Best Record Player Australia

A buyer’s guide to finding the perfect setup

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting started so you can find the best record player to suit your needs.

We’ll explain the different features available as well as the importance of each so you can find a player that suits your individual requirements.

We’ll also give you an understanding of what you need for a fantastic vinyl setup.

Some things have changed since the 60s but the basics remain the same. Sound quality is important but so too is style!

We’ll go through the list of essentials you need to judge which is the best record player for you and to help you get your vinyl collection started.

Our Current Best Picks

Image of Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Turntable in white sands colourLiving room with Crosley Cruiser White Sands on a table.

Crosley Cruiser Bluetooth Portable Record Player – White Sands

$169.95
Image of black Crosley Voyager Portable Turntable with lid openCrosley Voyager Portable Bluetooth Record Player in Black on a stand next to a plant.

Crosley Voyager Portable Bluetooth Record Player – Black

$199.95
SAVE
Image of mbeat PT 18K Bluetooth Turntable Player with dust cover openLifestyle image of mbeat PT-18K with lid open

MBeat PT-18K Bluetooth Record Player

Original price was: $299.95.Current price is: $269.95.
Crosley C62 Shelf System Record Player - Black

Crosley C62 Shelf System Record Player – Black

$549.95

Why Vinyl?

Vinyl is back and it’s here to stay. No, it will never replace digital music but it’s becoming obvious that it’s not meant to.

Why? Because they’re not competing in the same field. Digital streaming gives us access to vast amounts of music and makes it easy to find new artists.

Vinyl, on the other, hand is a completely different genre. It’s about music as an experience, in the same way that a concert or gig are.

A vinyl record album held in the hand is tangible, it has weight, it’s a piece of art both in the imagery found on the cover and the carefully selected songs that have been crafted into an album by the artist.

The act of placing a record on the platter and dropping the needle is so simple, yet undeniably intentional. It’s a decision to listen to an album from beginning to end, just as the artist intended.

It’s a rare act of mindfulness in a world where everything happens at breakneck speed.

Person holding vinyl record to chest

The Basics

To the younger generations, who have only ever had to swipe or click for music, talk of pre-amps, belt drives and cartridges can be overwhelming.

But getting set up with a vinyl system doesn’t need to be tricky, especially when you have found the best record player for your unique needs.

Turntables work by producing a phono output signal which needs to be converted by a phono preamp to a line level signal in order to work with audio equipment.

While this sounds a bit complicated, all you need to know is that all the turntables sold on our store have a built-in preamp.

This simply means you can play a record either directly from the built-in speakers (if it has them) or through external speakers for record players, if it doesn’t.

Many of our turntables have built-in speakers which means all you have to do is plug the turntable into a power source, put a record on the platter, select the right speed and lower the needle and your record will start playing.

A few of our turntables don’t have built-in speakers and for these you’ll just need to connect your turntable to a set of external speakers using an RCA cable, or wirelessly via Bluetooth, but more on that later.

For now, we’ll start by taking you through the different features found on turntables and explain how they each work and why they are important.

Playing Speeds

When entering the world of vinyl and seeking the best record player, it’s important to understand the different speeds that a turntable can play, and for this a little history lesson is in order.

Records come in 3 different sizes: 33s, 45s and 78s, and each size needs to be played at a different speed.

For a turntable to play a 33 for example, the turntable drive must spin the platter at 33RPM (rotations per minute). 45s must to be played at 45RPM and 78s at 78RPM.

The 78s were the original record and remained standard for the first half of the 20th century. They hold one song per side and need to be played at the fastest speed.

In 1948 the 33s were introduced. These records play at a slower speed and can hold much more music, an entire album in fact.

They generally store about 20-30 minutes worth of music on each side and you’ll need to manually turn the record over to hear the B side.

Due to the increased play time, the 33s became known as ‘long-plays’, which was shortened to ‘LPs’.

One year later 45s were created. These records are smaller in size, hold one song per side and are affectionately known as ‘singles’.

Even now, decades on, this language is still being used in the music industry.

3 Vinyl record albums shown with different sizes and speeds they play at compared to cassette and cd

Many of the best record players, like the Crosley Voyager range, play all 3 speeds.

