Record players have never really gone out of style. In fact, they've become amazingly popular again in recent years. There are, of course, many reasons why record players are still a popular medium for listening to music. You might have an extensive record collection and just want to listen to it; other folks like the idea of being as close to the music as possible - no complicated digital stuff for them, just a needle running through grooves and transforming it into music. Some simply swear by the natural, organic sound that only vinyl can provide, not to mention the unique feel of holding and looking at a real, full-size LP.
There are different record players available
DJ Turntables and Record Players
This page is where you'll find record players and DJ turntables. What's the difference, you ask? Record players are a great way to listen to your favourite music and can be combined with a Hi-Fi speaker system to play vinyl records in the living room. Turntables, on the other hand, are aimed at DJs and are built slightly differently. DJ turntables usually feature a 'direct-drive' system whereas most record players will come with a belt-driven motor, and DJ turntables have what's called a pitch fader: a slider used to match the playback speed of two records played at the same time. If you came here looking for a set of turntables, head over to our DJ turntables department.
Retro Record Players
While some record players aim to be as modern as possible, others embrace a more retro-styled vibe. Many of these models also have built-in speakers where some even take the shape of an old-school gramophone horn, while other models come in a classic suitcase-style housing.
Bluetooth Record Players
Besides phono or line-level RCA outputs, modern record players are often equipped with a built-in Bluetooth interface, either in the form of a Bluetooth receiver or a transmitter which are each used for a different purpose. Record players loaded with a Bluetooth receiver generally have built-in speakers and can be paired with a smartphone for wireless music playback. Record players fitted with a Bluetooth transmitter are able to transmit the audio signal to an external Bluetooth receiver, which could be wireless headphones or a Bluetooth-compatible speaker system.
Record Player Accessories
Record Player Preamp
Using a phono preamp, you're able to connect a (genuinely old) record player that's only able to output a phono signal to a Hi-Fi amplifier, mixing console or active speaker system. Note that if your amplifier happens to have a dedicated phono input, you won't need a separate preamp.
Record Player Cabinets and Other Furniture
No matter where they're set up, record players immediately become a striking part of the décor - even more so when combined with an equally stylish cabinet, box or crate. Record cabinets are often a great way to store standard 12" LPs, so make sure to check out our turntable accessories to see what we have on offer.
Record Player Needles
The cartridge, needle (stylus) and headshell are the most important parts of any record player. To find a needle that's compatible with your record player, start by checking the make and model of its cartridge.
Popular Brands
Crosley, Technics, Lenco and Others
Find a full array of Crosley, Lenco, Technics and other popular record players and DJ turntables at Bax Music!
Frequently Asked Questions About Record Players
Which record player should I get?
You can choose either a regular record player or a DJ turntable. The go-to way for simply enjoying music, record players will come either as a stand-alone unit or as part of a complete set including a speaker system. DJ turntables come with special features to accommodate live performances and mixing, but can also just be used for music playback.
Do I need a preamp for my record player?
Not all record players are equipped with a line-level output. Some only have a phono-level output which, when hooked up to a Hi-Fi amplifier, mixer or active speaker that doesn't have a special phono input, will get you nothing but low-volume humming. Phono preamplifiers are designed to boost the signal to line-level, enhancing the sound while leaving the original audio intact despite the amplification - something that's also referred to the 'RIAA equalization curve'.
How much does a record player cost?
The record players on our digital shelves range from models that cost just a few tenners, to high-end DJ turntables that will set you back over £1,500, and everything in between.
Which record players are compatible with my Sonos system?
Sonos speaker systems often have digital inputs such as HDMI or Toslink ports, which means they can't be directly hooked up to the average record player since it'll most likely only come with analogue RCA outputs or possibly even DIN ports depending on just how old-school your unit is. So, to be able to connect it to your Sonos sound system, you'll need an interface equipped with a compatible analogue input and digital output (e.g. an interface fitted with RCA inputs and Toslink outputs).
How do I hook up a record player?
All modern record players are outfitted with RCA outputs. If yours has a phono/line switch, that means it also has a built-in preamp. If it doesn't, you'll need an external phono preamp which needs to be connected to your record player using standard RCA cables before moving on to the next step. If the gear you want to hook up doesn't have any RCA inputs, you could use an adapter cable like an RCA-to-jack cable or an RCA-to-XLR cable. Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated blog: How to Hook Up a Record Player.
