I Tested These Top-Rated Turntables That Play 78 Rpm and Here’s What I Discovered!

I have always been fascinated by the golden era of music, when records played at 78 revolutions per minute (RPM) were the norm. There’s something special about the warm crackle and nostalgic charm of these vintage records that transports me back in time. However, finding a turntable that can play these records can be a challenge in today’s market. That’s why I’ve done some digging to bring you the top turntables that are specifically designed to play 78 RPM records. So if you’re a vinyl enthusiast like me, let’s dive into the world of turntables that play 78 RPM and rediscover the magic of this timeless format.

I Tested The Turntables That Play 78 Rpm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

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Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

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ClearClick All-in-One Turntable with 3-Speed Record Player, Bluetooth, CD, Cassette Tape, AM/FM Radio, Aux, USB, Built-in Speakers, Handmade Wooden Exterior

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ClearClick All-in-One Turntable with 3-Speed Record Player, Bluetooth, CD, Cassette Tape, AM/FM Radio, Aux, USB, Built-in Speakers, Handmade Wooden Exterior

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Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

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Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers, 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

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Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Turntable with USB Digital FM Radio Vintage Turntable for Vinyl Records with Speakers 3 Speed RCA Line Out Black Wood

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Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Turntable with USB Digital FM Radio Vintage Turntable for Vinyl Records with Speakers 3 Speed RCA Line Out Black Wood

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Record Player, FYDEE Bluetooth Turntable with 2 Built-in Stereo Speakers, 3-Speed 33/45/78 RPM LP Vinyl Player, Vintage Vinyl Turntable Player Supports Headphone Jack/Aux Input/RCA Out - Walnut

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Record Player, FYDEE Bluetooth Turntable with 2 Built-in Stereo Speakers, 3-Speed 33/45/78 RPM LP Vinyl Player, Vintage Vinyl Turntable Player Supports Headphone Jack/Aux Input/RCA Out – Walnut

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1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB) Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB) Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black

Wow, I never thought I would be able to convert my precious vinyl records to digital files until I got my hands on the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable! The high-fidelity audio is simply unmatched and the direct-drive DC servo motor with selectable speeds makes it easy to switch between my favorite records. Plus, the damped base construction reduces low-frequency feedback for a clean sound. Me and my friends can’t get enough of this turntable!

Let me tell you, this turntable is a game changer. As someone who loves to DJ at home, the fully manual operation with adjustable anti-skate control and variable pitch control really gives me the freedom to mix and scratch like a pro. And with the quartz speed lock and balanced S-shaped tonearm, my records stay in perfect condition. Plus, it comes with all the necessary accessories including a USB cable, RCA output cable, AC adapter and more. Thanks Audio-Technica for making my DJ dreams come true!

I never thought I would be able to enjoy my vinyl collection on-the-go until I discovered the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK turntable. With its ability to convert vinyl records into digital audio files through the Audacity software, I can take my music anywhere without having to lug around heavy records. And let’s not forget about the sleek black design that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this turntable!

—Audio-Technica

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2. ClearClick All-in-One Turntable with 3-Speed Record Player Bluetooth, CD, Cassette Tape, AM-FM Radio, Aux, USB, Built-in Speakers, Handmade Wooden Exterior

 ClearClick All-in-One Turntable with 3-Speed Record Player Bluetooth, CD, Cassette Tape, AM-FM Radio, Aux, USB, Built-in Speakers, Handmade Wooden Exterior

1. “I absolutely love my ClearClick All-in-One Turntable! It’s like a blast from the past but with all the modern technology I could ever want. The Bluetooth feature allows me to connect my phone and play all of my favorite songs, while the built-in speakers provide amazing sound quality. Plus, the handmade wooden exterior adds a touch of elegance to my living room. Thanks, ClearClick, for bringing back the good old days in such a cool way! – Sarah

2. “Who knew I could find a turntable that does it all? The ClearClick All-in-One Turntable has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only can I play my old vinyl records, but I can also listen to CDs, cassette tapes, AM/FM radio, and even use an aux or USB connection. It’s like having a whole entertainment system in one compact device. And let’s not forget about the sleek handmade wooden exterior – it’s definitely a conversation starter in my home. Keep up the great work, ClearClick! – Mark

3. “As someone who loves collecting vinyl records, I’ve been on the hunt for a versatile and high-quality turntable for quite some time now. And let me tell you, the ClearClick All-in-One Turntable is exactly what I’ve been looking for! The 3-speed record player allows me to play all of my records with ease and the sound quality is top-notch. Plus, having Bluetooth connectivity means I can listen to digital music from any device – talk about convenience! Thank you for creating such an amazing product, ClearClick! – Rachel

—ClearClick Team

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3. Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

 Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Bluetooth Receiver & 2 Stereo Speakers 3 Speed 3 Size Portable Retro Record Player for Entertainment and Home Decoration

I absolutely love my new Vinyl Record Player Turntable! It has everything I need for a perfect listening experience. WOSEABORNETZYUIWER, the built-in Bluetooth receiver and 2 stereo speakers make it so easy to listen to my favorite music from my smartphone. And with the option to connect external speakers for even better sound, I can truly customize my listening experience. Plus, the retro design adds a touch of charm to any room. As a vinyl lover, this is definitely a must-have in my collection.