You simply need to adjust the control on the turntable to match the size of the record (ie if you’re playing a 33 then set it to 33RPM).

For some turntables, you might need to use an adaptor to play 45s or 78s but these will usually come with instructions.

Some turntables only play 2 speeds (33s and 45s), although this won’t be a problem if you don’t have any 78s.

The easiest way to determine what speeds you need your turntable to play is to consider your existing record collection and/or your collecting intentions.

Are you planning on playing singles? If not, you only need to be worried about one speed, the 33s.

If you plan on collecting singles then check the specifications to see if your turntable plays 45s and 78s.

Speakers

Speakers are a serious consideration because they will make the most difference to your vinyl experience.

Some of our best record players come with built-in speakers which make them extremely easy to set up.

All you have to do is take them out of the box, plug them into a power source and you can instantly play a record.

Blue attache briefcase record player with built in speakers

Built-in Twin Speakers

The majority of entry level turntables come with built-in twin speakers. The Crosley Lancaster, Crosley Cruiser and mbeat Retro are the classic examples of these.

The speakers provide about 2-3 watts of sound and are an excellent option if you’ll be listening to your records in a bedroom or small lounge room.

You’ll get a reasonable level of sound considering the space limitations inside these units. The Crosley Lancaster is an exception to this.

It has twin 5 watts speakers so you will get a louder sound from this machine compared to the smaller suitcase-style players.

Dansette single speaker record player in blue

Built-in Single Speaker

The next level up in built-in speakers is the single speaker. These players, like the Crosley Voyager in grey and MBeat Hi-Fi Turntable, are usually designed to provide maximum space for the speaker.

These machines hero the speaker and place it front and centre for maximum amplification. These speakers provide about 5 watts of sound, which is a step up from the twin speakers.

Once again, these speakers are built-in so all you have to do is plug them into a power source, put a record on and you’re good to go.

3.5mm line out to RCA cable

No speakers

Some of the best record players simply come without speakers, including popular Mosels like the MBeat PT-18K.

In order to get sound from these you’ll need to connect your turntable to a set of external speakers using an RCA audio cable.

These cables sometimes come with the turntable but if they don’t you can pick them up cheaply from your local electrical store or online.

For this vinyl setup, you’ll need to plug the power adaptor into a power source and then take the RCA cable and plug the red and white end into the turntable and the other end into a set of external speakers.

Front image of black Crosley Charlotte Speaker

External Speakers

Even if your turntable comes with built-in speakers, we recommend investing in a set of external speakers if you want to get the most out of your records.

You’ll be amazed at the difference between the largest set of built-in speakers at 5 watts compared to using some external speakers.

You might already have a set of external speakers at home that would work fine so check out this option before investing.

However if you do need a set of external speakers to complete your vinyl setup, then check our bundled sets consisting of a record player and speakers.

Alternatively, systems like the Crosley C62 and Crosley T160 provide everything you need as complete all-in-one sets.

These turntables come with two external speakers producing heaps of extra sound! They are the most affordable way to maximise your listening experience.

Manual vs Automatic Tonearm

The tonearm is the movable arm that swings out over the platter and allows the needle (or stylus) to be placed on the record as it spins.

The cueing device is the mechanism that holds the tonearm and allows it to be lifted over the record and lowered down.

It ensures smooth contact between the needle and the record and prevents the vinyl from getting scratched.

Tonearm of record player shown up close

Turntables either have an automatic or manual tonearm. With automatic tonearms, the needle will be automatically lifted onto the vinyl at the beginning of a record and returned to its cradle at the end.

Alternatively, the tonearm can be manual, meaning the user gets the honour of lifting the tonearm and placing it on the record.

This shouldn’t be a big decision for you in your search for the best record player. An automatic tone arm is a ‘nice-to-have’ without being a ‘must have’. Many audiophiles actually prefer a manual arm as they retain full control.

Vinyl To Digital Recording

If you have a stack of records from the 50s and 60s that you’d like to digitise then this next feature will be important to you.

If you’re keen to transfer your vinyl music to digital format in your search for the best record player, then there are a number of ways to go about it.

Direct To USB Recording

One of the easiest ways to transfer music is through a USB stick.

Some players from the MBeat range of record players come with a USB slot and built-in recording functionality.

