There’s a certain magic to vinyl that streaming services just can’t replicate. It’s the tactile ritual of sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle drop of the needle, and that initial, faint crackle before the music swells. For years, I wanted to bring that experience back into my life, but I was haunted by memories of tangled RCA cables, bulky receivers, and the intimidating world of preamps and grounding wires. The alternative—those ubiquitous, cheap suitcase players—always felt like a compromise, often damaging records and delivering sound that was thin and lifeless. I was looking for the sweet spot: an all-in-one system that respected the analog format but embraced modern convenience. The challenge was finding a turntable that could stand on its own, fill a room with warm, rich sound, and not require a degree in audio engineering to set up. This search for simple, high-quality analog audio is what led me to the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers.
- [Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the...
- [All in 1] This turntable spins at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, the turntable’s speaker can play other devices’ music wirelessly by Bluetooth or using the Aux-in port, and the built-in amplifier...
What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Turntable
An all-in-one turntable stereo system is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone who craves the authentic sound of vinyl without the complexity and cost of a traditional component Hi-Fi system. It solves the problem of space by integrating the turntable, pre-amplifier, and speakers into a single, elegant unit. This eliminates the need for separate components, reduces cable clutter, and makes enjoying your record collection as simple as plugging it in and pressing play. The main benefit is accessibility—it lowers the barrier to entry for new vinyl enthusiasts and provides a convenient, high-quality option for seasoned collectors looking for a secondary setup in a bedroom or office.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is either starting their vinyl journey, upgrading from a low-quality suitcase player, or simply values convenience and aesthetics. It’s for the person who has inherited a collection of records and wants a beautiful, straightforward way to enjoy them. However, it might not be suitable for the dedicated audiophile who insists on customizing every component of their signal chain, from the cartridge to the phono stage to the power amplifier. For them, a dedicated component system would be a better fit. For everyone else who just wants to experience great-sounding records without the fuss, an integrated system like this is a perfect match.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While an all-in-one unit saves space compared to a component system, they are not all created equal. The 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers measures 17.32″ x 7.56″ x 14.57″. You’ll need to ensure you have a stable, level surface with enough clearance for the dust cover to open fully. Consider the aesthetics of your room; this model’s walnut finish is designed to be a piece of furniture, not just an appliance.
- Performance & Sound Quality: The heart of any turntable is its ability to track a record groove accurately and reproduce sound faithfully. Look for features that indicate higher quality, such as a belt-drive motor (which isolates the platter from motor vibration), a moving magnet cartridge (like the included Audio-Technica), and an adjustable counterweight. These are “real” turntable features that separate it from toy-like players and are critical for both sound quality and protecting your records from excessive wear.
- Materials & Durability: A turntable’s construction directly impacts its sound and longevity. A heavy plinth (the base) made of wood or MDF, like the one on this unit, helps dampen vibrations and provides stability. While some components, like the tonearm, may be plastic to keep costs down, the overall feel should be solid. As one user noted, “Nothing about it screams ‘cheap’ like Crosley and similar record players that are essentially toys.”
- Ease of Use & Connectivity: The primary appeal of an all-in-one is simplicity. However, “simple” shouldn’t mean “limited.” The best models, including this one, offer modern conveniences like Bluetooth input, allowing the unit to double as a wireless speaker for your phone. Furthermore, look for RCA outputs. This feature allows the system to grow with you, giving you the option to connect to external powered speakers or a larger Hi-Fi system in the future.
This turntable represents a significant step up, offering genuine Hi-Fi features in an accessible package. It’s a testament to how far all-in-one designs have come.
While the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enhance Audio Quality: Our vinyl record weight stabilizer reduces vibrations, keeping your records flat and enhancing sound quality for a superior listening experience.
- Record Slipmat Upgrade Sound Quality: This greenlit acrylic turntable mat is precision-machined from acrylic which has similar properties to vinyl records, so this LP mat is an essential upgrade for...
