The 29 best vintage record players brands
Technics, Pioneer and Dual Electronics lead our ranking of 29 vintage record players brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Vintage Record Players brands, ranked
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1
Technics
Direct-drive decks with quartz speed lock, and the SL-1200 line is the favourite among DJs and collectors.
Top products: SL-QD33· SL-BD22· SL-B20
Website: technics.com |Brands like Technics
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
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3
Dual Electronics
Car stereos, marine electronics and home turntables sit side by side in the Dual Electronics range. The brand makes in-dash vehicle entertainment systems, premium speakers and PA systems, and its record players and remote control products extend into the home. Its products focus on sound quality for vehicles, boats and living rooms.
Website: dualav.com |Brands like Dual Electronics
Popularity 8.5/10
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4
Sony
Stereo decks spanning belt-drive and early fully automatic direct-drive designs from the 1970s.
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 5.9/10
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5
Thorens
German-made idler-drive turntables with a reputation for precise build and long service life.
Website: thorens.com |Brands like Thorens
Popularity 4.8/10
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6
Kenwood
Budget-friendly 1970s decks with manual speed selection, sold as plinths and complete starter setups.
Top products: KD-5066
Website: kenwood.com |Brands like Kenwood
Popularity 4.1/10
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7
Magnavox
Console-style all-in-one systems and simple automatic turntables from the 1960s and 1970s.
Top products: FCD-196· AS9408/37
Website: magnavox.com |Brands like Magnavox
Popularity 4.0/10
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8
RCA
Portable suitcase players and compact 45 rpm decks, many with replacement needles still around.
Website: rcaaudiovideo.com |Brands like RCA
Popularity 4.0/10
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9
Denon
Denon's DP-7F adds fully automatic start, stop and return to a quartz-locked direct-drive motor.
Top products: DP-7F
Website: denon.com |Brands like Denon
Popularity 3.8/10
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10
Sansui
Japanese audio equipment producer Sansui Electric. Sansui has a long and illustrious history of technological innovation in the audio sector, and music lovers globally remarkably regard its classic products. They are now reintroducing the tradition of excellent sound to the...
Website: sansui.us |Brands like Sansui
Popularity 3.7/10
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11
JVC
JVC's QL-series decks use quartz-locked direct drive, with the QL-A7 among its better-known models.
Website: us.jvc.com |Brands like JVC
Popularity 3.6/10
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12
Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen's Beogram RX2 uses a motorised tonearm that lowers itself onto the record automatically.
Top products: Beogram RX2
Website: bang-olufsen.com |Brands like Bang & Olufsen
Popularity 3.5/10
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13
Marantz
Professional-grade decks suited to studio and broadcast use, including the 6200 model.
Top products: 6200
Website: marantzpro.com |Brands like Marantz
Popularity 3.4/10
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14
GE
Lightweight portable players, including the Wildcat and Trimline models from the 1960s.
Top products: Wildcat· Trimline 500
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 3.4/10
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15
Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in...
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 3.3/10
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16
Panasonic
Mid-range stereo and compact decks, including the SL-1100 and SD-84 record player.
Popularity 3.2/10
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17
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18
Zenith
Console and stereo system turntables, including early Micro Touch record changers from the 1950s.
Top products: Micro Touch
Popularity 3.1/10
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19
Micro Seiki
Known throughout the world for its superior sound quality and audio processing, Micro Seiki has been a Japanese manufacturer of turntables and electrostatic headphones since the early seventies. Having worked with prestigious brands such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Sharp, their...
Website: micro-seiki.nl |Brands like Micro Seiki
Popularity 2.6/10
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20
Philips
Early direct-control decks such as the 212 and 867, with the 867 a neat electronic design.
Top products: 867 Direct Control· 212
Website: usa.philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 2.6/10
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21
The Voice of Music
Many enthusiasts are keenly interested in music. Those who are interested in music should examine those vintage tape recorders. The Voice of Music also has a tonne of other accessories that are worth looking at. It's a perfect place where...
Website: thevoiceofmusic.com |Brands like The Voice of Music
Popularity 2.3/10
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22
SANYO
Auto-return direct-drive decks like the TP Q5, sized for compact shelf systems.
Top products: TP Q5
Website: sanyo-av.com |Brands like SANYO
Popularity 2.3/10
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23
ELAC
Live every sound and enjoy music like never before with Elac systems! Sturdy and classic speakers and systems arouse the rhythm of hardcore, classic, funky music. Blogs on its website include tips and tutorials to set up machines. Concerto series...
Website: elac.com |Brands like ELAC
Popularity 2.2/10
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24
KLH
KLH Audio builds world-class audio products to give pleasure to your ears that they so desperately deserve. They sell different speakers like Floorstanding and Bookshelf whose quality surpasses their prices. They make ultra-comfortable headphones that are as light as a...
Website: klhaudio.com |Brands like KLH
Popularity 2.2/10
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25
VICTOR
Victor Reinz is an automotive gasket brand that makes engine gaskets, head gaskets, valve cover gaskets and sheet gasket material. Its molded rubber and fiber gaskets are designed to match original equipment specifications. The line includes gasket sets for both...
Popularity 2.2/10
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26
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27
Hitachi
Power is an entity that every individual or group of individuals wants to conquer. With power in your hands, you can change the world for good. Hitachi Group took this as an opportunity to do the same. They had the...
Website: hitachi.com |Brands like Hitachi
Popularity 2.1/10
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28
Califone
Rugged portable phonographs built for classrooms, with carry cases and 33 and 45 speeds.
