A portable turntable in the manner of a suitcase is a great and inexpensive way to listen to your long-forgotten record collection again.
There have been many different types and models of record players throughout the years. Some designers created car’s dashboard record players for superior sound or less vibration, but found them otherwise unworkable. Nonetheless, portable record players that can fit within a bag have weathered the test of time. The experience of listening to a record is what matters, not the fact that it takes a little longer to enjoy than streaming. Listening to a complete album on vinyl forces you to immerse yourself in the music in the manner the creator intended.
You can take your favorite records with you wherever you go with ease when you have one of the greatest portable record players, commonly known as suitcase turntables. Additionally, several models allow you to continue listening to music through Bluetooth from your smartphone after the record has finished playing. They’re perfect for young listeners or those just getting into record collecting.
The internal speakers do not have the same high-fidelity as an audiophile turntable setup (though most can be connected to external speakers by RCA or AUX), but they are loud enough for everyone to hear what is playing. A USB connector is an optional addition to certain systems, allowing you to transfer your vinyl collection directly to a computer in digital formats such as MP3 or WAV.
The top suitcase turntables and portable turntables on the market today are profiled here for your listening pleasure.
1. Music Public Kingdom Bluetooth Record Player
This sturdy player has two front-facing stereo speakers that can fill even a large room with sound. The model’s audio quality is enhanced further by the Audio Technica AT3600L magnetic cartridge mounted on a metal tonearm with a counterweight. To prevent damage to your records during playback, there is a lever to raise and lower the tonearm. The engineers placed the platter and tonearm on springs as a further measure against vibrations that may cause the needle to leap or skip. Secure latches ensure that it cannot be opened from the outside, but there is no outside handle. There are two playback speeds, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, and a felt platter mat included.
2. Victrola Vintage Suitcase Record Player
Record players are nothing new to Victrola. The company’s inception in the early twentieth century traces back to its production of gramophones and early exploration of recording technology. This lightweight player has three playback speeds and a robust carrying handle with chrome accents, making it easy to transport from one location to another. The built-in Bluetooth technology allows for wireless music streaming from up to 33 feet away. The device comes with built-in speakers, and there’s also an AUX port for connecting external speakers or headphones. It’s simple to maintain and available in over 30 different hues.
3. Feir Vinyl Stereo Record Player
The hardwood cabinet system, driven by a belt, is ready to use out of the box and can be transported easily. The inbuilt speakers are surprisingly loud and crisp for such a little player’s size. The Fair comes in a sturdy PU leather box with a built-in carrying handle, and it has three different speeds, a gentle damping control, a diamond-tipped needle, RCA/AUX-In, and more. The record player stops playing after it finishes playing the record and you can connect it to a computer via USB for later digitization. After that, you may lock the lid in place, grab the sturdy carrying handle, and go.
4. Popsky Vintage-Style Turntable
Popsky’s player weighs in at more than seven pounds, has a sleek vintage style, and folds up tightly. The machine can instantaneously associate with other devices through Bluetooth or an RCA connector, and you can start and stop a record with just a few clicks. The built-in stereo speakers are powerful and capable of reproducing a wide spectrum of tones. The inclusion of a USB connection is unusual for players in this price range, and it will enable you to convert your vinyl collection to digital files in MP3 or WAV format for safekeeping on your computer.
Why Go with a Portable Turntable?
- One major perk of portable turntables is its portability, allowing you to take your turntable with you wherever you go. You may take your vinyl records with you on the road, camp out, or listen to them at a friend’s home with the convenience of a portable turntable.
- Portable turntables have an easy installation process. Most versions have built-in speakers, which makes them great for novices or those who aren’t tech-savvy because they don’t need any additional equipment to get started.
- Portable turntables ooze vintage cool because of their little stature, vintage aesthetic, and analogue sound. They provide a quality of sound and feel that digital music formats just can’t match.
On-the-Go Portable Turntable Tips
- Placing a portable turntable on an unmoving and uniform surface is essential for optimal sound quality while listening to records.
- Take special care while handling records, since fingerprints and scratches may detract from their playing quality. Never put records down on a rough or dusty surface; instead, always hold them by their edges.
- Keep your records and turntable free of dust and dirt for the best possible playback. Before playing records, clean them with a record brush or anti-static cloth, and keep the stylus of your turntable clean using a stylus brush.
- If your portable turntable needs batteries to function, be sure to bring extras or keep it charged so that your listening session doesn’t abruptly end.
- Protect your portable turntable from scratches and other damage by packing it in a hard case or bag before you leave. If you want the turntable to last, avoid dropping it or treating it roughly.
- If you want the best sound quality from your portable turntable, you should use external speakers that are both compatible with it and correctly linked to it. You may customize the volume and tone to your liking and the current setting.
The Bottom Line
Portable turntables allow record collectors and music fans to take their vinyl with them wherever. When shopping for a portable turntable, it’s important to take into account the device’s dimensions, weight, power supply, speakers, and playback speeds. You may get durable and fashionable solutions from well-known companies like Crosley, Audio-Technica, Victrola, and Sony. If you want to have a great listening experience no matter where you are, all you have to do is take good care of your records and turntable, keep them clean, and move them carefully.
Finally, if you’re a vinyl record listener who likes to travel with your music, a portable turntable is the way to go. They provide a one-of-a-kind, genuine listening experience despite their small size, simple setup, and retro appeal. You can get the most out of your portable turntable and jam out to your songs wherever your travels take you if you give some thought to key features, top brands, and basic handling and maintenance guidelines. Have a wonderful time circling!
