HOW MUCH IS A RECORD PLAYER?

If you are currently about to start shopping for a record player, you’ll soon see that it is not as easy as it sounds. Why? Record players are pretty expensive, but you’ll get your money’s worth. A costly record player will last you a lifetime, but the catch is: you have to be willing to break the bank.

Sadly, not everyone has that much money to throw around, especially on a record player. So, depending on the amount you’ve budgeted in your head, you might start to ask the question “how much is a record player” so that you know what you’re going into. I mean, you might need it for a day’s event, so you might not want to spend that much money on it.

That’s fine. Nevertheless, whether you need a record player for a night or to enjoy the vinyl records you inherited from your parents or grandparents, you must invest your money in a good record player.

Although you can get a record player for as low as $40 and as high as $300, what sets them apart is the value they offer. Let’s examine the amount you should spend on a record player if you want it to last.

HOW MUCH IS A RECORD PLAYER?

As earlier stated, if you want to get any record player, you can get one for as low as $40. However, $40 record players aren’t the best option. It would eventually destroy your record, incurring more loss for you. So, how much does a record player cost? I mean, a good record player? Well, you’ll need to spend at least $100 to get a good record player. However, because there are better options, a regular $100 record player might not give you the satisfaction you desire.

Related: How to Clean a Record Needle

AVERAGE COST BY BRAND

An easy way to spend less and get more is to shop record players by brands. Some of the best brands offer relatively affordable record players that still deliver some level of good quality. For starters, Crosley is one brand that makes cheap record players. They are known for their suitcase record players that are quite cheap, portable, and offer you value for your money’s worth.

The price of this suitcase vinyl player is $104. Other brands that you can buy from including Yamaha, Victrola, and Audio Technica. While Audio Technica and Yamaha produce high-end turntable, the average amount you’ll spend on their record players is $139 and $343, respectively. If you are looking to invest in high-end Audio Technica record players, you can buy the LP-60 and LP-120 models.

These models and other high-end models come with high-quality audio. Because they are high-end, their prices range from $2000 and above. Entry-level record players cost between $100 to $200. Mid-range range record player prices range from $400 to $700.

If you are looking to spend between $700 to $2000 on record players, you should opt for audiophile options. For affordable players, you would spend between $200 to $400.

Related: Replace a Needle on a Record Player

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RECORD PLAYER AND A TURNTABLE

Although people tend to use the term “record players” and “turntable” interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two.

The notable difference is that a turntable is a component of a record player. The record player poses as a music equipment god in that it has all the necessities required to play a vinyl record. That is, it has a turntable, built-in speakers, amplifiers, etc. all you need to do when you get a record player is to plug it into a wall. It is an elaborate music player, and you can play any file format.

While record players have their perks, there are also downsides. For instance, a record player is not portable. Just as it is designed to be elaborate in the unit, it is larger and heavier in size and mass. Consequently, record players are usually kept in the house, on a dedicated stand. Another downside to record players is, although it comes with built-in features like speakers, these components might not be as good as external components. For example, the speakers that come with a record player might not be as high-quality as when you get an external speaker.

On the flip side, a turntable can be purchased as a standalone. But you’ll need to attach it to external equipment like speakers, amplifiers, etc., to enjoy your vinyl. Hence, before you can use a turntable, you’ll need to set it up. The set-up phase requires you to connect the turntable to whichever external component you have that makes your turntable music experience worth it. Nevertheless, turntables are portable. The only downside to owning a turntable is, you’ll need to invest in getting the necessary components to go with it.

Unlike with a record player, all the components and units you’ll ever need comes with it. But they are not of the highest quality.

The post gives you more details about Turntable VS Record Player, The Difference between Turntable and Record Playe.

HOW TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF YOUR RECORD PLAYER

There are quite a few methods that you can employ to determine the value of your record player or turntable. Here are some of the things you need to consider.

• Condition: Regardless of how good your record player looks, it has no value at all if it isn’t in good condition. It’ll just be another dead machine on your counter or in your house. It gets worse when you still try to get it to play some of your vinyl records. The reason? It would damage your record.A turntable that’s in good condition would; turn easily; the arm should have no friction or whatsoever, have a nice flat base, and have a perfectly working cartridge and needle. If the stylus and cartridge of your turntable are in bad shape, it would potentially damage your vinyl record.
• Brand: Certain brands in the turntable industry have mastered the art of producing high-quality turntables that would serve you for a long. These brands are the brands you should buy from when shopping for record players. Here’s why; they make record players that offer you immense value. Some of these cool brands include Linn, Audio technical, Marantz, Kenwood, Rega, Denon, Micro Seiki, Linn, etc.
• Model: Shopping based on a record player model is another sure-fire way to get value for your money. There are quite a few perfect turntable models. Although some of these models might be expensive, you can get some for as low as $600. Some of these good models you should check out include Audio Technica’s AT-LP60X, Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon DC, Rega’s Plana 3, Music Hall’s MMF 5.3, etc.
• Design: The design of your record player also determines its value. In the 60s and early 70s, manufacturers of record players focused on producing record players that had near-perfect sound and a great speaker. However, sleek and great physical designs started in the early 70s down to the 80s. That is a good thing because now, you can have turntables that fantastically function well and have great design.

Related: Victrola vs Crosley

LAST WORDS

With the question ‘how much is a record player?’ answered in detail, you can now make a better-informed decision when you go hunting for a turntable or a record player. Of course, you also know the difference between a turntable and a record player.

Whichever you choose to opt for, ensure that you do not have to break the bank to get it. Also, ensure that you purchase a turntable or record player that would offer you the best value for your money. Remember, only good turntables and record players can last you a lifetime and preserve your vinyl record. So, ensure to be intentional about the shopping phase.