Best Record Players for Home Listening: DJ City Australia’s Top Picks (2026)
Buying your first record player should be the fun part. Then the questions start: does it need a phono preamp, will it connect to your speakers, and does Bluetooth send audio out or only bring music in? The best record player for your home is the one that fits the rest of your setup before the first record hits the platter.
I’ve put this shortlist together around five genuinely different ways to listen. My winner for most first-time buyers is the Audio-Technica LP60X. Press start and it handles the tonearm for you, while the built-in phono preamp gives you a straightforward path to powered speakers. I’d spend more on the LP3XBT if you want Bluetooth and a better upgrade path, or take the Audizio RP337W if you need the speakers in the box.
Disclosure: DJ City sells the products in this guide. The recommendations are based on current product information, manufacturer documentation and cited independent specialist reviews. Prices and stock can change, so check the product links for today’s details.
The best record players: quick picks
- Best for most beginners: Audio-Technica LP60X
- Best automatic step-up: Audio-Technica LP3XBT
- Best manual hi-fi starting point: Reloop TURN2
- Best record player with speakers: Audizio RP337W
- Best premium direct-drive pick: Reloop TURN5
Want Bluetooth without paying LP3XBT money? The Audio-Technica LP60XBT is the one I’d check next. It keeps the beginner-friendly LP60X design, adds Bluetooth output and still connects to a wired system.
Best record players at a glance
Swipe sideways to compare all columns.
| Model | Best for | Operation | Drive | Phono preamp | Speakers / Bluetooth | Speeds | What else you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica LP60X | Your first vinyl setup | Fully automatic | Belt | Built in, switchable | Speakers sold separately / No Bluetooth | 33⅓, 45 RPM | Powered speakers, or an amp and passive speakers |
| Audio-Technica LP3XBT | Easy use with room to upgrade | Fully automatic | Belt | Built in, switchable | Speakers sold separately / Bluetooth output | 33⅓, 45 RPM | Speakers or Bluetooth headphones |
| Reloop TURN2 | Building a manual hi-fi setup | Manual | Belt | No | Speakers sold separately / No Bluetooth | 33⅓, 45 RPM | Phono stage plus speakers and amplification |
| Audizio RP337W | Getting everything in one package | Manual with auto-stop | Belt | Integrated system | Wireless speakers included | 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM | Nothing essential beyond records |
| Reloop TURN5 | A premium direct-drive setup | Manual | Direct | No | Speakers sold separately / No Bluetooth | 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM | Phono stage plus speakers and amplification |
Stock note: Pricing and availability can change. Follow the product links for today’s details before choosing your turntable.
The best record players for home listening
1. Best for most beginners: Audio-Technica LP60X
The LP60X is the turntable I’d put in front of most first-time buyers. Press start and it positions the tonearm, plays the side and returns the arm when the record finishes. Its switchable phono preamp also connects directly to powered speakers or a standard line input, which removes one of the most common sources of confusion in a first vinyl setup.
Audio-Technica lists two-speed playback, an aluminium platter and a replaceable stylus. The trade-off is a largely fixed cartridge and tonearm setup. If you catch the upgrade bug, the LP3XBT, TURN2 and TURN5 give you much more to adjust. A TechRadar test of the Bluetooth version, which shares the same basic platform, praised its value and convenient setup while noting that the materials and sound reflect the price.
Why it stands out
- Start, stop and tonearm return are fully automatic, which is handy when you’re new to vinyl.
- The built-in phono preamp makes your first setup much easier.
- You can replace the stylus, and Audio-Technica offers an elliptical upgrade for the LP60X family.
Keep in mind
- This model is wired. If you want Bluetooth output, the LP60XBT is the version to check.
- The cartridge is integrated and the setup is largely fixed, so your upgrade options are fairly limited.
- You’ll need to add speakers to complete the system.
2. Best automatic step-up: Audio-Technica LP3XBT
I think the LP3XBT is worth the higher price if you want automatic operation now and a proper upgrade path later. You still press a button to start a record, but the adjustable counterweight, removable universal headshell and AT-VM95C cartridge give you room to experiment once you know what you want.
