For some time now, vinyl has been making a strong comeback, and more and more people are jumping on this trend. That’s why Bluetooth turntables are also gaining popularity, as they offer a wireless way to enjoy analog sound.
Are Bluetooth turntables really a good choice?
A Bluetooth turntable is, first and foremost, a conventional turntable. It uses a diamond-tipped stylus that traces the grooves of the vinyl, picking up the analog vibrations of the music. That signal is amplified by a phono preamp and sent to an amplifier or a speaker system.
The main difference from traditional models is the integration of Bluetooth technology, which converts the analog signal into a digital one so it can be transmitted wirelessly to compatible headphones or speakers. This eliminates the need for cables and simplifies setup and installation, but it also results in some compromises in sound quality.
Advantages
- For those just getting started in the world of vinyl, a Bluetooth turntable doesn’t require you to buy amplifiers or wired speakers, since you can connect it to Bluetooth devices you already own.
- The lack of physical connections helps keep the space tidy and eliminates the need to set up a complex audio system.
- Some models also include wired connections, allowing you to switch between analog sound and the convenience of Bluetooth. In addition, they typically support music streaming from services such as Tidal, Amazon Music, Spotify, and others.
- There are affordable models, as well as high-end models that offer higher quality.
Drawbacks
- Bluetooth uses a lossy compression process. Although some codecs, such as aptX HD or LDAC, improve the transmission, none of them can match the pure sound of a wired connection. Therefore, the loss of sound quality is the main drawback.
- If wireless audio is a priority for you, you’ll need to make sure that both the turntable and the receiving devices are compatible with those advanced codecs to minimize any loss of sound quality, which could increase the price of the system.
Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping
Once you understand the pros and cons, if you decide to go with a Bluetooth turntable, you should consider choosing a model with replaceable cartridges for future upgrades, since a good cartridge improves sound quality.
The material of the platter also affects audio quality. Solid glass or acrylic platters are preferable to aluminum ones, as they reduce vibrations and improve stability.
On the other hand, if you’re a DJ or want to get started, go for a model with direct-drive. And if you plan to listen to vinyl at home, a belt-drive model is recommended, since it’s quieter.
Finally, keep in mind that some models may have a built-in phono preamp, while others require an external one. Choosing the right option will depend on your audio system’s setup.
All that’s left for me to do is recommend a couple of models that offer a good balance of quality, features, and price: the Yamaha MusicCast VINYL 500, the Muse Europe MT-207 DGB or MT-109 BTO, and the Gadhouse Cosmo Solar. Although there are many more options on the market.
