In this post:
- 7 Best All-In-One Stereo Systems with Turntables in 2024
- 1. The Most Versatile All-in-One Stereo System with a Turntable Under $150 - Victrola Navigator
- 2. Best All-In-One Turntable under $100 - ION Audio Max LP
- 3. Best 50s Retro Design - Victrola 50's Retro Bluetooth Record Player
- 4. Best Old-Radio Design - 1byone Nostalgic Wooden Turntable
- 5. Best Suitcase-Style All-in-One Stereo System with a Turntable Under $50 - Victrola Vintage VSC-550BT
- 6. WOCKODER Record Player Turntable
- 7. Jensen JTA-230
- FAQs
If you are looking for a way to enter the world of vinyl record players but don’t want to spend too much, whether because you don’t know if you are going to like the vinyl or because you have a limited budget, you’ve come to the right place. The simplest and most cost-efficient solution for you is buying an all-in-one stereo system with a turntable and our article is here to help you with your search. We will discuss the most important characteristics of these stereo systems, tell you what to pay attention to when looking for one, and present to you our selection of 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntables in 2024.
One thing you must be aware of is that these all-in-one systems are definitely not the best option for playing vinyl records but they are good enough for the price. These systems can be perfect for certain scenarios and can also be a nice backup to your main turntable audio setup that you can install in your bedroom or in your workroom. The all-in-one stereos systems with turntables will never be as good or as sophisticated as turntable setups with separate components (turntable + preamp + amp + speakers), but buying one can be a good investment. You just have to know what to expect.
All-in-one stereo systems with turntables have multiple options for music playback. Aside from the vinyl record playback, they often have built-in AM/FM tuners. Many systems also feature Bluetooth connectivity and can play CDs. Some can even play audio files from a USB drive or from an SD card. And they all have built-in speakers. All-in-one systems with turntables are basically plug-and-play devices and don’t require any kind of installation.
If you are buying a stereo system like this because of its record playback capabilities, you should check if it plays 33/45/78 RPM or just 33/45. You should also check if you can connect external speakers (RCA outputs) and improve the sound quality.
After long research, testing, and comparing we’ve picked out 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntable for you. Most of them are fairly affordable or even cheap so the money will not be an issue. You just have to set your priorities, decide which playback options you want your stereo system to have, and go through our reviews. The following systems are our top picks.
7 Best All-In-One Stereo Systems with Turntables in 2024
1. The Most Versatile All-in-One Stereo System with a Turntable Under $150 – Victrola Navigator
Victrola is, arguably, the most popular and most reputable brand in this segment of the market. Navigator is a great-looking vintage entertainment system. It looks beautiful, it’s incredibly versatile, and it can convert songs to mp3 format from a record or a CD.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, there’s your Victrola Navigator, remote, recording/conversion software for Mac OS/Windows, USB cable, RCA cable, and power cable.
Things we like
The exterior is simply gorgeous – if you’re into vintage design, you’re going to love it. The build quality is also decent – the whole cabinet is made of wood and looks quite stylish. There’s a nice cover on the top that protects the turntable.
All the controls and the majority of inputs are located on the front side. There are all the input selectors, playback controls, volume controls, FM tuning wheel and analog frequency indicator, CD tray, headphone output, USB port, and AUX input. The turntable is located on the top and the cassette player is on the right. Yes, there’s a cassette player, too. On the back, you have an FM wired antenna connector, RCA outputs for connecting external speakers, and power input.
The best thing about this entertainment system is its versatility. It has a belt-driven turntable that can play at 33, 45, and 78 RPM. It’s not a high-end record player but it sounds pretty good. Besides the turntable, you can play CDs (including mp3 CDs) and cassette tapes. Also, you can stream music wirelessly thanks to Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR) and you can play audio files from a USB. The USB port also supports recording function – you can record songs from a vinyl record or a CD onto your PC/Mac (the software you have to use is included in the package). The Navigator has a built-in FM tuner in case you like listening to the radio. In the end, you can connect any audio source with a standard AUX output to the system. For private listening, you can connect your headphones to the headphone output.
The system houses two 5W speakers. They are not very loud and they lack bass, but the midrange and treble are nicely balanced and quite detailed. To improve the listening experience, you can connect a pair of powered speakers to the system via RCA cable.
Things we don’t like
The only thing this system lacks is the AM tuner.