The current Audio-Technica specification also lists a switchable phono preamp and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support. Connect it to a wired hi-fi for everyday listening, then switch to compatible Bluetooth speakers or headphones when running a cable across the room isn’t practical.
Why it stands out
- You still get easy automatic operation, along with an adjustable tonearm and removable headshell.
- Wired and Bluetooth outputs give you a few sensible ways to fit it into your home.
- The VM95 cartridge family gives you a straightforward stylus-upgrade path.
Keep in mind
- It costs a fair bit more than the LP60X, so make sure you’ll actually use the extra adjustment or Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth is handy around the house, although a wired connection gives you the cleanest signal and avoids delay.
- You’ll still need speakers or compatible Bluetooth headphones.
3. Best manual hi-fi starting point: Reloop TURN2
I’d choose the TURN2 if you want to learn the hands-on side of a traditional hi-fi setup. You cue every record yourself and set the counterweight and anti-skating, while the removable headshell keeps future cartridge changes straightforward. The supplied Ortofon OM10 is a strong inclusion at this level too.
A detailed SoundStage! Access review found the TURN2 competitive among entry-level manual decks. The connection detail you need to know is simple: it sends a phono-level signal through RCA. Your amplifier needs a PHONO input, or a separate phono preamp belongs on the shopping list.
Why it stands out
- You get an Ortofon OM10 elliptical cartridge straight out of the box.
- The adjustable counterweight, anti-skating and removable headshell give you plenty to work with.
- Detachable RCA connections make it easy to replace or change the cable.
Keep in mind
- You’ll need to cue the stylus and return the tonearm yourself.
- Depending on what you already own, you may need a phono stage, amplifier and speakers.
- It plays 33⅓ and 45 RPM records. If you collect 78s, this isn’t your deck.
4. Best record player with speakers: Audizio RP337W
The RP337W is my pick when the turntable, amplification and speakers all need to arrive in one box. Its two rechargeable wireless speakers save you matching a phono stage, amplifier and separate speaker pair, and they can also play music from a compatible phone or tablet. For a living room where convenience matters most, that is a genuinely useful package.
This recommendation rests on Audizio’s documented package and connections; I couldn’t find a thorough independent listening test of this exact model. I’d choose a separates-based system if cartridge, amplifier or speaker upgrades are already part of the plan.
Why it stands out
- You get the turntable, amplification and two wireless speakers in one package.
- It covers 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM records and includes auto-stop.
- The wireless speakers give you more freedom with placement around the room.
Keep in mind
- The all-in-one design gives you fewer options when you decide to upgrade individual components.
- Check the correct stylus requirement before you play older 78 RPM shellac records.
5. Best premium direct-drive pick: Reloop TURN5
The TURN5 is the serious enthusiast pick here. Its quartz-controlled direct-drive motor starts quickly and holds speed accurately, while the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, adjustable anti-skating and vertical tracking angle give you plenty of control over the setup. Add the removable headshell and heavy metal chassis and the jump in price starts to make sense.
Hi-Fi Choice praised the TURN5 for its detailed sound, build and value, and Hi-Fi News published a review and lab assessment too. Just budget for a phono preamp if your amplifier doesn’t already have a PHONO input.
Why it stands out
- Quartz-controlled direct drive, a damped platter and a substantial chassis help keep playback stable.
- You get an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and plenty of tonearm adjustment for a serious separates system.
- It supports 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM, provided you use the correct cartridge and stylus for the record.
Keep in mind
- You’ll need a phono stage and suitable amplification.
- It’s fully manual and considerably heavier than the beginner models.
- There’s no pitch fader. If you plan to mix or scratch, have a look at a purpose-built DJ turntable.
Compare the featured record players
Current pricing and stock are loaded directly from DJ City’s catalogue.
