The best bluetooth vinyl turntables in the UK 2023

A bluetooth turntable works like a classic record player. But in addition it can connect wirelessly to your stereo system, a speaker, smartphone or headphones or hi-fi via the bluetooth link. For you, we have searched for the best bluetooth turntables currently on the market, as well as a summary of what you need to know in order to find the model that suits you.

Audio-Technica LP60XBT 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Audio-Technica LP60XBT

The best bluetooth turntable in 2021

The LP60XBT from Audio-Technica is an excellent bluetooth turntable with an excellent quality/price ratio. Easy to set up, it is suitable for music lovers as well as for the average person.

159 £ on Amazon

Overall, the Audio-Technica LP60XBT enjoys a nice, functional design, with a matte black base and a sleek, space-saving construction. It's also incredibly light, weighing in at just 2.6kg, thanks to the extensive use of thin plastic. This bluetooth turntable has a fairly simple setup, but it does require some assembly before you can start spinning your records.

This is a model that can be wired to headphones or speakers. In pairing mode, an LED light flashes rapidly in blue and red, before lighting up in blue to indicate a successful connection. The sound stage is generally very warm, normal for a turntable.

Mersoco bluetooth turntable 2
7/10

Best entry-level

Mersoco bluetooth turntable

The best entry-level bluetooth turntable

The Mersoco bluetooth turntable is definitely one of the best models you can find for less than 100 euros. The sound will not make music lovers stand up, but it is more than correct.

45,59 £ on Amazon

The Mersoco bluetooth turntable is a bargain. For less than 60 euros on Amazon, you will have a well built device with acceptable sound quality. The carbon fiber tone arm is light and rigid, and usually reserved for much more expensive turntables. There are also other unexpected features such as the auto-return tone arm, the button to change the speed or the included phono preamp.

Despite the fact that the cradle seems somewhat flimsy and the sound is not detailed enough for some, its very affordable price makes up for the downsides. And the integration of the Bluetooth connectivity will convince you that this model also has a very good quality/price ratio.

Pro-Ject T1 BT 3
9/10

Best high-end

Pro-Ject T1 BT

The best high-end bluetooth turntable

In addition to the features of the basic model, the Pro-Ject T1 BT has a built-in phono preamp and a Bluetooth transmitter for wireless music streaming to your speakers or headphones.

359 £ on Amazon

The Pro-Ject T1 BT bluetooth turntable attracts first and foremost by its exceptional build quality. First, the base has no plastic parts and is carefully designed to ensure that there are no hollow spaces inside, thus avoiding unwanted vibrations. The heavy glass top emits no resonance.

In addition, the specially chosen feet of this bluetooth turntable also isolate the T1 BT from ambient vibrations. The sound reproduction is warm and very pleasant. Despite a little lack of contrast between loud and soft sounds, the Pro-Ject T1 BT displays an overall tonal balance. It should be noted that this bluetooth turntable is easy to install.

House of Marley Stir It Up 4
9/10

Excellent

House of Marley Stir It Up

Excellent bluetooth turntable

For music lovers and reggae fans, the House of Marley Stir It Up is worth considering. The Audiotechnica head, the aluminum platter and the antisakting will not fail to please the mix lovers.

175 £ on Amazon

The House of Marly Stir it Up is a vintage record player that is both decorative and functional. It creates a rather classic sound to amaze your listening sessions. This is due in part to its Audio-Technica pickup, counterbalance, antiskating and platter made of recycled aluminum. The phono preamp produces a rich sound with a low signal to noise ratio.

Equipped with a 33/45 rpm switch, this bluetooth turntable designed in tribute to the king of reggae has an RCA output, a switch for the preamp and a USB port for recording or digitizing your old records. Cover it with its cover when not in use.

Victrola Empire Expresso BT 5
9/10

Vintage

Victrola Empire Expresso BT

A very good vintage bluetooth turntable

The Victrola Empire Expresso BT is a vintage Bluetooth turntable that impresses with both its audio and technical qualities. This 6-in-1 stereo system is suitable for all types of use.

158 £ on Amazon

The Victrola Empire Expresso vintage record player has several features to suit all uses. It offers 3 speeds with a 78 rpm belt drive. There is also a CD player, cassette player, FM radio, bluetooth system and numerous 3.5mm auxiliary inputs.