2. Best All-In-One Turntable under $100 – ION Audio Max LP
ION Audio is probably better known for its tailgating speakers, and large party speakers, but they make other audio equipment, too. ION Audio Max LP is a much simpler and less versatile device than the previously reviewed Victrola Navigator, but it still delivers a flawless performance, it has a few pretty awesome features, and it looks pretty cool.
What’s in the box?
Along with the Max LP turntable, you’ll get a dust cover, power adapter, USB cable (Type-B to Type-A), AUX cable, CD with conversion software, and 45 RPM adapter.
Things we like
Max LP looks simple but elegant with a sophisticated wood finish. The build quality is not exactly top-notch but it’s great for the price.
The central area of the top panel is reserved for the turntable and is covered with a plastic dust cover. Right below the turntable, there are two small built-in speakers and a tiny volume wheel. On the front panel, there’s a headphone output. On the back, there’s a series of inputs/outputs including AUX input, RCA outputs (for connecting external speakers), USB Type-B port, and a DC input.
Max LP is a belt-driven 3-speed turntable (33/45/78 RPM). It has a diamond tip ceramic cartridge and comes with a 45 RPM adapter. Playing records is hassle-free and doesn’t require any advanced skills.
If you want, you can also connect any audio source with an AUX output and play audio through those small built-in speakers. If those speakers aren’t enough, you can connect external powered speakers through RCA outputs and get a much better listening experience.
This all-in-one turntable also has a USB Type-B port and comes with the EZ vinyl conversion software (compatible with PC and Mac). You can install this software, connect the turntable to your PC/Mac, and convert any track into a digital audio file.
The turntable houses two small built-in speakers. The bass is lacking but the mids and highs are there and are nicely balanced, dynamic, and detailed. Connecting more capable external speakers is definitely recommended.
Things we don’t like
ION Audio Max LP is not as versatile as some other all-in-one stereo systems with turntables. It doesn’t feature Bluetooth or AM/FM tuners.
3. Best 50s Retro Design – Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player
Victrola 50’s is another highly-versatile all-in-one stereo system with a turntable. Just like the previous Victrola entertainment system, this one has a nice retro vibe but it refers to a different period.
What’s in the box?
Victrola 50’s comes with a detachable dust cover, USB Type-B to Type-A cable (for connecting PC/Mac), a CD with conversion software, and a user manual.
Things we like
Victrola 50’s has a nice retro vibe to it. The cabinet looks like a mini jukebox from the ’50s. It has a shiny plastic finish and it’s available in 4 colors – red, blue, black, and teal.
The top panel is, like always, reserved for the turntable. Right on the edge, there’s a headphone output. Most of the controls, as well as the speakers, are located on the front panel. The speakers are located on the left and right ends, and all the playback controls and input selectors are in the middle. At the top, there’s a simple backlit LCD display showing the AM/FM frequency and track info. At the bottom, there’s a CD tray. On the back, there’s an FM wired antenna, AUX input, and a USB Type-B port for connecting your PC/Mac.
The initial installation is done in no time and doesn’t require any additional equipment – you can just plug it in, place the record, and play it.
The turntable is belt-driven and it supports 33/45/78 RPM playback. 45 RPM adapter is included in the package.
Besides the record playback capabilities, you can also play CDs, listen to AM/FM radio, connect an analog audio source via AUX cable, or stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth.
If you want to convert tracks from vinyl to digital audio files, you can install the included software (compatible with both PC and Mac) and connect your PC/Mac to the entertainment system with the included USB cable.
The internal speakers deliver quite engaging and nicely balanced sound. The bass is lacking but that’s perfectly understandable considering the size of the speakers.
Things we don’t like
Victrola 50’s entertainment system doesn’t have dedicated RCA outputs for connecting external speakers. There’s a headphone output on the top that you can use for that purpose but it would’ve been more convenient to have a pair of RCA outputs on the back.
4. Best Old-Radio Design – 1byone Nostalgic Wooden Turntable
1byone Nostalgic is another highly versatile retro all-in-one stereo system with a turntable. In terms of features, performance, and connectivity, it’s fairly similar to the Victrola Navigator.
What’s in the box?
The packaging contains your all-in-one stereo system with a turntable, AUX cable, RCA cable, and a power cable.
Things we like
1byone Nostalgic is an attractive, retro-looking stereo system with a stylish wooden cabinet. The build quality is quite impressive. Everything looks durable and sturdy.