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Free Shipping$279Audio Technica LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable – Black
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Free Shipping$1249Reloop TURN5 Direct Drive HiFi Turntable
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Free Shipping$499Reloop TURN2 Analogue HiFi Turntable – Black
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Free Shipping$259Audizio RP337W Record Player with Wireless Speakers – Wood
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Free Shipping$599Audio Technica LP3XBT Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable
How we chose these record players
I started with record players currently listed by DJ City and gave each place in the shortlist a clear job. I compared automatic and manual operation, drive systems, cartridge options, phono-stage requirements, Bluetooth direction, supported speeds and the extra gear needed to play a record.
I checked the specifications against current DJ City listings and manufacturer documentation, then cross-checked the broader advice with reviews and guides from What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar, SoundStage!, Hi-Fi Choice, Hi-Fi News and Audio Advice. I also looked at the questions that repeatedly catch first-time buyers, especially speaker matching, phono preamps, cheap all-in-one players and future upgrades.
The recommendations are research-based. Sound quality and measured-performance judgements come from the independent reviews linked beside the relevant turntables, while my verdicts focus on the setup, features and type of listener each model suits.
What should you look for in a record player?
Plan the complete system
The price on the turntable box may not be the price of the complete system. You could still need speakers, amplification, a phono stage and the right cables. Check what you already own and what comes in the box before one purchase quietly turns into four.
Automatic or manual operation
With a fully automatic model, you press a button and let the turntable position and return the tonearm for you. That’s pretty handy for your first setup, especially if the turntable is shared around the house and you’d rather keep fingers away from the cantilever. It’s also nice on those nights when you just want to put on a record and relax.
A manual deck asks you to pick up and cue the stylus yourself, but usually gives you more control over the tonearm, cartridge and setup.
Belt drive or direct drive
A belt-drive turntable uses a belt to spin the platter, with the motor positioned away from it. A direct-drive model places the motor under the platter, giving you quick startup and accurate speed control. You’ll find good home-listening turntables using both systems, so take the whole design into account, including the isolation, platter, tonearm and cartridge.
Cartridge, stylus and upgradeability
The stylus sits in the groove and the cartridge turns that movement into an electrical signal. When you’re comparing models, check whether you can replace the stylus, change the cartridge and adjust tracking force or anti-skating. A fixed setup is easier when you’re getting started, while an adjustable one gives you room to experiment once you know what you want from the system.
Built-in phono preamp
This is an easy detail to miss when you’re putting your first setup together. A turntable cartridge produces a very quiet signal, and a phono preamp, also called a phono stage, boosts and equalises it before it reaches a normal amplifier or powered speaker input. If you see a PHONO/LINE switch on the turntable, there’s usually a switchable preamp built in. A PHONO-only output means your amplifier needs a PHONO input, or you’ll need a separate phono preamp.
Check which way the Bluetooth signal travels
- Bluetooth output sends your records to compatible wireless speakers or headphones.
- Bluetooth input lets you play music from your phone through the record player’s speakers.
Check the direction before you buy because product pages can make this easy to miss. Bluetooth is handy when you want flexible speaker placement, while a wired connection gives you a direct signal path and saves you dealing with pairing or delay.
Record speeds
Most of the albums you’ll come across play at 33⅓ RPM, while singles commonly use 45 RPM. Older shellac records may need 78 RPM and a suitable stylus, so check both the speed and stylus before you put one on. A 78 RPM button by itself doesn’t confirm that the supplied stylus is right for shellac.
Stable placement and isolation
Give your turntable a rigid, level surface where footsteps and speaker vibration won’t shake it. If you’ve got bass-heavy speakers, put them on their own stands or furniture where you can. A few minutes spent getting the placement right can make a bigger difference than another feature on the spec sheet. The Audio Advice beginner turntable guide has a useful visual explanation of phono stages, tonearms, cartridges and isolation.
What else do you need with a record player?
Powered-speaker setup
For the shortest path from record to music, pair a turntable with a built-in phono preamp with a set of powered speakers. The amplifier is already inside the speakers, so the correct audio cable is usually all that joins the system together.
Traditional hi-fi setup
For a traditional hi-fi system, your turntable feeds a phono stage and an integrated amplifier or receiver drives the passive speakers. The phono stage can live inside the turntable or amplifier, or you can add it as a separate component.
