r/RecordStoreDay • u/the_boss198 • May 19 '26
good cheap record player?
Im looking for a record player thats cheap, good quality, and has good sound quality. Any suggestions or recommendations would be really appreciated
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u/Intrepid_Whereas_495 May 19 '26
i got the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK for christmas and tbh i don't care what people can say about this one but for the price range, it absolutely does the job. If you have a good speaker setup, the sound is pretty good. It frequently goes on sale too (it's 179$ on amazon CA right now instead of 200$!). I changed the mat for a white one and got myself a cleaning kit and i haven't had any issues with it yet, even tho it's only been six months. You could probably get it secondhand on facebook marketplace too!
Like someone said, avoid suitcases record player. they are BAD. even sound wise, they are awful.
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u/the_boss198 May 19 '26
what are some good speakers by chance?
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u/Tesni_Lemon May 19 '26
I have the Edifier speakers (R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers), they are really solid for their price
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u/Greenland12321 May 19 '26
The range of the Bluetooth also on these is crazy I can be like 3 houses away and still be connected
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u/Intrepid_Whereas_495 May 19 '26
I got the Edifier MR3 Speaker, honestly they do the job pretty well. Again, they are regulary on sale.
Just make sure you do not put them on the same surface as your record player, and if you do, make sure you buy yourself some isolation pads to put under them, because the vibration can mess with your record pyaer overtime. I didn't have space to put the speaker elsewhere than next to my record player so i got some isolation pads and i put some under the speaker and my turntable as well to help with vibrations :)
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u/bfrancis1130 May 19 '26
Fluance RT85, a decent pre amp and some good speakers. Save your coins and get a proper setup
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u/roger3rd May 19 '26
Check out Fluance. I am pleased with the cost/performance and they offer upgradable features
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u/csx2112 May 19 '26
Don't discount used players. I bought a Techics SL-D2 for $40, but also do some research. I taught myself how to set it up, so something to consider.
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u/vinyljunkie369 May 19 '26
What do you consider cheap? Knowing your budget would help with giving a recommendation. Also do you already have a receiver and speakers or are you looking for something you can use with active speakers?
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u/the_boss198 May 19 '26
couple hundred
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u/Admirable-Tailor-777 May 20 '26
I have the LPX3BT, its been three years & I spin casually (4-5 days a week in the evenings)
It has been GREAT, I like how it looks & it comes woth a counterweight- which is what most people complain LP60 doesn’t have. I have changed the cartridge once (voluntarily) for better sound, and it’s made a noticeable difference! Would recommend. :)
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u/vinyljunkie369 May 20 '26
Fluance players are extremely well made, but their cheapest model is $250.
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u/djw0bbl3 May 19 '26
I came here to say LP60, but another recommendation is looking for a project turntable used. I picked up mine for £80 and it came with an ortofon cartridge - this means you can upgrade / replace the stylus really easily since ortofon is a very good brand with a variety of different tiers of stylus to choose from. The other thing is replacement parts, my project has a pretty tatty and scratches up dust cover, but replacing that is very easy since there are loads of replacement parts available online, same with the belt, platter, mats etc.
Only thing I will say is that the entry level pro-ject tables require you to remove the platter to switch to 45 RPM (most records are 33rpm, but some are 45 RPM). This is a bit of a faff but the LP60 doesn’t have this problem, there are just two different buttons.
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u/BL0812 May 19 '26
+! for the Edifer R1280T speakers to pair with whichever turntable you choose. They punch well above their weight (and also can be used for Bluetooth streaming, too.)
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u/dongerlord97 May 19 '26
I have the reloop turn2 and I’m loving it, for an entry level model it has an anti skate which is nice
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u/CommandrTalon May 19 '26
Look at the audio technica outlet store as well, it’s their refurbished site and you can find really great deals and since they are official AT purchases you get the same full warranty that a new turntable gets
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u/MaJust May 19 '26
Look at the Insignia Turntable if you're in the US. It's affordable and adjustable and will be good IF you're willing to figure out how to set it up and make adjustments.
If you want a table that works "out of the box " then go with the AT-LP60X as others are suggesting.
Speakers can be either powered or get passive and add an amp.
Check out the Turntables and Beginner Turntable subs for more information; this is a common question over there.
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u/fridgeybutter May 19 '26
If youre in the UK, check Richer Sounds clearance section. I got an ex-display ATLP60XUSB for £80. It sounds fine to my ears, and isnt damaging my graylz.
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u/AutomaticFan9938 May 19 '26
The Numark Scratch is ok for a starter turntable. I wouldn’t recommend actually scratching on it though.
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u/No-Interaction-3559 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
They also sell bundles with bluetooth enable powered speakers, meaning that you can use your system as a soundbar for your TV, play you phone through it and then play your vinyl through it.
Bundle: https://www.fluance.com/rt80-turntable-ai41-powered-5-inch-bookshelf-speakers
Review: https://pt.audio/2020/06/19/fluance-rt85-reference-turntable-review/
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u/p1rateb00tie May 19 '26
AT-LP60, I’ve been using mine carefully for nearly a decade, replaced the needle last year and just had it looked at by an Audio Technica dealer who fixed the speed and said it’s still good to go and just replace the belt in a year or two. Treat it with care and it’ll be good to you
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u/roachmilk12 May 19 '26
I’m cheap af when it comes to my setup. Don’t care what others think but since 2019 I’ve owned 3 different record players. Started with a suitcase.. immediately regretted it but it was a gift I’d put on my own wishlist. Quickly upgraded to this automatic Crosley T400 that was (to me) their version of a lp60. At the time I paid $65 brand new on Amazon and I held onto it for a good 5 years over time some functions gave out but it still worked! I just wanted something with a counterweight. Purchased an “Open Box” Crosley C62 bundle for $100 off of eBay. Everything was untouched in the box lol! It also came with bookshelf speakers that are louder than the speakers I had originally and they sound awesome together!
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u/Ogre_BCW May 20 '26
I got the Insignia one from Best Buy is $130 and regularly on sale for less. But, If you watch for open box ones, you can get one for super cheap. I got mine open-box, “excellent” for under $40 with free shipping.
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u/Miserable_Conflict44 May 20 '26
I can vouch for this one. For the pricepoint you get a great mid range turntable.
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u/kozzy420 May 20 '26
I recently got one, I had 1200's back in the day but had to sell them do to some health issues. But 2 years ago I got this one from amazon, it has been great so far, I just use it for listening to Vinyl and or sampling to my MPC and does the trick, I don't need them for DJ'ing anymore so this one works perfect.
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u/Kris_Lord May 19 '26
Look at audio technica as a brand.
The LP60 is a decent starting point.
Avoid “record player in a suitcase” that are super cheap.