bedrock of ease of usability. If you play the turntable and go to sleep, you would never want to leave your bed and pull the needle up once the song has ended. But if you are old school and love the idea of operating the turntable at your whim, then manual turntables are your product category to enter.
The rotary motor in the turntable plays an important role in producing sounds. There are two types of turntables, direct-driven, and belt-driven. Both have unique functionalities along with their advantages and disadvantages.
The direct-driven type rotates the platter near the motor. When the motor directly revolves the platter, the playback speed is constant and stable. Less noise distraction is created with this mechanism which also reduces vibrations.
On the other hand, the belt-driven mechanism works in such a manner that the plate is indirectly connected with an elastic band which rotates the record. Less accurate speeds impede the correct flow of sound.
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