The top panel is, like always, reserved for the turntable and all the turntable parts. At the top of the front panel, there’s a fabric grille with the 1byone logo. The grille protects two built-in speakers. Below the speakers, there’s an array of control buttons. On the left, you have the input selectors and, on the right, there are the playback controls. Between the two sets of buttons, there’s a simple backlit display showing the selected input and track info. The bottom half is reserved for the volume and tuning dials and AM/FM frequency indicator. There’s also one USB input, one AUX input, and one headphone output.
On the back, there’s an FM antenna, RCA outputs for connecting external speakers, and a DC input.
1byone has a belt-driven 3-speed turntable (33/45/78 RPM). It can play records of all sizes and it sounds pretty good.
Besides vinyl records, you can also play cassette tapes and CDs. If you like listening to the radio, you’ll be happy to know that this system has built-in AM and FM tuners. Thanks to the USB input, you can play audio files from a USB drive or you can convert tracks from a vinyl record to digital audio files. 1byone Nostalgic is also Bluetooth-enabled.
1byone Nostalgic houses two tiny speakers. Their bass reproduction is quite poor, while the mids and highs are balanced and dynamic. The speakers are not very loud and that’s particularly noticeable when playing vinyl records. Luckily, the system has RCA outputs so you can connect external powered speakers and get a much louder sound and much better bass.
Things we don’t like
The AM reception is quite poor.
The volume is lower when playing vinyl records than in other modes.
The system doesn’t come with a remote.
5. Best Suitcase-Style All-in-One Stereo System with a Turntable Under $50 – Victrola Vintage VSC-550BT
Victrola Vintage VSC-550BT is one of the most compact and most affordable all-in-one stereo systems with a turntable. This one is not as versatile as other Victrola systems and its greatest advantages are its size and portability.
What’s in the box?
VSC-550BT comes in a simple cardboard box. The packaging also includes power cable, 45 RPM adapter, and user manual. Audio cables (AUX and RCA) are not included in the package.
Things we like
The turntable is housed inside a vintage suitcase-like cabinet with a nice fake leather finish and with a carry handle on the front. It’s available in many different colors so finding the right one for your setup will be a breeze.
The only inputs/outputs you are going to see when the box is closed are RCA outputs on the back and DC power input.
All the other components and inputs are on the inside. When you open the box, you will see a large platter and all the other turntable parts as well as two 3.5mm connectors (headphone output and AUX input), volume/power dial, and input dial.
The turntable is belt-driven and supports 33, 45, and 78 RPM playback.
Besides record playback capabilities, Victrola is also Bluetooth-enabled so you can stream audio from your phone and other Bluetooth audio sources. For private listening, you can connect your headphones to the headphone output. If you have a non-Bluetooth audio source with AUX output, you can also connect it to this stereo system through the AUX input on the top.
On the front panel of the record player, next to the carrying handle, there are two built-in speakers. Thanks to these two tiny speakers, you don’t need any additional equipment to play records – you just have to open it, plug it in, place the record on a platter, and start enjoying. The speakers are small so you can’t expect an impeccable listening experience. The mids and highs are clear and articulate, but the bass is really weak. Luckily, thanks to the RCA outputs on the back, you can connect a pair of external powered speakers and get much better performance.
Things we don’t like
This Victrola all-in-one stereo system with a turntable is much less versatile than other Victrola systems. This thing doesn’t have a CD player or a cassette tape player. It also doesn’t have AM or FM tuners. However, for the price, the number of available playback options is satisfying.
6. WOCKODER Record Player Turntable
The next device on our list of 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntables in 2024 is WOCKODER. This is a simple-looking but stylish record player. It’s one of the most user-friendly all-in-one systems with a turntable. It’s maybe not as versatile as others but it’s also significantly cheaper.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box, you will find a record player with a removable plastic dust cover, power cable, and 45 RPM adapter. The audio cables are not included.
Things we like
The record player is smaller and looks simpler than those previously reviewed entertainment systems. Like many other devices of this kind, it has a nice retro vibe, mostly thanks to that wooden finish.
On the top, there’s a transparent dust cover protecting the turntable and all the other turntable parts. The turntable is belt-driven and can play 33, 45, and 78 RMP records.
The record player also features Bluetooth connectivity but there’s no mode selector or Bluetooth pairing button. The device is in pairing mode when the auto-stop switch is on and the tonearm is in the arm holder.
