The Best Record Players & Turntables in Canada

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit SB is also the best turntable under $1000. 

Pro-Ject has made the top of line turntables for audiophiles since vinyl supposedly died in the nineties. Now that vinyl is enjoying its second wind, Pro-Ject remains atop many audiophiles lists for record players of choice, and the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit SB is an excellent choice for top-of-the-line audio.  

Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon line consistently sees upgrades and changes that keep it above most of its competition. This version adds electronic speed change (supporting all 3 major speeds record players need) and a heavy, non-resonant acrylic platter. The result is a staggering look and sound quality. With 33, 45 and 78 rpm speeds, this turntable can breathe new life into any record. With a high-end Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge and carbon tube tonearm commonly found in much more expensive record players, this turntable means serious business.  

Users are ecstatic with the sound quality the Debut Carbon Espirit SB provides. Users found set up was somewhat time-consuming and required expertise, so this is not a good choice for your first record player. While this is another record player that sacrifices details and features for sound quality, it is an incredible option for the higher end of available record players. 

If you are looking for an entry-level or inexpensive midrange record player, Audio Technica’s ATLP120X USB Direct-Drive Professional USB Turntable provides the affordable yet solid sound of the LP60X with more features to boot.  

The ATLP120X provides specs designed for an improved listening experience than other Audio Technica turntables offered. With an AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge, an S-shaped arm with damped lift control and a target light for cueing in the dark, the Audio-Technica ATLP120X provides better sound quality and listening experience.  

The difference that the Audio-Technica ATLP120X USB over other record players of its price range is its tools for music creators, as well as music listeners. DJs will love features like pitch control, a super responsive drive motor and USB compatibility. This turntable also boasts Bluetooth compatibility.  

Users were generally very happy with the features and sound quality that the ATLP120X provides in its price range. Some users found the build on the cheaper side, as the build is mostly plastic. Users also felt that the lack of height adjustment for the arm was a detractor as well. But overall, users find this a suitable turntable for beginners and more experienced music enthusiasts alike.  

A good turntable combines classic analog sound quality with modern features to get the most out of your vinyl. In terms of a starter turntable with solid sound and top of the line features, we recommend the Sony PS-LX310BT. 

This mid-range turntable provides a slew of features so you can enjoy your vinyl how you want. Firstly, this Sony turntable is automatic, allowing for easy stopping and starting where you left off mid-spin or taking the needle off the record once finished. We like these features with the Bluetooth capability, so you can enjoy your vinyl in any room in your house with either Bluetooth speakers or headphones, and do not need to rush back to the turntable when the album is done to prevent needle wear. The USB compatibility is handy for those who want to digitize their vinyl collection.  

The Sony turntable boasts a range of features that ensure quality sound: the tonearm is sturdily designed for stable playback, the aluminum platter improves stability, and the dust cover helps maintain your records and turntable longer. Different settings for 7 inch/12 inch and 33 rpm/45 rpm mean this turntable is compatible with most records. Probably the most important aspect that defines this Sony turntable as a mid-range one is little room for customization or adjustment, and with no counterweight or anti-skating forces on the tonearm, you are limited to Sony’s specifications. From user experience, this turntable provides good sound quality, so upgrading is not needed, but this is not a turntable for tinkering audiophiles.  

Users liked this record player’s automatic functionality, reserved style and sound quality, and overall did not have any issues with this model.  

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable is also our choice for the best beginner turntable. 

If you are a fledgling record enthusiast, you do not need to settle on a lower-quality record player or turntable when the Audio-Technica AT LP60X is available. People tend to agree – this Audio-Technica turntable provides the best sound for its price range. 

Audio-Technica delivers everything a turntable needs to deliver clear Hifi sound. A high-quality cartridge with a replaceable diamond stylus, counterweighted tonearm, and anti-resonance die-cast platter reduce and eliminate any unpleasant sounds cheaper record players make.  

Users were generally ecstatic with the sound and build quality at this price point. While the base version does not have Bluetooth compatibility, Audio Technica also offers the AT-LP60XBT, which adds Bluetooth capability at a higher price. Whether or not you need the Bluetooth capability depends on your intended use, as connecting a pair of Bluetooth speakers or headphones will increase the utility greatly.  

The Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 Record Player is also our choice for the best multi-function record player. 

