Valet.

Wednesday,
May 20th Edition

Presented by

MR PORTER

Presented by

MR PORTER
Cory Ohlendorf

This is true: A good record player changes the whole vibe of a room. So if you don’t have one, but are considering it, we’ve got you covered.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

 

Good/Better/Best

Record Players

You don’t need us to tell you that there’s something undeniably cool about having a record player in your living room. Not in a forced, “look at my vinyl collection” kind of way, but because it changes how you listen to music entirely. Instead of treating songs like background noise, you actually engage with them. You put a record on, sit down and let an album play the way it was meant to be heard: straight through, no skipping around, no bouncing between playlists every 30 seconds. It slows the whole room down in the best possible way.

And unlike most tech products, a turntable actually adds something visually to your space. A good one becomes part of the room itself—sitting on a credenza beside a stack of records, quietly making the room feel warmer and more personal. It serves as a reminder to slow down. That tactile ritual of flipping through albums, dropping the needle and hearing that first crackle before the music starts? It’s part nostalgia, part design statement and part excuse to unplug for an hour.

Of course, not every record player gets the balance right. Some look great but sound flat. Others deliver impressive audio while resembling lab equipment. The sweet spot is finding one that feels intentional from every angle: rich sound, reliable playback and enough aesthetic presence to justify the square footage it takes up. But we didn’t want to get too complicated. We’re talking about all-in-one record players, not proper turntables. But these are the best options at every level.

 
Good  

Simple Starter

+ 3–Speed turntable (33 1/3, 45 & 78 RPM)

+ Mid-century-inspired silhouette with compact footprint and straightforward controls

+ Bluetooth connectivity and RCA outputs for upgrades later

+ A good looking gateway into vinyl that looks far more expensive than it is

Crosley Miles record player, $119 / $81.84 at Amazon

 
 
Better  

Solid Sound

+ Belt drive system and DC servo motor can make the die casting aluminum platter turntable rotate at 33 1/3 or 45 RPM

+ The speakers have separate woofers and tweeters that produce a full, balanced sound

+ Outfitted with one knob for volume control and one knob for speed switching and Bluetooth output

+ The sweet spot for most, offering better audio quality without audiophile complexity

Angels Horn High fidelity record player, $239.98 at Amazon

 
 
Best  

Sleek Style

+ - A sharp, substantial build with classic hi-fi styling and a belt-driven turntable system rotating at 33 1/3 or 45 RPM

+ Straight aluminum tonearm with factory-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge

+ Illuminated front-panel displays power setting, source selection and volume control

+ The controls are slightly more involved but still accessible for casual listeners and allows you to build a listening setup around it

AudioSource Bluetooth record player, $399.99 / $299.99 at Crutchfield

 
 

Other Picks Worth a Look

Victrola Journey II record player, $69.99 / $59.99 at Amazon

 

Arkrocket Huygens record player, $209.99 at Best Buy

 

Philips All-in-one record player, $299 / $199.99 at Amazon

 

Partner

MR PORTER’s New
Japanese Capsule
Is a Masterclass in Style

If you haven’t gotten to Tokyo yet, don’t worry. MR PORTER’s new Japanese capsule collection is the next best thing to a personal buying trip. Featuring nearly two dozen labels that define modern Japanese style—from storied heritage brands to boundary-pushing newcomers—it captures the quiet intentionality that makes getting dressed in Japan feel fundamentally different. The MR PORTER team says that what they love about Tokyo is that style there isn’t performative, it’s instinctive. A mechanic grabbing lunch or a shopkeeper sweeping the sidewalk somehow looks more considered and cool than most men out there. That sensibility comes from a culture rooted in craftsmanship, proportion and an appreciation for how clothing evolves with wear. Herewith, a few of our favorite pieces.

Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 

Weighty but soft, Todd Snyder's popular Hollywood shirt is made in Italy and has a brushed finish with the "peached" feel of suede, along with a luxurious, subtle sheen.

$248 / $179
by Todd Snyder

 

The timeless black and white checkerboard gets a textural interpretation with this shaggy checkerboard rug that lends a dynamic take to a crisp pattern.

$349 / $279
by UO

 

Outfitted with Poron Embrace insoles for advanced all-day comfort, these lightweight suede loafers look as good as they feel.

$425 / $199.98
by Allen Edmonds

 

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