- Essential Tool for Vinyl Enthusiasts: For those dedicated to the art of vinyl playback, this cartridge tracking force scale is indispensable.It ensures optimal sound quality and protects your valuable...
First Impressions: A Stylish Centerpiece That Sounds as Good as It Looks
Unboxing the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers immediately sets it apart from budget alternatives. The packaging is secure and thoughtful, protecting the unit well. The first thing we noticed was the weight; at over 13 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its solid construction. The walnut wood grain finish is beautifully executed with a slight texture that adds a touch of realism, making it look and feel far more premium than its price tag suggests. It’s a handsome piece of equipment that blends a vintage aesthetic with clean, modern lines.
Unlike plug-and-play suitcase players, there is a small amount of setup required, but it’s the kind of setup that audiophiles will appreciate and beginners can easily handle. This involves placing the platter, stretching the drive belt over the motor pulley (aided by a clever little red ribbon), and, most importantly, balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force with the adjustable counterweight. This process is crucial for optimal sound and record care, and it’s a feature completely absent on lesser players. Once assembled, the quality-feeling knobs and switches reinforce the impression that this is a serious piece of audio gear, not a toy. It truly feels like an invitation back into the world of vinyl, available to check out and bring home today.
What We Like
- Features a high-quality Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge and stylus
- Adjustable counterweight and anti-skate for proper tonearm balance
- Surprisingly powerful and clear built-in speakers for all-in-one convenience
- Bluetooth input and RCA output provide modern versatility and future-proofing
- Solid, heavy build with an attractive wood and metal design
Limitations
- Tonearm is made of plastic, which feels less premium than the rest of the unit
- Tonearm balancing can be tricky for absolute beginners without video guidance
A Deep Dive into the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable’s Performance
After spending considerable time with the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers, we moved beyond first impressions to a detailed analysis of its core functions. We tested its setup process, evaluated its out-of-the-box audio quality, explored its connectivity options, and scrutinized its overall build and design. This is a machine that aims to bridge the gap between casual listening and true high-fidelity, and in our experience, it succeeds admirably.
The Setup Experience: From Box to First Spin
The most significant differentiator between this turntable and entry-level “suitcase” players is the setup, specifically balancing the tonearm. While the instructions provide a guide, we found them to be a bit sparse, a sentiment echoed by many users. As one owner advised, “Thank you to the person who said they watched a YouTube video on how to balance the arm because I had to do the same thing.” We followed this advice and found the process straightforward with visual aid. You simply attach the counterweight, adjust it until the tonearm floats perfectly level, set the dial to zero, and then turn the entire weight to the recommended tracking force (usually around 3.0-3.5 grams for the included cartridge). While some users found this “stressful” at first, it’s a one-time process that takes about 10-15 minutes and is absolutely essential. This single feature is what protects your records from the groove-destroying force of cheap, non-adjustable players. It ensures the diamond-tipped Audio-Technica stylus sits perfectly in the groove, extracting maximum detail with minimum wear. Everything else, from attaching the dust cover to placing the belt, is simple and intuitive. This initial effort is rewarded tenfold with superior sound and peace of mind, making the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers an excellent teaching tool for the fundamentals of vinyl playback.
Audio Performance: How Do Those Built-in Speakers Really Sound?
Let’s be clear: the integrated speakers on the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers will not replace a dedicated thousand-dollar Hi-Fi system. But that’s not their purpose. Their purpose is to provide a rich, room-filling, and genuinely enjoyable listening experience straight out of the box, and at this, they excel. We were immediately struck by the clarity and warmth. Unlike the tinny, midrange-heavy sound of cheaper players, this unit delivers a well-balanced audio profile. The sound is crisp, vocals are clear, and there’s a surprising amount of detail in the high frequencies. As one user aptly put it, the sound quality is “good for what it is. No deep, clear bass, but doesn’t sound cheap and flat either.”
