The sound of vinyl is unbeatable. There’s nothing like it, and that’s why the record player has made a comeback in recent years – with more people buying them and listening to records than ever before. But there are so many different options out there for portable players-the old fashioned ones or newer vinyl versions because nothing beats that sound! Which one should you get? Here are some of the best portable record players-the old fashioned ones or newer vinyl versions because nothing beats that sound!
In this article I will review TOP 4 portable record players: Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager, Byron Statics, Popsky, Digitnow and Numark PT01.
Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Vintage Record Player Review
Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Portable Turntable provides traditional record players with a modern twist. Compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, this vinyl player features a built-in stereo speaker and headphone jack, built-in needle cartridge system, and easy on/off switch for continuous play. Producing high quality sound from your vinyl collection has never been easier!
Pros:
- Compact Design
- Built in Speakers
- Easy On/Off Switch for Continuous Play
- Comes in 10 different colors
- Built-in Bluetooth receiver
- 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM
Cons:
- Cannot play 78 RPM records
- Cannot digitize vinyl records
- No USB port
This record player is an amazing choice for vintage lovers. It is good looking, durable and offers a timeless, vintage appeal. With its built-in stereo speaker you can connect via AUX input or bluetooth to any external speakers for increased volume. There is also a headphone jack so you can listen privately. It comes with a stylus needle but some people may find it not sharp enough! You might want to buy another type separately just in case…
Byron Statics Vinyl Record Player Review
Byron Statics Vinyl record player is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to listen to their vinyl records on the go. This record player has a unique design and is made from high quality materials to ensure long lasting durability. With a built in speaker, headphone jack and auto stop technology you can enjoy your vinyl collection anywhere, anytime! Best of all, this model is ultra portable so it’s easy to take with you on the go as well. There is also a headphone jack, so you can listen to music without anyone else hearing. Only complain is about its adaptor which doesn’t work very well…
Pros:
- Very compact and light
- Sturdy and Durable
- 33, 45, 78RPM 3 speeds
- Two small in-built speakers
- Auto stop function
- Great looking design
- 4 different colors
Cons:
- The quality of built-in speakers is 6.5/10
- Does not come with turntable mat
- Cannot play 78 RPM Records
- Only Works with Cords Not Wireless Bluetooth Connections
If you are looking for a simple portable record player than the Byron Statics is a perfect solution. With an ultra portable design, this model can easily be taken along for travels, parties or just lounging around at home. Best of all it’s very easy to set up and use with its simple plug and play system.
Popsky Record Player Review
Popsky portable record player is a great choice for anyone looking for a modern and stylish way to listen to their vinyl records. Also, this record player is very easy to use, simply plug in the adapter and place your needle down on the vinyl! This record player is very lightweight so you can take it with you just about anywhere.
Pros:
- Stylish and modern design
- Very lightweight – easy to carry around
- 3-speed belt driven
- 2 built-in speakers
- Bluetooth
- 3.5mm AUX-in, RCA, USB and headphone jack
- You can digitize and record your vinyl records
Cons:
- Could be a bit louder
- Not the best quality of MP3 recording
Popsky is an entry level portable record player. It’s relatively cheap comparing to other options so don’t expect outstanding sound quality. Although it’s built in speakers are strong enough for smaller rooms, it may lack in volume for larger ones.
Numark PT01 Portable Record Player Review
Numark PT01 is a record player with high quality sound and durability. It’s made of aluminum which ensures long lasting durability. Best of all, this model offers an adjustable speed control button and reversing switch with LED indicator lights on the side of the player/headphone jack, USB connection as well as remote control function for your convenience. However, there are some complaints about its adaptor which doesn’t work very well…
Pros:
- Good for beginner DJs to learn scratching Best
- Pitch range of (+/-) 10%
- Belt-driven
- ¼ inch and 1/8 inch stereo output for headphones
- USB output
Cons:
- For beginners only
- Limited equalization settings
- Low sound of a built-in speaker
If you are beginner and want to learn record scratching techniques this is a perfect choice for you. Best of all it’s efficient and very easy to use once you get the hang of it. Best of all, Numark extends an additional 2 years warranty after your initial purchase if there are any problems with your product.
Digitnow Portable Record Player Review
Digitnow is a portable record player designed for people on the go. Best of all, it comes with built in speakers so you can enjoy your music wherever you are. Also, this model features standard 3 speeds which are 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM. Best of all it’s very easy to setup, just plug in the adapter and it’s ready to play.
This record player has a FM radio and bluetooth function. Plus, there is an auxiliary output jack on the side of record player and a USB slot. The manufacturer also includes software for you to record your vinyl music files so you can save it as MP3 or other formats on your computer.
Pros:
- Very compact design – easy to carry around anywhere
- FM radio
- Bluetooth and Aux in
- Headphone Jack, RCA line
Cons:
- Unable to record to a memory stick
- Poor quality built-in speakers
FAQs About Portable Record Players
What’s the difference between record players and turntables?
Many people think record players and turntables are the same. They are both used to play vinyl records, but there’s a significant difference between the two that should be taken into consideration.
A turntable don’t have built-in speakers, while record players have. So, a turntable is meant to be hooked up with external speakers. This makes it harder to move around the house or take outside.
