Amazon Basics Turntable with Bluetooth Review

When it comes to sound quality, the Amazon Basics Turntable with Bluetooth has its limits. The built-in speakers are okay for casual listening, but they quickly cap out in terms of fidelity. If you’re expecting rich, full sound, you might be disappointed; the audio tends to be thin and lacks depth, especially when cranked up.

Bluetooth connectivity is a fun feature for casual listening, but it doesn’t magically enhance the analog experience. It’s more about convenience than sound fidelity. If you’re a vinyl enthusiast looking for vibrant, detailed playback, you’ll definitely want to consider upgrading to external speakers sooner rather than later.

The build quality of the Amazon Basics turntable feels basic, to say the least. It’s lightweight and portable, which is great for small spaces, but it doesn’t inspire confidence in long-term durability. The plastic feels a bit flimsy, and while it’s functional, it just doesn’t have that solid feel that you’d want from even a beginner deck.

Automatic operation is a nice touch for true beginners, making it easy to drop the needle without fussing over the mechanics. However, this simplicity does come at a cost; you won’t find the same level of craftsmanship that you’d get in slightly more expensive models. It’s a “you get what you pay for” situation here.

If you’re new to vinyl, you’ll appreciate how easy this turntable is to set up. Unbox it, plug it in, and you’re ready to listen within minutes. The automatic features help reduce handling mistakes, which is a plus for anyone who might be a bit nervous about setting up their first turntable.

The inclusion of a built-in phono preamp is another convenient feature that means you don’t need to fuss with additional components right away. This is particularly handy for those living in small apartments or just wanting a no-fuss experience. However, that ease of use might lead some to overlook the potential drawbacks down the line.

The Amazon Basics turntable checks off a lot of boxes when it comes to features, including Bluetooth, RCA outputs, and even a headphone jack. The Bluetooth functionality is a fun way to play music without being tethered, but it’s important to remember that it’s not an upgrade in sound quality. It’s more about flexibility than fidelity.

The RCA output is a nice touch if you decide to invest in external speakers later on. However, if you’re relying on the built-in speakers, you may find the sound lacking once you start hearing records through better gear. This is where the turntable’s limitations begin to show through, especially if you start to crave a more robust audio experience.

Using the Amazon Basics turntable day-to-day is a mixed bag. For casual listening, it serves its purpose well enough; you can easily spin a few records while you’re getting ready in the morning or relaxing after a long day. However, if you start to dive deeper into your vinyl collection, the shortcomings become more apparent.

The upgrade potential with this turntable is modest at best. While it’s a great entry point for absolute beginners, the limitations of the cartridge and stylus mean you might outgrow it pretty quickly. If you’re serious about getting into vinyl, you’ll likely find yourself looking for a better deck within a few months.