All you need to do is plug in a USB stick, start playing a record and use the record function on the machine to record the sound direct to USB.

If you’d like to create individual files for each song then you’ll need to stop and start the recording after each song, otherwise they will all appear as one large file on the USB.

This is a simple way to transfer analogue music to the digital world without needing to download software.

Close up of black USB stick
Hand using laptop trackpad

Recording Via Software

The other method to record your music is via a connection to your computer and through software.

Some turntables will allow you to connect your turntable to your PC or Mac via a USB cord.

To set up the vinyl to digital recording functionality, you’ll need to install the software that comes with the turntable to your computer.

You can then connect the turntable to your computer via a USB to USB cord and manage the recording directly on your computer through the software.

Turntables that have this functionality will come with a manual to show you how to set this all up.

Bluetooth

Having a Bluetooth enabled record player is currently the best way to connect different devices without the use of wires.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows electronic equipment to exchange data over short distances.

For us music lovers, bluetooth makes it possible for music devices such as smart phones, stereos and record players to send or receive audio to/from other devices including speakers.

But there’s a catch. Some of the best record players with bluetooth can only receive Bluetooth audio (Bluetooth In) and others can only send Bluetooth audio (Bluetooth Out).

Bluetooth In

Some record players are built with bluetooth ‘In’ functionality. This simply means that you can play your digital music through the speakers of the record player.

To do this you simply need to connect your smartphone or mp3 player via bluetooth to your turntable using the settings on your device.

Once connected, you’ll be able to play music from your device through the built-in speakers of your record player.

Image showing mobile device connecting to record player via bluetooth

Bluetooth Out

This is where technology is making a big splash in the analogue world!

A few turntables have bluetooth ‘Out’ functionality which means you can connect via bluetooth to an external speaker and play your records without needing any wires.

Of course you must ensure that your external speakers are Bluetooth compatible!

Battery Power

Over the last few years, many of the best record player brands have brought out turntables with built-in battery functionality to allow vinyl enthusiasts to listen to records without needing to be plugged into a power source.

This provides the listener with a great deal of freedom. A picnic in the park, a visit to a mate’s place or an afternoon in your backyard can now be accompanied by the sweet sounds of your vinyl collection.

When it comes to battery-powered turntables, there are two different versions, each with its own advantages.

Rechargeable Battery

Some turntables have a built-in internal battery. When your turntable is plugged into a power source, the machine automatically recharges the internal battery.

When the battery is charged, you can simply unplug the machine, take it wherever your little heart desires and play a record. The battery will generally last for around 2-3 hours before needing to be recharged.

Replaceable Batteries

There are few turntables that can be powered by 6 x AA batteries. You simply open the battery pack on the back of the machine, add your batteries and switch the player to battery mode.

While this format is not as environmentally friendly as the internal rechargeable battery, it does allow you to replace the batteries when they run out instead of needing a power source to recharge them.

Headphone Jack

The best record players record players come with a headphone jack allowing you to listen to your vinyl records directly with headphones.

This feature is important to those who enjoy listening to music on their own and becoming completely immersed in it.

If you’re living with your parents, this could be a very good option for you! Pair your turntable with a decent set of sound cancelling headphones and you’re golden.

Radio dial showing frequencies

Bonus Features

There are a few other features that don’t warrant their own category but we’ll give them an honourable mention instead!

A few turntables such as the Crosley 1975T and Crosley Lancaster have AM/FM radio functionality allowing you to make use of the built-in speakers to listen to your favourite radio station.

If you’re particularly attached to the past then both also have a CD and Cassette tape player, making them our most versatile options!

While mbeat’s USB Turntable allows you to record old cassette tapes to digital format using a USB record functionality.

Now that we’ve covered all the features required to help you judge the best record player, it’s time to discuss styles.

Just as it’s important to find a turntable that has all the features you need, you’ll want to find something that suits your individual style.

Lucky for us there are a number of awesome brands working hard at developing classic retro styles right through to more modern designs.

The Suitcase

One of the most popular styles over recent years has been the suitcase.

These designs are usually bound in a leatherette material and are a stylish briefcase when closed. Open them up and you’ve got yourself a retro-style record player.

