There’s a growing vinyl resurgence, with record sales hitting their highest levels since the late 1980s. But if you’re new to this world, you might be scratching your head at the terminology.
What exactly is the difference between a record player and a turntable? Aren’t they the same thing? Well, yes and no!
While many use the terms interchangeably, they’re not (technically) identical.
Understanding the nuances between a record player and a turntable can save you from buyer’s remorse.
Whether you're an audiophile looking for superior sound quality or a casual listener diving into vinyl for the first time, knowing what you're buying is crucial.
Record Player: The All-in-One Experience
A record player is the all-in-one vinyl-playing device most people are familiar with.
It includes everything you need to play a record right out of the box: the turntable, a built-in amplifier, and speakers.
In essence, a record player is a complete setup designed for convenience and ease of use.
Record players are great for beginners or casual listeners who want to jump into playing records without the hassle of buying multiple components.
Brands like Crosley or Victrola have gained popularity because of their portable, vintage-looking record players, which are often marketed as affordable, entry-level devices.
What You Get with a Record Player:
- Turntable: The spinning platter that holds your vinyl.
- Tonearm & Cartridge: The arm that holds the stylus (or needle) which reads the grooves of the record.
- Built-in Amplifier: Amplifies the sound, so you don't need external gear.
- Speakers: Small, built-in speakers that project the sound.
The key takeaway? A record player is designed to be simple and can play your records without any additional kit.
You plug it in, place your record, and let the music flow.
But because it’s an all-in-one system, the sound quality can be limited by the quality of the built-in components.
Pros of Record Players:
- Convenience: Everything in one package, ready to use.
- Affordability: Record players are often cheaper than turntable-based setups.
- Portability: Some models are lightweight and easy to move around.
- Vintage Appeal: Many record players come in retro designs that evoke nostalgia.
Cons of Record Players:
- Sound Quality: Built-in speakers and amps can’t compete with higher-end, separate components.
- Upgradability: Limited or no room for future upgrades like replacing the cartridge, improving the amp, or swapping out speakers.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable way to enjoy vinyl records without getting deep into the weeds of sound equipment, a record player might be the perfect option.
Turntable: The Audiophile’s Dream
On the flip side, a turntable is more specialised and focused on delivering the highest sound quality.
Unlike a record player, a turntable does not come with built-in speakers or an amplifier. It’s just the turntable component, a motor-driven platform with a tonearm and cartridge to read the record.
If you buy a turntable, you’ll need to invest in additional equipment: an amplifier and speakers at minimum, and perhaps even a phono preamp depending on the setup.
This modular approach means turntables offer a far more customisable experience. If you're passionate about getting the best possible sound, this is where a turntable shines.
By mixing and matching components, like upgrading to a better amplifier or swapping cartridges for finer audio detail, you can fine-tune your listening experience over time.
What You Get with a Turntable:
- Turntable: A high-quality spinning platform and motor.
- Tonearm & Cartridge: The stylus that reads the vinyl’s grooves.
That’s it! Everything else is up to you.
You’ll need to hook the turntable up to a separate sound system, which may involve a bit more setup than a record player, but the payoff in sound quality is often well worth it.
Pros of Turntables:
- Superior Sound Quality: With the right setup, turntables can deliver audiophile-grade sound.
- Customisation: You can choose or upgrade every component in your system, from the amplifier to the speakers, to suit your preferences.
- Longevity: Higher-end turntables and components are built to last and can be repaired or replaced individually.
Cons of Turntables:
- Cost: A turntable-based system can be more expensive, especially when you factor in the separate amplifier, speakers, and optional preamps.
- Complexity: Turntables require a more technical setup. They’re not always plug-and-play like a record player.
- Space: You’ll need room for the extra equipment like amplifiers and speakers.
If you're someone who wants to immerse yourself fully in the vinyl experience and you care about sound detail, a turntable offers an unmatched level of control and quality.
But it’s not for everyone — especially if you just want something simple to play a record without much fuss.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
Your decision ultimately depends on your needs, your budget, and how much effort you want to put into your listening experience.
- If you're a casual listener who just wants to play records without hassle, a record player is a good option. It’s plug-and-play, affordable, and doesn’t require any additional equipment.
- If you’re an audiophile or someone interested in high-fidelity sound and future upgrades, a turntable is the only way to go. Though it comes with more components, the modularity and sound quality potential is unbeatable.
It’s also worth noting that while some high-end record players exist with better sound quality, they can still be limited by their all-in-one nature.
Turntables, on the other hand, will always have the edge in terms of upgradability and precision in audio reproduction.
From my experience in selling Hi-Fi and record players for the past 10 years, record players like the Crosley & Victrola are okay for occasional use but if you want to properly enjoy your records then choose a turntable + active speaker combination such as our turntable & speaker bundles.
They combine the ease of a record player in terms of choosing and setting it up, but they're a world apart in sound quality and performance.
A Quick Word on Confusion
To make matters more complicated, many people (including retailers, including us!) use the terms “record player” and “turntable” interchangeably, which can be confusing.
The way we see it is a 'record player' is a complete way of playing your records, i.e you can buy a record player and listen to your music out of the box.
Whereas a 'turntable' requires an amplifier, speakers and other components.
We've taken a hybrid approach to help you gain the sound quality and upgradability of a turntable setup but with the ease and convenience of a record player.
On our site you'll find a lot of easy-to-setup bundles that consist of a turntable and active speakers, or a turntable, amplifier and passive speakers.
They are a complete one-click easy to set up system.
Whilst technically they're made up of a turntable and a set of active speakers, or an amplifier and passive speakers, when you buy them you're buying a complete "record player" system.
A simple rule of thumb is this: if it's sold with speakers and an amp, it’s a record player. If it doesn’t, it’s a turntable.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a record player or a turntable, the key is finding the right match for your lifestyle and listening preferences.
Both options will bring the timeless joy of vinyl into your home, but knowing the difference between these two will help you make a smarter purchase.
If you’re all about plug-and-play convenience, go for a record player or better still one of our carefully curated record player bundles.
If you want to dive into the deep end of sound quality and control, a turntable setup will be your perfect match.
Enjoy spinning those records!