A record player includes speakers, an amplifier and a turntable. So it’s like an overall audio system setup.
While a turntable by itself need additional devices to be played: additional amplifier, pre-amp, and speakers.
Can you record your vinyl records on a portable record player?
It’s possible to record vinyl records on a portable record player. You need to get special recording equipment that works with both the turntable and your computer. Then, you can convert the music into MP3s or another digital format.
If you want to digitize your vinyl collection you should search for a portable record player which has the USB port. Then using a specific software you will be able to record your vinyl records to MP3 or other format.
What are the most important parts of the portable record player?
The most important elements of a record player are the tonearm, the stylus and the cartridge.
A tonearm is a mechanical arm that is used to position the stylus in order to play the record. The cartridge reads the vibrations from the stylus and sends them through wires to an amplifier or receiver, which converts them to sound.
The stylus, also known as a needle, is a plastic, sapphire or diamond tip that attaches at one end to the end of a metal coil. A turntable has two-magnetic rollers below it. When it spins, they create electricity in the coils on either side of the groove in the record.
This changes into electrical signals that travel up wires on both sides of the record over to a point where many tiny coils are lined up on top of one another. A magnet attached to that coil makes the metal tip vibrate. The stylus picks up and plays those vibrations, which are then amplified and sent through a speaker or headphones.
How you can choose the right portable record player?
Here are some things you need to look for when choosing a portable/record player:
Sound quality:
Record players come in all shapes, sizes and prices these days. But even the fanciest models won’t sound nearly as good as a good-quality CD player. As long as you choose a model with reasonable quality speakers, the difference between one and another will be small enough that you won’t notice it.
Portability:
Some record players can be really “portable”. They’re made entirely from plastic and lightweight components, but they don’t usually look or feel too cheap. Best for people who are looking to have vinyl records more often on their travels without making them too bulky.
Quality/Price ratio:
You should always try to get the best value for your money – both regarding price generally of your portable record player (can be under 100$) and regarding the quality of sound. Best record players are made from robust, good quality materials that will last for many years and deliver great value.
Quality/Features:
If you want to have more features (for example USB/SD card port, remote control) please note that additional costs usually come with these features. Best to check what offer certain portable record player can give you and how much do it costs.
I would recommend to choose a record player with bluetooth function, because it will let you listen to your music freely without any cables!
What does RPM mean?
Vinyl records can be played at different speeds. These speeds are measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
The standard speed for playing commercial LPs is 33 1/3 RPM. This is also called “LP Long Play”.
In order to have more music on one record, you may use either a faster or slower rotation speed than 33 1/3 RPM. The most common of these speeds are 45 RPM (which gives you about 8 minutes of music per side) and 78 RPM (4 minutes per side).
When to replace a stylus?
The stylus is a tiny piece of diamond or sapphire (or something like that) that goes into the record player needle.
It doesn’t last forever and must be replaced from time to time. A good way to figure out if it’s worn out is by listening to your music on different records, which can help you identify whether there are any differences in sound quality as the record plays. You may also touch the stylus while it’s playing and feel how hot its tip gets-if it feels too hot then it needs replacing because styluses lose their ability to read correctly once they get too hot.
How often to change a stylus depends on how often you use it. If not very often, I would suggest to change it once a year. The frequency of your stylus changes also depends on how regular you clean both the record and stylus.
When to change a cartridge?
Cartridges are delicate and complex electronic devices. They don’t last forever, so you have to change them from time to time. If your cartridge doesn’t seem to be working as well, try cleaning the record player needle first. If it still doesn’t work, you may have to change the cartridge. Before buying a new cartridge, make sure you know what type of cartridge you need. Because there are many different options in the market right now.
How to clean vinyl records?
Cleaning your vinyl records is very important. The best way to clean them is by using vinyl cleaning machines. I wrote a blog post about this, you can read it right here. Best option is to use a cleaning machine once per month.
If you don’t have a vinyl cleaning machine, you can clean your records by hand using special spray and brushes. This method works well if you’re at home and want to clean just few records, not all of them.
How to clean a portable record player?
You should clean your portable record player from time to time. It’s pretty simple, just remove the cover and use a cotton cloth to wipe down all the surfaces. Best if you also take off all components of the record player and clean them separately.
Dust and dirt can collect inside the record player and can damage a stylus, so check regularly. Also, don’t forget to clean the cartridge. Best if you use a brush or something gentle to get rid of dust.
Conclusion
If you’re on the hunt for a good quality and affordable portable record player, then this list is just what you need. Also, they are some of the best portable record players in the industry. Whether it’s an old-fashioned turntable or one that plugs into your smartphone to play vinyl records wirelessly with Bluetooth capability – we’ve got them all covered. If you want something simple but reliable, Crosley CR8017A-GY Voyager Vintage Record Player would be perfect for any beginner. On the other hand, if you have more money to spend and appreciate high end features like USB/SD card port remote control Popsky portable record player might be worth looking at. The Numark PT01 portable record player has always been a favorite of ours. Important to mention, they are all under $100!
I hope this review article about best portable record players was helpful to you. Drop a comment bellow if you have any questions.
