Once considered a dead medium, vinyl has seen a resurgence among music fans. However, starting your collection isn't as easy as buying a turntable and some records. Speakers, cables, amplifiers, all the necessary equipment can add up quickly. Plus, they tend to take up a lot of space and require you to have some cable management skills. However, there are devices that will allow you to start collecting wax easily and inexpensively:Bluetooth record players.
Vinyl purists may balk at the idea of a Bluetooth turntable. The most common retort would be that audio transmitted and received via Bluetooth suffers from quality degradation. While that's technically true, we'd say most people would find the difference pretty negligible. Traditional turntables require some skill and patience to set up correctly. Counterweights, cartridges, preamps:if you don't know what you're doing, your first foray into vinyl may end up being your last.
So why would you choose a Bluetooth turntable? The answer lies in its inherent simplicity. Many decks with Bluetooth connectivity can be set up and ready to play your records in less than five minutes. Simply pair your favorite Bluetooth speaker with your new Buetooth-enabled turntable, and you're ready to go.
Audio-Technica has a long history of making affordable consumer turntables. With the AT-LP60XBT, Audio-Technica hopes to make vinyl collecting easier with simple setup and wireless functionality. The AT-LP60XBT is easy to use, making it a good choice for those unfamiliar with turntables. The belt-driven platter is fully automatic, meaning all you have to do is place a record on the platter and press the start button. Plus, the AT-LP60XBT can be hard-wired to your existing speakers with its built-in preamp, or it can be used with Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
Design-wise, the Sony PS-LX310BT draws inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic adopted by more expensive turntables. It's made from a lightweight plastic, which makes it a bit cheaper compared to some of the higher end offerings. Its price tag reflects that at around $200. If you're looking for a user-friendly turntable with sound that punches above its weight, you should consider the Sony PS-LX310BT.
One thing is certain:the Akai Professional BT500 is an attractive turntable. Combining wood and metal, the Professional BT500 is sure to attract attention. It sports a walnut finish and aluminum control knobs and tonearm. In keeping with a minimalist design, Bluetooth and volume controls are hidden along the front of the unit. In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Akai Professional BT500 also sports a USB port on the back of the device. This allows users to easily convert their vinyl collection to MP3 if they wish.
With a wooden base, the Akai Professional BT500 is one of the heaviest turntables available at a weight of 16 pounds. That being said, the heavier base provides good sound isolation. While the Akai Professional BT500 certainly sounds expensive, some reviewers have complained that the sound quality isn't as good as others in the same price range. That being said, for the casual listener of vinyl records, the Akai Professional BT500 looks great and is user-friendly.
the Pro-Ject Juke Box E is a turntable made for the modern era. The Juke Box E is a little different from the other Bluetooth turntables on this list, mainly because this turntable doesn't transmit your vinyl via Bluetooth to a speaker. Instead, the Juke Box E has a built-in Bluetooth receiver. This lets you stream audio via Bluetooth from your phone or PC to the turntable, which acts as a receiver for the connected speakers. This unique feature, combined with an integrated phono stage and an amplifier to power the speakers, makes the Pro-Ject Juke Box E an instant hi-fi system. You can even play your CD collection via the dedicated line output!
Although it's the most expensive turntable on this list at $500, the Juke Box E is an all-in-one solution for your audio needs. Just plug it in and connect speakers, and it's ready to play all your vinyl, CDs and digital streams. Additionally, the Juke Box E boasts a sleek design and premium components that could easily pass for a much more expensive unit. For years, Pro-Ject has catered to analog audiophiles who have praised the company for its robust sound. The Juke Box E follows this tradition while providing users with a versatile listening experience in a small package.
Which of the Bluetooth record players do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
ContentsWhy opt for a Bluetooth turntable?1. Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT2. Sony PS-LX310BT3. Akai Professional BT5004. Pro-Ject Juke Box E