If you are not just looking for a record player, but a stereo system that can play music well in any format, the Electrohome Kingston 7-in-1 has all the features you could want with the build quality that puts it above other multifunction setups. 

With a 3-speed turntable, CD Player, AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth, Aux-in and USB, the Electrohome does a lot. With so many cheap all-in-one record players on the market, it is not enough to do a lot of things – the difference is to do a lot of things well.  

While the turntable assembly is comparable to many of the cheaper record players – with a lightweight plastic platter, basic tonearm, and no real tracking weight adjustments – where this record player stands above the others is the speakers. With 4 quality front-facing speakers enclosed with an acoustically tuned cabinet, the Electrohome provides adequate volume with bass that other record players cannot replicate.  

The Electrohome provides USB compatibility for playback and recording capabilities to digitize your music. Bluetooth capability allows you to enjoy the room-filling sound from any type of format.  

Users were generally happy with the sound quality and price of this machine. Users found that the machine is adequate at playing vinyl, but some wish it was better in this regard specifically. However, for an all-in-one device, the Electrohome provides built quality and sound that we find puts it above the others.  

Some people want a record player and vinyl collection because they are cool – and I agree, they are. If you want a conversation piece and a record player that is vintage-inspired and visually striking, we recommend the VInYL MUSIC ON Turntable Record Player with Horn Speaker for its unique design. 

Recalling the gramophones of the past, the VInYL MUSIC ON player is unique with a decent sized horn speaker that takes up a minimal footprint. This time, with a modern twist – Bluetooth receiver functionality lets you play more than just records. If the speaker is not enough, you can connect speakers through the 3.5mm output. The record player can either be powered by a USB adaptor or AA batteries, perfect for enjoying your vinyl outside or on your patio.  

Users were mixed on the sound quality: some users loved the vintage, tinny sound the speaker horn provides, but ultimately, the sound quality is quieter and has minimal bass. Users had some success with hooking the device through speakers but recommended turning the horn down to the minimal setting, as having both on will produce conflicting sounds.  

Users found that they were dusting this record player more frequently than other record players as there is no dust protection. However, users seemed generally happy with this record player for its design and affordable price. Like other affordable record players, users found the needle poor quality and recommended upgrading this component as the stock needle wore quickly which could lead to damaged records.  

Many inexpensive record players sacrifice sound to ensure the record player is affordable. This might turn new users off of the format, but not all entry-level record players struggle. For example, the 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Stereo Record Player is an affordable option that users found sounded better than record players in its price range.  

The 1 BY ONE has some standard features that every beginner record player should have. Some of the more notable features include 3 speeds so you to play any format of records without breaking the bank, USB compatibility allows you to use the 1 BY ONE Record player as a speaker or to transfer your vinyl audio into MP3 formats, and RCA outputs allow you to hook up better speakers if you desire.  

Users like the wooden appearance of this record player and were generally happy with the sound quality of this machine, but noticed some buzzing at higher volumes. While the record player can plug into better speakers, users noticed that even at its’ lowest setting, the built-in speakers will still play. Users who went from other affordable record players like Crosley to this model noted the improvement of sound.  

The tracking force of this record player is on the heavy side, so it can wear down records faster. However, as a beginner record player, the 1 BY ONE overall delivers in settings, sound quality and price.  

Suitcase style record players have become quite popular (again) over the past 10 years or so, for the fact that they are small, portable and cheap. If you are looking for a budget suitcase-style record player, we recommend the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player for the machine’s affordability and easiness to use.  

The Victrola has many built-in features that make it a great all-in-one first record player. With three speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM), the Victrola is compatible with all the major vinyl formats. This Victrola record player is also compatible with modern music technologies, with Bluetooth and RCA auxiliary jack, but users reported that the Bluetooth in this system is limited to receiving audio, and cannot play records through Bluetooth speakers.  

The Victrola also has 20 distinct styles, so you can personalize your record player. Design-wise, the Victrola is aesthetically pleasing and can fold up when not in use to save space or so you can bring it along with you and enjoy records with your friends.  

The Victrola is certainly one of the least expensive options on this list which alone makes it perfect for many. Many users are happy to find a budget record player that looks great in their home. However, corners have been cut and the stock speakers are of poor quality. Users found the sound flat and the stock parts, like the needle and cartridge, underperforming and recommended changing these parts. Users particularly had issues with the stock needle, which is very thin and prone to skipping and can potentially damage records.