Besides record playing capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity, WOCKODER also has a headphone output so you can use your headphones for private listening sessions. On the back, there’s an AUX input for connecting analog audio sources and RCA line outputs for connecting external powered speakers.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy the speakers immediately since the record player already has a pair of built-in speakers. They are small 3W speakers so you won’t get incredibly detailed or loud reproduction but it’s still pretty good considering the size and price of the record player.
Things we don’t like
WOCKODER features Bluetooth connectivity but the pairing process is more complicated than usual. The record player also lacks a USB port.
7. Jensen JTA-230
The last device on our list of 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntables in 2024 is Jensen JTA-230. Jensen is known for affordable CD players and other cheap audio equipment. JTA-230 is one of the rare cheap record players with options like pitch adjustment and tone control (you can usually find these controls on more expensive turntables and record players).
What’s in the box?
The box contains your Jensen JTA-230, a CD with software for audio conversion, power cable, and a USB cable (Type-B to Type-A). Audio cables are sold separately.
Things we like
JTA-230 is an all-plastic record player. It’s not as stylish as some previous systems but still looks nice.
On the top, there’s a semi-transparent plastic cover protecting the turntable and all the turntable parts.
On the front panel, there’s the on/off switch, auto-stop on/off switch, pitch adjustment switch, tone control dial, and volume dial. The headphone output is also located on the front. On the back, you have RCA line outputs (for connecting external speakers), AUX input (for connecting analog audio sources), power input, and a USB Type-B port for connecting your PC/Mac.
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The turntable is belt-driven and can play records at 33, 45, and 78 RPM. 45 RPM adapter is included in the box.
Besides the record playing capabilities, this thing can also be connected to other audio sources via AUX input.
Thanks to the USB port on the back, you can connect the record player to your PC/Mac (software included) and then use the included software to convert tracks from records into digital audio files. The conversion feature is pretty easy to set up and use.
JTA-230 houses two small side-firing speakers. The sonic performance won’t blow you away – it lacks some serious bass impact and it’s not very loud. Luckily, you can always connect a pair of external powered speakers and get a much better listening experience.
Things we don’t like
Unlike many similar record players, JTA-230 doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity. It also doesn’t have an AM/FM tuner. You have only two playback options – turntable and AUX input.
This was our list of 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntable. Hopefully, it helped you understand what to look for and what to expect from these systems. If you want to find out more, you should read the FAQ section.
FAQs
Q: What is the best all-in-one stereo system with a turntable?
A: Well, we can’t name just one but you can find a bunch of great systems in our list of 7 best all-in-one stereo systems with turntables in 2024. Some of the most reputable and most popular brands in this area are Victrola, Studebaker, Crosley, and ION Audio.
Q: Do new turntables play old records?
A: Any modern turntable can play any record made in the last 70 years (except for 78RPM records made before 1960 – some record players and turntables can’t play those). So, yes – new turntables can play old records. However, the quality of the sound will depend on the quality of the turntable and cartridge.
Q: What is the difference between a record player and a turntable?
A: Many people use these two terms interchangeably like they are synonyms. But they are not. In layman’s terms, a record player is a turntable with built-in preamp, amp, and speakers. In some cases, record players can also play CDs and can have some additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB inputs.
A turntable is just a turntable or, in some cases, a turntable with a built-in preamp. A turntable itself will require a few external components to deliver sound (preamp, amplifier, speakers), while the record player already has all those components built inside.
To conclude, record players and all-in-one stereo systems with turntable are more convenient since they don’t require any additional equipment, but all the vinyl enthusiasts will prefer separate components.
Q: Do expensive turntables sound better?
A: In general, yes. Expensive turntables sound better than cheaper turntables. However, replacing the cartridge, stylus, and a few other parts on an affordable turntable can make it much better. If you can afford an expensive turntable, you should definitely go for it. After all, it’s better to get a good one immediately than getting a bad one and then upgrading it to get better performance.
Q: How much should I spend on a turntable?
A: Well, you can get an entry-level turntable for less than $100, but it’s recommended to spend $100-$500 on a turntable alone. High-quality turntables are often priced over $500. You can get a great one for $500-$1000, but this is not the upper limit. Many turntables on the market are priced well over $1.000.
Q: What is the best budget all-in-one stereo system with a turntable?
A: Well, most of them are budget-friendly. They are rarely priced over $300 and most of them are much cheaper than that (usually under $200 or even under $100).