- Audio cable: Many home turntables use stereo RCA cables. Check whether yours is fixed, supplied in the box or needs to be purchased separately.
- Phono preamp: You’ll need one when your turntable and amplifier both lack a built-in phono stage.
- Speakers and amplification: You can skip these as separate purchases when you choose a complete package such as the Audizio RP337W.
- Cleaning supplies: A decent record brush, stylus brush and suitable record-cleaning products will help keep dust away from your grooves and stylus.
- Replacement stylus: Find the correct replacement stylus for your cartridge before the original wears out, then you won’t be scrambling for one later.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best record player for a beginner?
I’d start with the Audio-Technica LP60X if simple automatic operation and an easy speaker connection matter most. Spend more on the LP3XBT if you want Bluetooth, an adjustable counterweight and a cartridge platform you can upgrade properly.
Do I need speakers with a record player?
Usually, yes. Most turntables are source components, so you’ll connect yours to powered speakers or to an amplifier driving passive speakers. A complete package such as the Audizio RP337W already includes a pair, which saves you putting the system together piece by piece.
Do I need a phono preamp?
You need a phono stage somewhere in the signal chain, although it may already be built into your turntable or amplifier. The LP60X and LP3XBT have switchable phono preamps. With the Reloop TURN2 and TURN5, you’ll need an external stage or an amplifier with a PHONO input.
What is the difference between a turntable and a record player?
You’ll hear the terms used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, a turntable is the source component that spins your record and produces a phono signal, while “record player” can also describe a complete unit with amplification and speakers. Manufacturers and retailers aren’t always consistent with the wording, so check what actually comes in the box.
Is a belt-drive or direct-drive turntable better?
You can get a great home-listening turntable with either drive type. Belt drive is common in hi-fi and helps isolate the platter from the motor, while direct drive gives you quick startup and precise speed control. Look at the complete deck, including its platter, tonearm, cartridge and isolation, then choose the one that suits how you’ll use it.
Is Bluetooth good for vinyl?
Bluetooth is genuinely useful when you need flexible speaker placement or already own wireless headphones. A wired connection avoids Bluetooth compression and usually makes more sense when you’ve built the rest of your system around sound quality. Realistically, though, a Bluetooth turntable can be the right call if the convenience means you’ll play your records more often.
How much should I spend on a record player?
Work out the cost of the complete system first. If you already own powered speakers, an affordable automatic turntable may be all you need. A manual hi-fi deck can become a much bigger purchase once you add a phono stage, amplifier and speakers, so spend your money on the features and upgrade options you’ll actually use.
Can a new record player play old records?
It depends on the speed and what the record is made from. Most new turntables cover 33⅓ and 45 RPM vinyl, while older 78 RPM shellac records need a deck with 78 RPM support and usually a suitable 78 stylus. Check the stylus before you play one because the standard microgroove stylus supplied with a turntable may be the wrong fit.
Can I DJ with these record players?
These picks are mainly for listening at home. If you want to mix or scratch, look for a purpose-built direct-drive turntable with pitch control, suitable torque and a DJ cartridge. DJ City’s Vinyl DJing 101 guide will take you through the gear and basics.
Find the right record player at DJ City
Still unsure whether you need automatic operation, a phono preamp or a complete speaker package? Have a chat with the DJ City team or drop into one of our Australian stores. Tell us what speakers or amplifier you already own and we’ll help you build a system that connects properly from day one.
Sources and further reading
DJ City guides
- DJ City: Turntable Buying Guide
- DJ City: How to Record Vinyl to Your Computer
- DJ City: Essential Gear for Turntable DJs
- DJ City: Vinyl DJing 101
- DJ City: DJ Controllers vs Turntables vs CDJs
Independent expert research
- What Hi-Fi?: Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by expert reviewers
- TechRadar: The best turntables for all budgets
- Audio Advice: Beginner turntable guide: setup, phono stages and cartridges
- SoundStage! Access: Reloop TURN2 review
- Hi-Fi Choice: Reloop TURN5 review
