Is Victrola a Good Record Player? Let’s Find Out!

This post contains affiliate links.

Victrola offers a wide range of record players for all types of listeners. The company has been around for over a century, so it definitely knows which products and styles people prefer. However, mixed reviews can make it difficult to know if Victrola offers high-quality record players or if they’re best left in the past.

Victrola is a good record player for beginners and children. The audio quality is mid-range, whereas the prices range drastically. Modern Victrola record players are affordable, while old-school ones are much more expensive and sought-after for their nostalgic collector’s value.

Throughout this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Victrola record players, including features, expenses, reviews, and more. I’ll also help you decide if these record players are right for you.

Are Victrola Record Players Good?

Victrola was founded in New Jersey in 1906. The company has used the same business model that made them a household name throughout the previous several decades. The fact that this brand has been around for over a century is a testament to its reliability, quality, and overall performance.

That being said, there are some who question Victrola’s modern record player lineup. The company doesn’t make the same wooden, hand-made record players they used to in the early 1900s. Furthermore, they’ve shifted toward making entry-level record players.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about Victrola:

Features

Victrola record players come in all shapes and sizes, including various models with unique features. However, if they don’t have the features you’re looking for, you might want to look at another manufacturer.

Here’s a list of the best features Victrola offers:

• Bluetooth streaming is built in on some Victrola record players. This allows you to connect your smart device to your record player for modern convenience with a classic appeal. You’ll enjoy the same high-volume output without needing any records to use your Victrola record player.
• Built-in radio receivers let you cycle through AM and FM radio stations. You can listen to your favorite sports stations, podcasts, or radio channels from your Victrola record player. This unique feature is extremely rare in many record players because it doesn’t require massive antennas and other dongles.
• Aux inputs. This allows you to plug your smartphone, laptop, MP3 player, and other devices into your record player.
• CD compatibility. Many Victrola record players include CD compatibility, which means you can forget about tossing your extensive CD collection. They play CDs with the same speed and quality as the records they use.
• Speed selections range between 33 RPMs to 78 RPMs for optimal sound and performance control. You can use these selections with records and CDs, so you can make all the adjustments you need. Victrola also provides speed recommendations to fit your records and other connected audio devices.
• 100 dB speakers use 50 watts to provide more than enough volume. For comparison, 100 dB is about the same sound level as a blaring car horn. These volume adjustments make a Victrola record player more than enough for outdoor parties, at-home relaxation, and everything in between.

Cost

Most Victrola record players cost less than $200. However, Our Past Times reports Victrola record players can range from $100 to $1,000 or more. Below, you’ll find five primary factors that affect the cost:

1. Nostalgia: Older Victrola record players are worth more money, especially if they weren’t widely produced. Victrola has a model designed after 1920s record players, but it’s still a modern appliance, so it doesn’t have the same value.
2. Quality: Materials and build construction both influence the final price tag of a Victrola record player. Metal and wood are the most sought-after materials, whereas plastic cuts corners and weight.
3. Capabilities: Modern Victrola record players with Bluetooth compatibility typically cost more than modern models that only come with basic features. Don’t forget to check if your records are compatible with your desired Victrola model.
4. Target Audience: Victrola makes record players for adults and children. Most record players intended for children are much cheaper for various reasons. Any Victrola record player designed for nostalgic purposes or for limited times is usually more expensive.

User Reviews

While any company will highlight positive reviews, it’s important to know what customers are saying outside of the company’s website. Victrola has over 700 5-star reviews on its website. However, many Reddit users share a different story.

For example, one Reddit user on r/vinyl explains that Victrola record players are known for scratching records after heavy usage. Many commenters agreed with these claims, though a sizeable amount of customers claimed Victrola record players are more than suitable for the average listener.

If you’re determined to get a Victrola record player, I highly suggest checking out the reviews for the specific model and year you choose. Remember, Victrola shouldn’t be compared to luxury-tier record players.

