Best All-In-One Record Players Reviews

Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 – best overall

Electrohome has a century-long legacy in the realm of audio technology, and its expertise is embodied in many devices that have won the love of many users around the world. But the range offers exclusively budget versions of turntables, so take, rather, not quality, but functionality. Kingston 7-in-1 is no exception. The name speaks for itself, so there’s no guessing at cards; you’ll find more than you expect here. This model offers a record player with AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, Aux input, headphone output, and USB. The 3-speed belt drive turntable, equipped with a sapphire needle and complemented by four high-performance speakers, ensures a satisfying audio experience.

Of course, you can’t expect durability or high-quality parts from a player with so many features that costs a couple hundred bucks. But even with such a budget, Kingston 7-in-1 is not badly made. Buttons and controls are tight, but you can feel cheap plastic. The turntable parts, including the stylus (which is important because the included one is mediocre), are nameless and cannot be replaced. The tonearm, though metal, is quite light. The speaker makes a wheezy sound at a high volume but right at maximum. All this is quite expected and acceptable within the limits of its cost. If you treat the music center carefully, you can cooperate with it normally.

Its retro-modern design, with a warm wooden cabinet, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reduces vibrations and resonance, contributing to sound quality. A feature I particularly appreciated was the player’s ability to convert vinyl records or CDs into MP3 files. It feels like bridging a gap between the tangible warmth of analog and the ease of digital, allowing me to preserve some of my favorite albums in a digital format.

However, while the Kingston 7-in-1 excels in versatility, it’s important to note that its sound quality doesn’t reach the pristine clarity you’d find in high-end, specialized audio equipment. This isn’t a drawback exclusive to Kingston, it’s a trait shared by most all-in-one machines. They lean more towards the convenience of having everything in one place rather than chasing after that perfect audiophile sound.

When compared to the other turntables on our list – the 1byone H009, Victrola The Navigator, and WOCKODER – the Kingston 7-in-1 stands out for its balance of performance and design. The 1byone H009, with its stylish wood and metal build, offers great value but lacks the 7-in-1 functionality. The Victrola Navigator, while similar in features, falls short in sound customization. The WOCKODER, with its focus on anti-vibration and portability, offers a different appeal but doesn’t match Kingston’s comprehensive feature set.

1byone H009 – also great

1byone is also a manufacturer of budget turntables and audio accessories. So, the H009 model is also a great turntable that offers a more classic understanding of vinyl. Of the chips, it only has a built-in speaker that can receive a Bluetooth signal from your external devices, and it can’t compare in variety to the Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1. But that’s what it’s good for, as it offers better quality parts and reproduces analog sound better.

The H009’s design is immediately striking. It boasts a fusion of wood and metal, giving it a sleek, contemporary look and positively influencing its acoustic performance. The wooden elements provide a warm tonality to the music, while the metal parts add a sense of sturdiness and longevity. But let’s be honest: the parts are still simple, the controls are made of plastic, and the tonearm is unstable and requires constant adjustment. But you can replace the cartridge, which is a step forward compared to the Kingston 7-in-1.

Performance-wise, this model stands out with features typically seen in higher-priced models. The inclusion of a magnet-type cartridge and an adjustable counterweight allows for a level of customization in playing records. The diamond-tipped Audio-Technica stylus is a significant addition, renowned for its ability to extract detailed and clear sound from vinyl records.

When I first set up the H009, I was reminded that venturing into the world of turntables can be a bit of an adventure, especially for newcomers. Getting the tonearm balanced just right and familiarizing myself with the various settings required a bit of patience and tinkering. But once I got everything dialed in, the payoff was clear: audio quality was noticeably enhanced. There’s a certain satisfaction in hearing the smooth, stable rotation of the turntable, faithfully bringing each vinyl record to life, whether it’s a well-loved classic or a brand-new release.
The Bluetooth, while a convenient addition, is somewhat limited, offering only Bluetooth-In connectivity. This means you can play music from your devices through the turntable’s speakers, but you can’t stream audio to external Bluetooth speakers.

The player has an integrated amplifier for those moments when you want more than the built-in speakers offer. Plugging in a set of external monitors transforms the room with a broader soundstage and richer audio. It’s like switching from a cozy solo performance to a full concert experience right in your living room.

WOCKODER

WOCKODER offers a lower-priced alternative to the 1byone H009. The set is the same: vinyl turntable functions, built-in preamplifier, and built-in speaker. But you also get a headphone input, USB, and 3 record rotation speeds. What does it mean if you pay less and get more? That’s right: lower-quality components.

Even at a quick glance at both turntables, the WOCKODER’s cheapness is striking. Made of plastic, it can’t withstand vibrations, including those from the built-in speaker. The tonearm is flimsy and can’t be adjusted or replaced. Additionally, the cartridge is unbranded and non-replaceable. In summary, the lifespan of this model is solely dependent on your handling.

The Bluetooth connectivity is a convenient touch, allowing for easy streaming from various devices. This feature, coupled with its AUX input and RCA output, adds to the unit’s versatility.

The four full-range stereo speakers – a mix of two mid-bass and two dome tweeters – offer a pleasant experience. The sound quality, while not comparable to high-end audio systems, is quite fitting for casual listening. For example, when playing some classic rock albums, the highs and mids came through crisply, making it enjoyable for a relaxed evening in a medium-sized room like my living room. However, when I cranked up the volume for a more energetic playlist, say some contemporary pop or electronic music, the limitations became apparent. The bass wasn’t as punchy as I hoped, which might be a bit underwhelming if you love a deeper, thumping bassline in their music.

Victrola The Navigator

Victrola The Navigator’s incredible versatility is its strongest suit. The player shines in its ability to play and record vinyl to MP3. Additionally, it houses a CD & cassette player, FM radio and offers Bluetooth, Aux, and headphone connectivity, making it the best combo for those who love various music formats and value convenience.

In my time with The Navigator, I noticed its sound performance was quite fitting for everyday environments like a small living room or a cozy office. While the audio is clear and fills these spaces nicely, it doesn’t offer deep bass thumps you might crave in high-energy tracks. The absence of bass or treble controls means the sound remains consistent – think smooth jazz or soft rock filling your room with a steady, pleasant ambiance but without the extra oomph in bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic dance music.

One of the features that I appreciated was its ease of use. No extra stereo system or complicated setup is required, making it a great plug-and-play option for people who aren’t technically inclined. A remote control adds to the user-friendliness, although the lack of an on/off button can be a tad inconvenient.

Although I really love this versatile beast, some features fall short. The cassette player functionality is quite basic, which might disappoint enthusiasts of vintage cassette tapes. Also, the internal speakers, suitable for everyday listening, fail because there’s no option to connect external ones, restricting any enhancement in sound quality.