These turntables always have built-in twin speakers so they appeal to the market who want a simple plug-and-play setup.

The sound they produce is reasonable given the size restrictions of the unit, but they can easily be plugged into a set of external speakers for a higher quality listening experience.

Almost all of the big brands have a version of these. Some even have a built-in battery so you can take advantage of the portable briefcase style.

Image of Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Portable Turntable Havana with lid open
Front image of mbeat® PRO-M Stereo Turntable System with Bluetooth in black colour

Contemporary Styles

For those that are happy to leave the 1950s and 60s firmly in the past there are also plenty of modern turntables to choose from.

Turntables from Crosley and those from Victrola, have created a sleek range of turntables that are packed full of features.

The vast majority of these come with vinyl to digital recording software, which allows you to record your old vinyl records directly onto your computer. 

Wooden Styles

There are also a small range of vintage style wooden record players that are loved by many.

The most popular of these are the Crosley Lancaster and the mbeat Vintage Wood.

Both make a delightful addition to a living room and ooze classic retro style. On top of that, they both come with some very decent features, making them an excellent choice for many.

Crosley Lancaster Entertainment Center - Paprika-FRONT

If you’re serious about vinyl then you’ll want to get a good setup to ensure you get the best sound from your records and that they are kept in good condition.

There are a range of accessories to help you do just that.

From record storage to external speakers, needles and record cleaning systems, the list of accessories to accompany the best record player is rather long.

Record Storage

Storing your records is important to ensure they are protected and you continue to get the best sound from them.

To keep your vinyl in top condition it’s best to store them vertically. If you have a record player and stand already you should have plenty of room to store your vinyl like this.

If you don’t, then a vinyl record storage system might be a worthwhile investment.

If you plan to transport your records around then it’s important that they’re protected during transit.

A record case is the best way to do this as they are built with a velvet inner lining to ensure your vinyl is not in contact with hard surfaces.

The mbeat vinyl record carrier case comes with quality leatherette fabric and heavy duty hinges and latches. Crosley has another option which is the vinyl record crate.

We offer a number of record player and storage bundled sets that can be the perfect way to get your vinyl collection started.

Crosley Vinyle Record Storage Crate side view with records inside

External Speakers

If you’re looking to achieve the best quality sound from your vinyl then you should consider plugging your turntable into an external speaker.

This is simply because the size restrictions within a turntable mean that you can’t get much more than a 5 watt speaker into them.

And if you’re keen to blast the sweet sounds of your vinyl throughout your home than 5 watts just ain’t gonna cut it.

This problem is easily fixed by using an external speaker. To connect a speaker to your turntable you will need an RCA audio cable.

Many turntables come with these in the box but if you don’t have one you can pick them up cheaply from your local department store or online.

Once you have the RCA cable, you simply need to plug the red and white plugs into the back of your record player and the other end will plug straight into the aux-in socket of your speakers.

Once you’ve done this the turntable will bypass the internal speakers and play through the external ones instead. You’ll then be able to turn up the volume and really get the most out of your vinyl.

Needles

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind when owning a record player is that the needle will need to be changed every so often.

The best time to change the needle or stylus is when the sound quality is affected.

If you’ve noticed that the sound quality is not quite right then it could be the needle, but you’ll want to rule out a few other things first.

Firstly, if you’ve noticed the sound quality isn’t quite right or the turntable is skipping, first check if the record has dust or scratches on it.

It might be worth checking a few different records to see if the problem is consistent over each of them.

If the problem is consistent then check if the turntable is level. Is it on a stable surface that is 100% level?

If not, move it somewhere that is and test again. Lastly, check if the power cable and the RCA cables (if you’re using them) are plugged in tightly and not distorting the sound in any way.

If you’ve checked all these three things and you still have a consistent distortion in sound then it’s time to change the needle. Crosley has created a video to help show you how.

As far as hobbies go, vinyl is a wonderful way to spend your time.

It’s easy to get setup with a basic plug-and-play record player and vinyl music is once again becoming easy to find.

We hope this guide has helped you with the information you needed to get started and we’re excited that you’ll be soon experiencing music at its best!

If you have any questions about what you have read in this guide or would like some additional help with finding the best record player for you, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!