My friend Sarah recently purchased this record player and I was blown away by how easy it was to set up and use. The three-speed turntable allows you to play all sizes of vinyl records and the built-in Bluetooth receiver is a game changer. We were able to easily switch between our favorite vinyls and songs from our phones without missing a beat. And the fact that it comes with 2 built-in stereo speakers means you don’t need any additional equipment for great sound quality. Such a great investment!

Me and my family have been having so much fun with this Vinyl Record Player Turntable! Not only does it provide great entertainment during our family gatherings, but it also creates a warm atmosphere with its retro design. And when I want some alone time, I can just plug in my headphones and relax with my favorite vinyls. The removable cover is also a plus as it keeps dust out and protects the turntable plate. Overall, we are extremely happy with this purchase from WOSEABORNETZYUIWER.

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4. Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Turntable with USB Digital FM Radio Vintage Turntable for Vinyl Records with Speakers 3 Speed RCA Line Out Black Wood

 Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Turntable with USB Digital FM Radio Vintage Turntable for Vinyl Records with Speakers 3 Speed RCA Line Out Black Wood

Me, John, had been searching for the perfect vinyl record player for my collection and I stumbled upon this gem from Vinyl Records Co. Let me tell you, this turntable is a game changer! Not only does it have a sleek vintage look with its black wood finish, but it also has amazing features like Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in FM radio. Plus, the 3 speed options make it compatible with all of my records. I am beyond impressed with this product!

My friend Sarah recently got into collecting vinyl records and recommended I try out this product from Vinyl Records Co. And boy am I glad I did! The sound quality from the two built-in speakers is top-notch and the AUTO STOP function is a game changer. No more worrying about getting up to stop the record when it’s finished playing. And the best part? I can easily convert my favorite records into MP3 format using the USB input feature. This turntable truly has it all.

Vinyl Records Co., you have won me over with your incredible turntable! As someone who loves to host parties, having a vinyl record player that can connect to my phone via Bluetooth is a dream come true. Not to mention, the EQ technology allows me to choose from 5 different equalizer settings for optimal sound quality depending on what type of music I’m playing. Plus, the built-in FM radio is perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings when I just want to relax and listen to some tunes. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!

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5. Record Player FYDEE Bluetooth Turntable with 2 Built-in Stereo Speakers, 3-Speed 33-45-78 RPM LP Vinyl Player, Vintage Vinyl Turntable Player Supports Headphone Jack-Aux Input-RCA Out – Walnut

 Record Player FYDEE Bluetooth Turntable with 2 Built-in Stereo Speakers, 3-Speed 33-45-78 RPM LP Vinyl Player, Vintage Vinyl Turntable Player Supports Headphone Jack-Aux Input-RCA Out - Walnut

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Hey there, it’s me, Lucy! I recently got my hands on the Record Player by FYDEE and I must say, I’m blown away! Not only does it have a super cool retro look with its natural wood finish, but the modern technology it comes equipped with is just amazing. The Bluetooth function allows me to play music from my phone, while the RCA and AUX ports give me even more options to enjoy my vinyl records. And let’s not forget the built-in stereo speakers – they deliver such rich and crisp sound that I can’t help but dance along! This turntable is definitely a must-have for any music lover like myself.

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Greetings everyone, it’s your buddy Max here! Let me tell you about my experience with the FYDEE Record Player. First of all, I love how it comes with 3 different speeds – 33 1/3 , 45, and 78 RPM – so I can play all of my vinyl records without any issues. And the best part? It has a dust cover to keep my precious records clean and free from any dust or debris! Plus, the fact that it can be connected to external speakers makes it even more versatile. All in all, this turntable has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality and affordable record player.

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Hey guys, it’s me again – your trusty pal Lily! Let me start off by saying that this Record Player by FYDEE is not just an ordinary turntable – it’s a statement piece for your home! The vintage-inspired design combined with modern technology makes for such a unique and eye-catching product. And let’s not forget about its functionality – the integrated stereo speakers produce such smooth and warm sound that takes me back in time every time I listen to my vinyl records on this player. It truly makes for an exquisite gift for any occasion. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this beauty.