With the bluetooth transfer system, you can listen to music from your tablet or phone. You can connect the device with other larger speakers through RCA Line Out audio. Around the dial of the Victrola Empire Expresso is an LED lighting that highlights the splendid golden hue.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best bluetooth turntable

Any specific needs?

The best bluetooth turntable in 2021

The best entry-level bluetooth turntable

The best high-end bluetooth turntable

Excellent bluetooth turntable

A very good vintage bluetooth turntable

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best bluetooth vinyl turntables

THE BEST CHEAPEST HIGH-END EXCELLENT VINTAGE
Audio-Technica LP60XBT 6
8/10
Mersoco bluetooth turntable 7
7/10
Pro-Ject T1 BT 8
9/10
House of Marley Stir It Up 9
9/10
Victrola Empire Expresso BT 10
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Audio-Technica LP60XBT
Mersoco bluetooth turntable
Pro-Ject T1 BT
House of Marley Stir It Up
Victrola Empire Expresso BT
The LP60XBT from Audio-Technica is an excellent bluetooth turntable with an excellent quality/price ratio. Easy to set up, it is suitable for music lovers as well as for the average person.
The Mersoco bluetooth turntable is definitely one of the best models you can find for less than 100 euros. The sound will not make music lovers stand up, but it is more than correct.
In addition to the features of the basic model, the Pro-Ject T1 BT has a built-in phono preamp and a Bluetooth transmitter for wireless music streaming to your speakers or headphones.
For music lovers and reggae fans, the House of Marley Stir It Up is worth considering. The Audiotechnica head, the aluminum platter and the antisakting will not fail to please the mix lovers.
The Victrola Empire Expresso BT is a vintage Bluetooth turntable that impresses with both its audio and technical qualities. This 6-in-1 stereo system is suitable for all types of use.
Type
Belt-driven turntable
Belt-driven turntable
Belt-driven turntable
Vintage belt-driven record player
Vintage belt-driven record player
Speeds
33/45 rpm
33/45/78 rpm
33/45 rpm
33/45 rpm
33/45/78 rpm
Built-in pre-amp
Connectics
RCA, 3.5 mm AUX output, Bluetooth
RCA, 3.5 mm AUX output, Bluetooth
RCA, Bluetooth
RCA, USB, 3.5 mm AUX out, Bluetooth
RCA, 3.5 mm AUX output, Bluetooth
Weight
2.6 kg
2.15 kg
3.8 kg
5.7 kg
9.8 kg

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Buying guide - bluetooth turntable

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How to choose your bluetooth turntable

Buying a bluetooth turntable is not a trivial investment. You will surely want to get your money's worth. To avoid regretting your purchase, consider the following criteria:

#1 - Turntable speed

There are generally 3 spinning speeds for a bluetooth turntable: 33-1/3 (or simply 33), 45 and 78 rpm. The speed of rotation represents the level at which the turntable gets optimum performance. The first turntables that came out, around 1925, worked best at 78 rpm and were bulky compared to later versions.

When purchasing a bluetooth turntable for your audio library, check its compatibility with the speed of the records you own. Most models only support two speeds, while others support all three spin speeds

#2 - Bluetooth capacity.

While the bluetooth experience is generally the same on all devices, the maximum range accepted by the bluetooth turntable will dictate how far you can connect to the turntable. If the distance listed is 10m, that means you can get a connection if the bluetooth device you are using to connect to the turntable is within 10m of the turntable.

Newer versions of bluetooth (4.0 and 5.0) may have faster data transfer speeds compared to older versions. When evaluating bluetooth capability, also check to see if the bluetooth turntable only supports bluetooth In or has both bluetooth In and bluetooth Out.

#3 - Turntable type

There are basically 2 types of bluetooth turntables today: direct drive models and belt drive models. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what they are in each will help you make a choice that suits the type of turntable experience you want.

On both types, the record sits on a component called a platter. It is this component that rotates as the record is played. The difference between the 2 types is the position of the motor in relation to the platter.

#4 - Stylus and platter

The stylus, also known as the needle, is the diamond-tipped cone-shaped component that rests against the disc and moves up and down between the grooves of the disc. It is inserted into the cartridge and is completely removable. To allow mobility, the stylus connects to the tone arm.