We spun a variety of records, from the complex layers of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” to the raw energy of a punk rock album. In all cases, the music was engaging and lively. The speakers can get impressively loud without significant distortion, making it perfect for a living room, bedroom, or office. Many users upgrading from suitcase players were blown away, with one stating, “The audio was terrible and it would constantly skip [on my old player]. I was really frustrated and decided to upgrade to this one and it was the best decision I’ve made… the audio sounds great.” The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is another major win, effectively turning the turntable into a stylish wireless speaker for streaming playlists from your phone when you’re not spinning vinyl. This dual functionality adds immense value and makes it a versatile centerpiece for all your audio needs.
Build Quality and Design: More Than Just a Pretty Face
A turntable’s battle against unwanted vibration is won or lost in its construction. The 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers wins this battle decisively at its price point. The solid wood plinth provides the mass and damping necessary to keep external vibrations from reaching the stylus. The feet are well-isolated, and the entire unit feels planted and stable on our equipment rack. This robust build is a major reason why users report their records “don’t skip nearly as much” compared to flimsy, lightweight players. The quality extends to the controls; the knob for selecting functions (Phono, Aux, Bluetooth) and the volume dial turn with a smooth, satisfying resistance. The detachable dust cover is sturdy and features small rubber pads to prevent it from slipping when you raise or lower it—a small but thoughtful detail.
The one area of compromise, frequently noted by users, is the tonearm, which is made of plastic. While it functions perfectly well and is a common cost-saving measure in this category, it does feel less substantial than the rest of the unit. However, given the inclusion of a quality Audio-Technica cartridge and the crucial adjustable counterweight, it’s a trade-off we find entirely acceptable. As one reviewer confirmed, the tonearm is “a bit tricky to get setup but once u do it’s fine.” The overall aesthetic is a huge selling point, with many praising its “clean design” and “vintage vibe.” It’s a product designed to be displayed and admired, proving that a great listening experience can also be beautiful.
Upgradability and Connectivity: Growing With Your Hobby
Perhaps the most forward-thinking feature of the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers is its potential for expansion. On the back panel, you’ll find a standard pair of RCA line-level outputs. This is a game-changer. It means that while the built-in speakers are excellent for today, you are not locked into them forever. If you decide to dive deeper into the audio hobby, you can easily connect this turntable to a pair of powered speakers or a traditional amplifier and speaker setup. The built-in, switchable phono preamp simplifies this process, eliminating the need for an external phono stage—a component that can be confusing for newcomers.
This upgradability future-proofs your investment. You can start with this fantastic all-in-one system and, as your passion and budget grow, build a more elaborate Hi-Fi system around it. One user who did just this reported that after connecting an amp and speakers, they were “rewarded with terrific sound.” This turntable can be both the beginning of your journey and a lasting component of a more advanced setup. It’s this blend of immediate satisfaction and long-term potential that makes it such a compelling and highly recommended product.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across thousands of reviews, a clear consensus emerges: the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers punches well above its weight, delivering a high-quality experience that delights newcomers and satisfies experienced listeners looking for a secondary system. The most common sentiment is one of pleasant surprise. One user captured this perfectly, saying, “I knew it wouldn’t be audiophile quality, but this player makes it fun to listen to music again.” This theme of rediscovering the joy of music is repeated often.
Many reviews come from people upgrading from inferior suitcase-style players. For them, the difference is “night and day better.” One such owner noted their old player had “terrible audio” and would “constantly skip,” but after upgrading, they found the 1byone was the “best decision I’ve made.” The praise for the sound quality of the built-in speakers is consistent, with descriptions like “clear and crisp,” “surprisingly powerful,” and “fills the room.”
The most common critique centers on the initial setup. The plastic tonearm is mentioned as feeling “cheap,” and balancing it proves to be “stressful and took a couple of tries” for first-timers. However, even these critiques almost always end with the same conclusion: once it’s set up correctly, it works flawlessly and the effort is well worth it.
How Does the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers Compare to the Alternatives?
While we found the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers to be a fantastic all-around performer, the market offers several other options that cater to slightly different needs. It’s a great machine, but before you make a final decision, it’s worth considering how it stacks up against some popular alternatives. We’ve seen the exceptional value this turntable provides, now let’s see what the competition offers.
