Introduction
Vinyl is incredibly popular these days. If you’re new to the world of vinyl and thinking about buying a turntable, you’ve probably noticed that many of the top turntables now offer Bluetooth connectivity. But is a Bluetooth turntable the right choice for you? Let’s find out.
What are Bluetooth turntables?
A Bluetooth turntable is, at its core, a regular record player. It plays records using a diamond-tipped needle that follows the grooves on a vinyl record. These grooves contain analog vibrations, which are picked up and amplified.
Traditional turntables need wires and speaker cables to transfer the analog signal. Bluetooth turntables, on the other hand, can convert and compress this analog signal into a digital one. This allows them to send the signal wirelessly to Bluetooth devices like headphones, speakers, or receivers.
Who should get a Bluetooth turntable?
If you’re new to vinyl and don’t have all the necessary analog components like an amplifier and speakers, a Bluetooth turntable could be a great option. It’s likely that you already have a Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones at home that you can connect to the turntable.
If you’re not too concerned about audiophile-level sound quality, this setup can be a cost-effective way to start enjoying your vinyl collection. And if you don’t have a Bluetooth speaker, there are many affordable Bluetooth – capable powered bookshelf and floorstanding speakers available. Some of these speakers also offer wired connectivity, so you can explore different audio qualities.
Price – wise, Bluetooth turntables are usually only a bit more expensive than non – Bluetooth ones. You can find budget options for less than a couple hundred dollars, but higher – end models can cost several thousand.
Who shouldn’t get a Bluetooth turntable?
While Bluetooth turntables offer wireless convenience, they come with a trade – off in terms of sound quality. Bluetooth uses “lossy” compression, which means it can’t convert the full analog information from a vinyl record into a digital signal without losing some data.
Although some Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD and aptX Adaptive can do a better job of conversion, none of them can match the “lossless” quality of wired, uncompressed analog vinyl. If you’re an audiophile who demands the best sound quality from your vinyl records, a Bluetooth turntable may not be for you.
How to choose a Bluetooth turntable?
There are many great brands that make Bluetooth turntables, such as Audio – Technica, Pro – Ject, Cambridge Audio, Lenco, and Victrola. When shopping for one, first consider your budget. Then, look at the quality of the turntable’s parts. The cartridge is especially important, and it’s better if it’s upgradeable. Brands like Audio – Technica, Ortofon, Grado, and Nagaoka are known for their quality cartridges.
Also, think about the platter material (solid glass or acrylic is better than aluminum) and the overall build quality. Decide whether you want a direct – drive (good for DJs) or belt – drive (quieter, preferred by audiophiles) turntable, and whether you need a built – in or external phono preamp.
Regarding Bluetooth capabilities, if sound quality matters to you, avoid turntables with the basic SBC codec. Instead, choose one with aptX, aptX HD, or Sony’s LDAC codecs (if you have compatible Sony gear). Just remember that these will cost more, and the receiving device’s Bluetooth codec should match the turntable’s.
Recommendations
One great option is the Audio – Technica AT LP70XBT. Priced at $249, it’s perfect for beginners. It has a great sound, a built – in preamp, and an upgradeable stylus.
If you have more to spend, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is an audiophile – grade turntable. However, it’s a bit hard to find and costs $1,500. A more affordable alternative is its belt – driven sibling, the Cambridge Audio Alva ST, which costs $600. It has similar features, including switchable aptX HD streaming and a capable cartridge.
There are many other Bluetooth turntables out there. We hope these recommendations help you find the perfect one for your needs and budget. Happy listening!