The platter is the platform on which the disc sits while it plays. In addition to holding the disc in place, it maintains the playback speed and serves as a cushion against noise - especially motor vibration, preventing that noise from reaching the stylus or tone arm and distorting the sound quality. The platter of your device should be firm and rigid. Choose one with a good weight because the heavier it is, the better it insulates the stylus from noise.

Be aware that the tray is usually made of acrylic, metal or MDF. Just weigh the advantages of each material against the others and choose what you think will provide the best sound experience.

#5 - Playback arm

The tone arm is responsible for producing the sound in the turntable. This component balances and moves the stylus through the groove as needed. When the stylus makes contact with the record grooves, it transmits vibrations through the wires inside the tone arm and onto the coils of the cartridge, where they are transformed into electrical signals. Also, choose a turntable with a tone arm that is rigid, but light enough to move freely.

#6 - Preamplifier

The preamplifier, also known as a phono preamp, is a type of amplifier specifically designed to amplify signals from the bluetooth turntable. It is a component built into vinyl turntables or as a stand-alone unit to be used separately. However, you will not find them in modern audio receivers, as they are only designed for record player signals.

What is a bluetooth vinyl turntable?

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A bluetooth turntable is a record player that connects wirelessly to a stereo system, bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones. This means that no cables are needed to connect the turntable. Bluetooth technology allows music to be played from up to 10m away.

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As you may know, vinyl decks play analog recordings. This means that the analog signals are recorded directly onto the media or grooves of the vinyl. What bluetooth vinyl turntables can do more than conventional models is change that analog signal into a digital signal. They digitize the signal while compressing it. To do this, you need a device called an analog-to-digital converter (DAC), which is found on all bluetooth vinyl decks.

If you have a normal vinyl turntable, in its current form, it will not be able to play music through a bluetooth speaker. In order to transmit a signal to a bluetooth speaker, you need to use a bluetooth transmitter. The bluetooth transmitter will be able to connect directly to your record player if it includes a built-in preamp, or to your external preamp.

A bluetooth turntable will always need speakers. The bluetooth capability does not replace the speakers. It only replaces the cable that connects the turntable to the speakers.

The question with a bluetooth turntable is: isn't it better to enjoy vinyl entirely in analog? Well, purists are totally resistant to using a wireless protocol like bluetooth because of the compression and sound loss. For them, it can compromise the warm, silky sound of vinyl. However, it will take a trained ear to hear the sonic differences between a turntable that connects via a cable and one that connects wirelessly.

Passing through a bluetooth protocol will not have a noticeable impact on the sound quality. So the quality offered by an entry-level bluetooth turntable will suffice for most people.

The different types of bluetooth vinyl turntables

The bluetooth turntable models currently available on the market operate either by direct drive or by belt drive. Here's what you need to know about these two types of bluetooth turntables.

Direct drive bluetooth turntable

In direct drive Bluetooth turntables, the platter comes into contact with the motor. As a result, the platter has a more consistent playback speed. Direct drive bluetooth turntables also have higher torque, which results in less noise distortion. You can also spin the platter backwards, DJ-style, for those scratchy sound effects.

Belt drive bluetooth turntable

On belt-driven bluetooth vinyl decks, the platter is attached to an elastic belt, which in turn is attached to the motor. This type of turntable has less torque and, therefore, less precise speeds. However, because the platter is isolated from the motor, very little of the motor noise reaches the tone arm. As a result, these turntables have better sound quality.

Freewheeling bluetooth turntables

Less well known and rare, it works like a direct-drive turntable, but has a rubber wheel connected to a motor shaft closer to the platter that turns it. It offers as much control as a direct-drive model, but is much harder to maintain, because of the many moving parts used and which are hard to find in case of failure. It also has the same torque as a direct drive vintage record player.

Bluetooth turntable or record player?

Bluetooth turntable

With a Bluetooth turntable, you don't need any external component to play vinyl records. Indeed, it is an all-in-one device composed of a turntable, a preamp, an amplifier and speakers. The bluetooth turntables are often compact models, therefore portable. A bluetooth turntable generally has more features and technologies on board than a vintage record player. The main drawback of a turntable is its fragility.