1. Victrola The Empire 6-in-1 Turntable Bluetooth Espresso
- 6-in-1 ENTERTAINMENT CENTER - With traditional farmhouse looks on the outside & modern features inside, listen your way; vinyl records, FM radio, CDs, cassettes or stream music from your smartphone...
- NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED - Get it up and running in minutes. Timeless mid-century looks combined with the convenience of modern technology make this record player a great value -...
The Victrola The Empire is less a dedicated turntable and more a complete nostalgic media center. Its main appeal is its versatility; on top of playing 33, 45, and 78 RPM records, it also includes a CD player, cassette player, and an AM/FM radio. If you have a diverse collection of physical media beyond vinyl, this could be the perfect solution. However, this versatility comes at the cost of vinyl-specific fidelity. It lacks the adjustable counterweight and high-quality magnetic cartridge found on the 1byone, placing it closer to the casual-listening, all-in-one players of the past. It’s an excellent choice for someone who values multi-format playback over pure vinyl audio quality.
2. Qlearsoul All-in-one Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth
- All-in-One Turntable: Built-in speakers, Bluetooth 5.4 input, and a switchable phono preamp make the ONE-Q highly versatile. It supports 33/45 RPM vinyl (7", 10", and 12" records) and allows wireless...
- High-Fidelity Sound: Four full-frequency speakers deliver crisp highs and deep bass, balanced by advanced crossover technology. The 3-point support structure isolates the turntable from the acoustic...
The Qlearsoul (by ONE-Q) is a very direct competitor to the 1byone, sharing a similar form factor and feature set. It boasts an Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge, a built-in phono preamp, and all-in-one design with integrated speakers. The key differentiator here might be the updated Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, promising a more stable and efficient wireless connection compared to older Bluetooth versions. Aesthetically, it offers a different visual style that might appeal to some buyers more than the 1byone’s classic walnut finish. For the tech-focused buyer who wants the latest wireless standards in a package that is otherwise very similar to the 1byone, the Qlearsoul is a strong contender worth investigating.
3. Joaxswe Record Player Stand with Vinyl Storage
- 【Huge Record Player Stand】The size of the record player table is 19.68"D x15.74"W 29.01"H and can hold 160 records. The spacious top is big enough to accommodate different sizes of record players,...
- 【Vintage Record Stand】This record storage combines a solid wood structure with a classic farmhouse style, creating a unique glamour . The record player cabinet retains the original natural texture...
This product is not a turntable but a crucial accessory that addresses a problem every new vinyl collector quickly faces: where to put everything? The Joaxswe Record Player Stand is designed specifically for this purpose, providing a stable top surface for a turntable like the 1byone and dedicated storage space for up to 160 albums below. It helps create a dedicated listening station and keeps your collection organized and protected. While the 1byone turntable is the star of the show, this stand is the perfect supporting actor. For anyone building a listening space from scratch, purchasing a dedicated stand like this is a logical and highly recommended next step to complete the setup.
Our Final Verdict: Is the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable Worth It?
After extensive testing and poring over countless user experiences, our conclusion is clear: the 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Speakers is an outstanding product that hits a rare sweet spot in the audio world. It successfully bridges the gap between the poor-quality, record-damaging suitcase players and the expensive, complex world of audiophile component systems. It provides genuine Hi-Fi features like a belt-drive system, a quality Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge, and an adjustable counterweight, ensuring it not only sounds great but also treats your precious vinyl collection with care.
This is the turntable we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone new to vinyl, anyone looking to upgrade from a basic player, or any seasoned collector who wants a simple, elegant, and great-sounding all-in-one system for a second room. The built-in speakers are more than capable of filling a room with warm, detailed sound, and the inclusion of Bluetooth and RCA outputs offers both modern convenience and a clear path for future upgrades. It’s a beautiful, well-built machine that makes the joy of listening to records accessible to everyone. If you’re ready to experience your music collection in a whole new way, we highly recommend you check the latest price and order yours today.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API