Which Victrola turntable is right for me?
Vinyl has made a comeback, and in a big way.
What looked like a niche comeback that was only a thing in vintage shops and shopping-mall stores where the ‘cool’ high school kids hang out, has become a reliable presence in how people—especially younger listeners—engage with music while simultaneously being an accessible way for indie artists to take control of their own careers and monetize their super fans.
Streaming might be more convenient, but it doesn’t offer that physical connection. Plus, the fact that the big faces in the streaming game continue to prove how disconnected they are from the artists who make the “content” on their platforms *cough cough,* it’s no wonder fans and artists alike are flocking back to vinyl.
At Victrola, our goal is to make the transition back to physical listening easy, so you can ride this wave with us by providing a straightforward and reliable way to enjoy records without the guesswork.
In this article, we’ll walk through why so many people start their vinyl experience with us; whether it’s about usability, dependable sound, clean designs, wireless compatibility, or a price range that actually fits your budget so you can understand why we’ve been doing what we do for as long as we’ve been doing it.
Where They Come From, and Where They’re At
Victrola has been making turntables for over a century, starting with some of the first in-home phonographs. That kind of history is reflected in how we approach the products we release to this day. We focus on making listening intuitive and more enjoyable for people who want vinyl in their lives without necessarily turning it into their entire lifestyle (though we have options for those music lovers too).
It sounds obvious when you say it out loud, but our turntables are designed for use, which makes our main goal straightforward: simple setup, dependable performance, and formats that fit into everyday homes.
People choose Victrola because the gear fits into real spaces and real habits. Whether that’s playing a record on the shelf in your living room or running vinyl wirelessly through your Bluetooth or Sonos system, we make sure it all just works.
That’s been our approach since the beginning, and it still drives everything we build.
Getting Set Up Without the Hassle
For a lot of people, the biggest issue with getting into vinyl is the setup itself.
Full turntable rigs can be confusing if you're not already deep into gear culture. You don't want to buy three extra components before you even get to hear a record. That upfront complexity often deters many people, especially if you’re already jaded because that broken record player from your Nan tore apart your favorite collector’s vinyl, and you’re skeptical about giving even new machines a try.
We saw that problem early on, so we focused on making the first step easier, which was the guiding principle behind the Re-Spin, which strips things down to the essentials—compact size, three speeds, built-in speakers, and it's made from recycled plastic. It's not pretending to be anything fancy. It’s here to play records out of the box and make vinyl something for someone who just wants to get started.
If you're looking for something with a little more style, the Journey series leans into that retro suitcase format. It features Bluetooth input, RCA output, and a manual tonearm, so you’re not limited once you become more confident. The Journey Glow features lighting and wireless output via VINYLSTREAM, which some people find enjoyable for casual setups or small spaces. None of these are over-engineered, and they’re not trying to trick anyone into thinking they’re high-end, which is why they’re so popular among the modern community of vinyl lovers.
What's the throughline here? Even 100+ years of doing this, we’ve learned that no-hassle jamming is a game-changer for those new to our world.
We build each model with sound that matches how it’s meant to be used.
For users seeking greater mobility without compromising fidelity, the Revolution GO features a 12-hour rechargeable battery, anti-vibration housing, and a custom-tuned speaker and component quality tailored to the specific use case.
If you’re looking to start investing in a dedicated room or space, you can sacrifice a bit of portability for style and sound quality. Step up to the Eastwood Signature and you’ll find refinements in cabinet design and improved tonal accuracy, tailored for small living rooms or bedroom setups.
And to cap it all off, we have the belle of the ball: the Stream Carbon, which features an aluminum tonearm, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, metal platter, and RCA output, while also enabling wireless Wi-Fi playback through Sonos.
Of course, sound isn’t the only factor. Design and footprint matter too—especially in smaller spaces where each room serves multiple purposes. That’s why every record player we offer has a distinct visual style. Not every model will suit everyone’s aesthetic, but there is definitely at least one that will match your setup and feel personal to you.
Turntables That Actually Fit Your Space
We design turntables that work with how and where people actually live, which is kind of what we were hinting at in the last paragraph of the previous section. Our catalog features models for small apartments, modern living rooms, and home audio setups that require flexibility.
Let’s discuss some of the standout options with distinctive designs.