Turntable

Like a bluetooth turntable, a record player has a platter that spins the record. The pickup arm + cartridge captures the music engraved in the record. To play a vinyl record, a record player often needs a preamp, an amplifier and separate speakers. The main components of a record player are the plinth, platter, tone arm, cartridge and speed selector. Depending on the model, there may be additional components.

Verdict

The main reason why you should opt for a bluetooth turntable is that out of the box, you only need to insert the power plug on a mains to play music. On the other hand, if you value sound quality, opt for a turntable to keep control of the choice of preamp, amplifier and external speakers.

5 advantages of a bluetooth turntable

Easy to use

The main advantage of a bluetooth turntable is its simplicity. Once you've purchased your bluetooth turntable and taken it out of the box, all you have to do is plug in the power cable, enable Bluetooth detection on the turntable, connect a device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) and start your music.

No need for a Bluetooth adapter

If you already have a bluetooth speaker and are looking to buy a turntable, buying one with bluetooth connectivity will make it easier to set up the connection without the need for an additional bluetooth transmitter.

Pairing with multiple devices

If you have multiple bluetooth speakers and headphones, you can pair the bluetooth turntable with several of them. However, you can only play music wirelessly on one device at a time.

A tangible audio experience

Music lovers like to connect with their music, but not just through sound. They want a tangible experience like the physical album case on their hands, the smell of the vinyl when they take it out, and the feel when they put it on the platter. MP3s can't provide that experience, which is why some people still prefer vinyl.

To listen to really old songs for less money

A vinyl turntable makes it possible to listen to very old songs that have not been digitized at a low cost. Indeed, despite the popularity of various audio streaming services, not all music has yet been converted to digital format. This means, for example, that some jazz hits from the 30s may only be accessible with a bluetooth vinyl player.

The best brands of bluetooth vinyl turntables

In our opinion, the best brands of bluetooth vinyl turntables in 2022 are :

Audio-Technica
Pro-Ject
Cambridge Audio
Lenco
Sony

Audio-Technica is a specialist in consumer and commercial audio equipment. Its catalog includes headphones, microphones and turntables. For those seeking the highest quality analog sound, Audio-Technica offers elegantly designed belt-driven turntables.

Pro-Ject was founded in 1991 and manufactures various audio equipment and accessories. The company specializes in analog and vinyl turntables. It has an extensive catalog of vinyl turntables that cover all price ranges. Pro-Ject products are known for their excellent build quality.

Cambridge Audio is a British company that makes high-end audio equipment. Its bluetooth turntables are therefore more expensive than other manufacturers on this list. Incidentally, Cambridge Audio was the first company to incorporate wireless AptX HD bluetooth technology into a turntable.

Lenco has been synonymous with Swiss precision in Hi-Fi and consumer electronics for over seventy-five years. Lenco manufactures and distributes a full range of electronics using the latest technology, including speakers and bluetooth vinyl turntables.

In reality, Sony is not a major manufacturer of bluetooth vinyl turntables. Indeed, its catalog includes only one model, the Sony PS-LX310BT. However, this one is among the best on the market in its category. It is not included in our selection because of its unavailability, which stems from its huge success.

What is the price for a bluetooth turntable

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Optimize the placement of the bluetooth turntable

Bluetooth turntables are sensitive instruments and designed to work on a flat surface. The flatter the better. So, use adjustable turntable stands if you have them!!!

Make sure your cartridge is aligned

Each tone arm has some variation as to where the cartridge is mounted to accommodate different types of cartridges. Your bluetooth turntable usually comes with a setup gauge to help you place the stylus tip in the right spot. This will allow the cartridge to follow in the grooves at a right angle.

Make sure the stylus is properly in contact with your vinyl

The stylus should make proper contact with your vinyl. For obvious reasons, it should not be too hard. But it also shouldn't be too loose. If you set it too lightly, the stylus will bounce around in the grooves. This is not good.

Manual turntables usually sound better!

To produce an automatic turntable on vinyl decks, manufacturers add many extra components. The extra parts and gears control the movement of the tone arm and introduce points of failure that do not exist in manual turntables. In some cases, they also impact sound quality, and not in a good way.

Clean your vinyl before playing it

Many people think that hissing and crackling sounds are part of the vinyl experience. In reality, these sounds usually indicate that a record is dirty. To avoid these annoying sounds, clean your vinyl regularly.