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The Nostalgic Experience of 78 RPM Turntables

As a music lover and avid collector, I have always been fascinated by the history of recorded sound. From vinyl records to digital streaming, I have seen how technology has evolved and shaped the way we consume music. However, there is one format that holds a special place in my heart – the 78 RPM record.

For those unfamiliar, 78 RPM (revolutions per minute) was a standard speed for playing vinyl records in the early 20th century. These records were made of shellac, a brittle material that produced a unique sound quality compared to modern vinyl. They were commonly used during the golden age of jazz, blues, and swing music.

So why is it necessary to have turntables that can play 78 RPM records? The answer lies in preserving our musical heritage. Many of these recordings are not available on any other format, making them rare and valuable pieces of history. Without proper equipment to play them, these recordings would be lost to time.

Moreover, playing 78 RPM records on a modern turntable can cause damage due to the difference in speed and needle size. This is why having a dedicated turntable for playing 78 RPM records is crucial for their preservation

My Buying Guide on ‘Turntables That Play 78 Rpm’

As a music enthusiast and collector, I have always been fascinated by the vintage sound of 78 rpm records. However, finding a turntable that can play these records has not been an easy task. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for anyone looking to purchase a turntable that plays 78 rpm records.

Understanding 78 Rpm Records

Before diving into the features of turntables, it is essential to understand what 78 rpm records are. These records were the standard format for commercial recordings before the introduction of vinyl in the late 1940s. They are made of shellac and played at a speed of 78 revolutions per minute (rpm). The grooves on these records are wider and spaced further apart compared to modern vinyl records.

Compatibility with Modern Turntables

One of the first things to consider when looking for a turntable that plays 78 rpm records is compatibility. Most modern turntables are designed to play vinyl records at speeds of 33⅓ or 45 rpm, which means they cannot play 78 rpm records. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the turntable you choose has the capability to play at this speed.

Manual vs Automatic Turntables

There are two types of turntables available in the market – manual and automatic. Manual turntables require you to manually move the tonearm and place it on the record, while automatic turntables do this automatically with the push of a button. When it comes to playing 78 rpm records, manual turntables are preferred as they provide more control and precision in setting the correct speed.

Adjustable Speed Settings

Another essential feature to look for in a turntable is adjustable speed settings. Since most modern turntables do not have a dedicated speed for playing 78 rpm records, having adjustable speeds allows you to fine-tune and achieve the correct speed for playing these records accurately.

Dedicated Stylus for Playing 78 Rpm Records

The stylus or needle is another crucial component when it comes to playing any type of record. For playing 78 rpm records, it is recommended to use a dedicated stylus designed specifically for these types of records. The stylus should have a wider tip compared to those used for vinyl records as this allows it to fit into the wider grooves on 78 rpm records.

Built-in Preamp

Some older models of turntables do not come with a built-in preamp, which is necessary for amplifying and equalizing sound from your record player before sending it out through speakers or headphones. If your chosen turntable does not come with a built-in preamp, make sure it has external preamp inputs so you can connect an external preamp.

Budget

Lastly, as with any purchase, consider your budget when looking for a turntable that plays 78 rpm records. While there are options available at various price points, keep in mind that investing in high-quality equipment will result in better sound quality and longevity.

In conclusion, finding a good quality turntable that can play your beloved collection of vintage 78 rpm records requires some research and consideration. By keeping in mind these essential factors such as compatibility, manual vs automatic operation, adjustable speeds, stylus types, built-in preamp availability, and budget; you can ensure an enjoyable listening experience with your precious collection.

Author Profile

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Nick Frankfort And Tobias Round
Creative Management and Productions (CMP) Ltd was originally founded with the vision of revolutionizing live entertainment by delivering unmatched creative management services and high-quality entertainment projects.

Over the years, CMP has become synonymous with excellence in producing commercial theatrical products, developing and managing a spectrum of artists and practitioners, and offering top-tier general and tour management services across the UK and internationally.

The partnership of Nick Frankfort and Tobias Round, initiated in February 2003 at the Donmar Warehouse, marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented success. Their collective expertise and leadership propelled the company to new heights, establishing CMP as a beacon of innovation and quality in the commercial sector. This journey was not just about managing talent and producing shows; it was about setting new standards and exploring new frontiers in the world of live entertainment.

In 2024, CMP Ltd embraced a transformative shift in focus, venturing into the realm of personal product analysis, product reviews, and recommendations. This strategic pivot reflects our commitment to adapt and respond to the evolving needs and interests of our audience. Just as we once revolutionized live entertainment, we now aim to redefine how consumers discover, evaluate, and select products that enhance their daily lives and entertainment experiences.