Top products: 1620
Website: califone.com |Brands like Califone
Popularity 2.0/10
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29
Onkyo
Onkyo designs home audio equipment, including AV receivers, amplifiers, CD players, and remote controls. The Japanese company focuses on surround sound and home entertainment systems. Its receivers and amplifiers are built to deliver clear sound at home.
Website: intl.onkyo.com |Brands like Onkyo
Popularity 2.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technics | technics.com | /technics.global | technics_global | @technics | TechnicsOfficial |
| Dual Electronics | dualav.com | /DualElectronics | dual_electronics | @DualElectronics | DualElectronicsCorp |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Thorens | thorens.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kenwood | kenwood.com | – | – | – | – |
| Magnavox | magnavox.com | – | – | – | – |
| RCA | rcaaudiovideo.com | /RCA | – | – | – |
| Denon | denon.com | /Denon | denonofficial | @DenonAmerica | – |
| Sansui | sansui.us | – | – | – | – |
For many of us, there is something special about listening to music on a vintage record player. From the warm analog sound to the tactile experience of playing a vinyl record, a vintage record player can transport us back to a simpler time. However, buying a vintage record player can be tricky, especially if you're a beginner. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the confusing world of vintage record players to find the right one for you.
Why Buy a Vintage Record Player?
Before we dive into the specifics of buying a vintage record player, let's discuss why you might want to buy one in the first place. Here are some of the benefits of playing vinyl records on a vintage record player:
- Better Sound Quality: Many audiophiles prefer the warm analog sound of vinyl records over digital music. A vintage record player can enhance this experience by amplifying the sound and providing rich, full-bodied audio.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Vintage record players are often beautifully designed and can add a touch of vintage charm to your home. They are a great way to add personality to your living space.
- Tactile Experience: Playing a vinyl record on a vintage record player is a tactile experience. You get to physically interact with the music by selecting the record, placing it on the turntable, and using the tonearm to play it.
Types of Vintage Record Players
Before you start shopping for a vintage record player, it's important to understand the different types of record players available. Here are the three main types you'll encounter:
- Console Record Players: These record players are housed in a large console cabinet that also functions as a piece of furniture. They were popular in the 1960s and 1970s and often feature built-in speakers and storage for records.
- Suitcase Record Players: These compact record players feature a built-in handle and are designed to be portable. They were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and often come with a detachable lid. However, the sound quality may not be as good as other types of record players due to the small size and lightweight construction.
- Separates: This type of vintage record player is made up of a turntable, amplifier, and speakers that are all separate components. This allows for more customization and a higher quality of sound. However, it also means that you will need to purchase each component separately, which can be more expensive.
What to Look for When Buying a Vintage Record Player
Now that you understand the different types of vintage record players, let's discuss the specific features to look for when shopping for one. Here are some factors to consider:
Condition
The condition of the vintage record player is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Look for a record player that has been well-maintained and is in good working condition. Check for any signs of damage, such as scratches or cracks in the plastic casing, and make sure all of the components are intact.
Brand
The brand of the vintage record player can also be an indicator of quality. Some brands, such as Technics and Thorens, are known for their high-end turntables and are highly sought after by audiophiles. However, keep in mind that popular brands may also come with a higher price tag.
Tonearm
The tonearm is the part of the record player that holds the stylus, which reads the grooves of the vinyl record. Look for a tonearm that is adjustable and has a counterweight to ensure that the stylus is properly balanced. A good tonearm is essential for getting the best sound quality from your vinyl records.
Cartridge
The cartridge is the part of the record player that holds the stylus and the needle that reads the grooves of the vinyl record. It's important to choose a cartridge that is compatible with your turntable and has a stylus that is in good condition. A damaged stylus can scratch your vinyl records and affect the sound quality.
Speeds
Most vintage record players can play records at two speeds: 33 1/3 RPM (standard LPs) and 45 RPM (singles). Some record players also have the ability to play 78 RPM records, which were popular in the early 20th century. Make sure the record player you choose can play the types of records you plan to collect.
Built-in Speakers
Some vintage record players come with built-in speakers, while others require external speakers to be connected. If you're looking for convenience and don't want to invest in additional speakers, look for a vintage record player with built-in speakers. However, keep in mind that the sound quality may not be as good as with external speakers.
Portability
If you're looking for a vintage record player that's easy to move around, look for a suitcase record player. These compact record players are designed to be portable and often come with a built-in handle. However, keep in mind that the sound quality may not be as good as with larger, more stationary record players.
Where to Buy a Vintage Record Player
Now that you know what to look for when buying a vintage record player, let's discuss where to buy one. Here are some options to consider:
Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
Thrift stores and flea markets are great places to find vintage record players at affordable prices. However, keep in mind that the condition of the record player may be unknown and it may require repairs or cleaning.
Online Retailers
Online retailers such as eBay and Etsy are great sources for vintage record players. However, make sure to read the seller's reviews and carefully inspect the photos of the record player before purchasing.
Specialty Stores
Specialty stores that sell vintage audio equipment are a great option if you're looking for a high-quality vintage record player. These stores often specialize in restorations and repairs of vintage audio equipment and can recommend the best options for your needs.
In Conclusion
Buying a vintage record player can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Keep in mind the different types of record players available, the specific features to look for, and where to shop for one. With a little research and patience, you can find the perfect vintage record player to enhance your music listening experience.