Music Quality

Victrola is often known to offer mid-level audio quality. It’s not the worst on the market, but it’s definitely not close to the best. These record players can wear records down after a few years. Furthermore, they don’t have the crystal-clear sound that you’ll get from better brands you come across.

However, Victrola record players have excellent volume controls. If you use the Bluetooth connection function, you can control the bass, treble, and many other features from your connected device. This process allows you to wirelessly customize your listening experience anywhere near your record player.

Victrola’s audio quality fluctuates depending on the make, model, and age of the record player. The company’s older record players have better sound quality, but they don’t always stand the test of time.

Who Should Get a Victrola Record Player?

People who should get a Victrola record player include first-time turntable owners, people with records that aren’t extremely valuable, and children who want to learn more about vinyl records. While Victrola might not be the highest tier compared to other record players, it definitely deserves a wide customer base.

However, Victrola record players aren’t for everyone. Not only do they pale in comparison to other high-end companies (Audio Technica, Sony, Linn, Rega, etc.), but they also don’t have the best reputation when it comes to using valuable records.

So, who are Victrola record players best for?

Budget-Friendliness

Unlike many top-shelf record player brands, Victrola offers record players with all sorts of price tags. Most of them are affordable, which is why so many people prefer Victrola over other brands. It’s also an excellent brand for those who want to stick with the same company from low-end to high-end record players.

If you’re looking to buy a record player as a gift for someone, Victrola could be the go-to choice for you. Their budget-friendly price tags and convenience makes them gateway record players to get people interested in the inner workings of this fascinating industry. Victrola is using reduced prices to breathe life into an older way of listening to music.

For example, the Victrola 3-Speed Vintage Record Player costs a fraction of the price of most record players with the same sound quality. It also comes with AUX inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and headphone compatibility. It’s made in over 10 colors, all of which fold up into a small suitcase with handles.

Quality and Reliability

Victrola and reliability are synonymous with each other. These record players last many years. In fact, some Victrola record players have lasted up to a century. They maintain their same condition and quality, provided they’re taken care of.

This company might not offer the highest sound quality in the industry, but it undoubtedly beats the majority of drop-shipping brands. Furthermore, Victrola charges the same prices as most third-party record player sellers while offering much better sound quality.

If you’re searching for a record player that won’t phase out after a few years, Victrola should be near the top of your list. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get mid-level quality and high-level reliability for the foreseeable future.

However, it’s important to consider other brands if you’ve never had a record player. Below, I’ll explain who should get a Victrola-brand record player.

Who Are They Best For?

If you’re in the market for a record player, consider Victrola if any of the following details apply to you:

• Victrola record players are excellent for children and teens. They’re not too expensive and they have enough features to familiarize youngsters with record players. They also have a classic look and feel that people want when looking for a record player.
• Old-school Victrola record players are often considered collector’s items. They’re one of the oldest names in the business, so it’s no surprise that many collectors want to get their hands on an older Victrola record player. Keep in mind that this stature doesn’t exist with newer Victrola record players because they’re so widespread.
• If you want to listen to music and you don’t have high-quality records, Victrola is an affordable option. While some people complain that Victrola record players scratch their records (especially the cheaper ones), it’s not that much of an issue if you’re using low-quality or inexpensive records.
• Victrola offers portable suitcase record players that are great for people on the go. These foldable record players have protective cases that prevent them from being damaged. They also come with handles to help you carry them around. If you love modern music with an old-school touch, Victrola is worth looking into.

Final Thoughts

While Victrola might not offer the best sound quality, its record players are ideal for people who want to break into the record player industry. They offer beginner and old-school, stylish record players, all of which Victrola backs with its countless positive customer reviews.

If you’re an audiophile or have an extensive record collection, you’re better off looking at higher-quality brands. You don’t want to run the risk of damaging your vinyls.

VacationVinyl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.