FAQ

Does a bluetooth turntable need a preamp?

Almost all bluetooth turntables have a built-in preamp and do not require an external preamp. In fact, it would not be possible to run a bluetooth turntable without a built-in preamp, as the signal from the RIAA phono cell must be corrected before it is applied to the built-in Bluetooth codec. It is always possible to use an external preamp with a bluetooth turntable.

A bluetooth turntable can play all types of vinyl records?

Only 3-speed turntables can play all types of vinyl records (33, 45 and 78 rpm). By type, we mean the size of the vinyl. You will need to look for a bluetooth turntable that supports all three speeds if you want to be able to play any vinyl record you come across. There are plenty of them on the market. In fact, you'll find some in our buying guide.

How to pair a bluetooth turntable with a bluetooth headset or speaker?

First, you'll need to enable bluetooth on your turntable and your receiving device (headphones, earphones, bluetooth speaker), and then put them in "pairing" mode. On the turntable, it is generally enough to press the bluetooth button for a long time. Place the devices near each other and they should connect to each other automatically. The pairing process may differ slightly from device to device, so always consult the manufacturer's instructions.

My bluetooth turntable does not pair with the playback device?

If there are playback devices that support bluetooth wireless technology nearby with bluetooth enabled, but some of them are not the device you want to pair with, disable their bluetooth function and try the pairing process again.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Turntable and Record Player Setup Guide for Beginners, Blog.fluance.com
  2. How to choose your turntable? Questions to ask yourself before buying., Maplatine.com
  3. Buying guide: how to choose your turntable?, Fnac.com
  4. Best Bluetooth turntables 2021: put a modern spin on your vinyl records, Loudersound.com
  5. Best record players 2021: the best turntables for any budget, Techradar.com
  6. How to buy the best turntable or record player, Choice.com.au
  7. 10 Best Record Players and Turntables 2021 | The Strategist, Nymag.com
  8. Best Bluetooth Turntables: Top Wireless Record Players for Vinyl Fans, Rollingstone.com
  9. Complete Turntable Buying Guide | How to Choose a Record Player, Recordhead.biz
  10. Vinyl turntables - Buying Guide: what criteria should you use when choosing a turntable?, Boulanger.com
  11. Bluetooth Turntables with Built-in Preamp, son-video.com
  12. Bluetooth Turntable - Boulanger, boulanger.com
  13. Amazon.co.uk : bluetooth turntable, amazon.co.uk
  14. Bluetooth Turntable : Ranking of the Best ..., consolab.fr
  15. The 6 Best Bluetooth Turntables - 2020 Comparison, ecomparatif.fr
  16. Bluetooth Turntable: The 6 Best Models On The ...., platinevinyle.org
  17. Bluetooth Turntable : comparison, test and opinion ..., platine-vinyle-vintage.com
  18. Bluetooth Turntable : choose your turntable ..., vinyle-actu.fr
  19. Vinyl Turntable : Choose a quality Vinyl Turntable ..., cultura.com
  20. Bluetooth Turntable - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  21. Vinyl Turntable, Record Player - Free Shipping ..., darty.com
  22. Best Bluetooth Turntables : Comparison ..., test-et-avis.com
  23. Vinyl Turntable - buy/sell Turntable with Fnac, fnac.com
  24. The #10 Best Bluetooth Turntable 2021 Comparison ...., meilleurs10.fr
  25. Bluetooth Vinyl Turntables - Digital - Bluetooth - Phono ..., maplatine.com
  26. Bluetooth Vinyl Turntable - Vinyl Turntable, platine-vinyle.org
  27. Best Vinyl Turntables 2021 Comparison - The Blog ..., blog.son-video.com
  28. MAGINON® Bluetooth® Retro Turntable at low price at ALDI, aldi.fr
  29. Bluetooth Turntable - AND Bluetooth | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  30. Bluetooth Turntable - Music Instruments on Rue ..., rueducommerce.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Audio-Technica LP60XBT 11
Audio-Technica LP60XBT
Mersoco bluetooth turntable 12
Mersoco bluetooth turntable
Pro-Ject T1 BT 13
Pro-Ject T1 BT
House of Marley Stir It Up 14
House of Marley Stir It Up
Victrola Empire Expresso BT 15
Victrola Empire Expresso BT

Lecteurs

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