- Hi-Res Onyx: A clean, Bluetooth-enabled turntable that balances serious audio with an approachable setup.
- Harmony Turntable System: A streamlined all-in-one stereo setup that simplifies listening at home.
- Empire Wood Record Player: A classic design that blends vintage looks with modern convenience.
Let’s get a bit into the weeds for each.
The Hi-Res Onyx is designed for individuals who value sound quality but prefer a straightforward setup. It features an aluminum tonearm, an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge, and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, allowing you to stream records wirelessly in high resolution. You can also use the RCA outs if you prefer to run it through your existing setup.
It’s a great option for apartments or home offices where clean design and modern gear matter. The matte black finish and minimalist layout make it a visually easy fit, while the removable headshell and adjustable counterweight give it real staying power.
The Victrola Harmony turntable system reimagines mid-century charm with modern versatility, delivering a rich, room-filling stereo experience that’s as stylish as it is satisfying. Whether you're spinning vintage vinyl or streaming playlists, Harmony brings warmth and clarity to every note.
Featuring the precision of an Audio-Technica ATN3600L cartridge and Victrola’s exclusive VINYLSTREAM™ Bluetooth output, you can wirelessly play your records through Bluetooth speakers or headphones, or plug in via RCA and aux for a custom setup. This one suits well in shared spaces or smaller homes where convenience is just as important as aesthetics.
Empire Vintage Wood Record Player
The Empire incorporates that nostalgic design language while adding Bluetooth, a built-in CD player, and an FM tuner. It features a built-in speaker, making it fully self-contained, and the wood cabinet lends it a visual presence that suits living rooms or dens, where the gear doubles as decor.
It’s a good fit for someone who wants vinyl as part of a broader media setup, especially if you’re still holding onto CDs or like having a radio around. It’s not trying to be minimal—it’s meant to be seen and used.
Now we get into the fun questions, whether or not our modern tech and the bells and whistles it brings are even required in your setup.
Wired When You Need It, Wireless When You Want It
Many buyers want vinyl without the cabling headaches. Our higher-end models integrate cleanly into modern wireless setups. The Stream Onyx and Stream Carbon use Wi-Fi to stream directly to Sonos speakers and support app-based controlfor the modern audiophile who is also a tech-head. You still get RCA outputs if you want to go the traditional route, so nothing’s locked in. They also use Wi-Fi to stream directly to Sonos speakers and support app-based control. RCA outputs are still available for direct speaker hookups, and the best part is that we offer factory-refurbished models at discounted rates.
For more casual setups, the aforementioned Journey Glow supports Bluetooth output to external speakers. Other models in the range, such as the Empire, offer multiple input/output configurations, including RCA, Bluetooth receive, headphone out, and auxiliary in.
Connectivity matters, but it’s not everything—especially if you’re moving your gear around or want something with a lighter footprint, and it’s this flexibility which made Victrola’s record players so accessible and, dare we say, popular.
What You Get at Each Price Point
We’ve already broken down a ton of the benefits of a wide range of our record players throughout this piece, so we need to dive back into the weeds any more than necessary but, let’s be honest, affordability is often one of the defining qualities of any product these days and we always aim to over deliver on this in spades.
To put our money where our mouth is, let’s break down the various pricing brackets of many of our most popular products that match real-life listening needs at every level:
- Under $130: Journey, Journey Glow, Re-Spin – Practical for casual listening, gifts, or entry-level users.
- $130–$200: Revolution GO, Eastwood – Best for mobile listening or a step up in fidelity and build.
- $200–$350: Quincy, Empire – Ideal for those seeking a central listening hub that supports multiple audio formats.
- $600+: Stream Onyx, Stream Carbon – Built for listeners using powered speakers or Sonos, prioritizing audio quality and future-proof connectivity
When choosing a turntable, the main variables to weigh are intended use, sonic expectations, living space, desired outputs, and budget. We’ve built our ecosystem to support those variables without making things more complicated than necessary.
Additional options, such as compatible Bluetooth speakers or dedicated audio furniture, make it easier to complete a home setup that feels intentional. Whether you're playing records in your bedroom or routing vinyl through a Sonos system, our setups are built to grow with you, whether you're just starting or building around an existing system.
