There’s a certain magic to vinyl that digital streaming just can’t replicate. It’s the ritual of sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle crackle as the needle finds the groove, and the warm, tangible sound that fills the room. For years, I found myself caught in a common dilemma: I yearned for that authentic analog experience but was daunted by the complexity and cost of traditional hi-fi setups. The thought of matching preamps, receivers, and speakers felt like a barrier to entry. I just wanted something that looked beautiful, was simple to use, and delivered that rich vinyl sound without turning my living room into an audio engineering lab. This search for a simple, stylish, and high-performing solution is what led me to take a close look at the all-in-one turntable market, a space where convenience often comes at the cost of quality. The challenge is finding a player that honors the past without ignoring the incredible technological conveniences of the present.
- PREMIUM DUAL-HYBRID TURNTABLE - Building on the legacy of the original, Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with built-in Speakers boasts a new design & simplified interface. Features Vinyl Stream...
- CUSTOM TUNED SPEAKERS - With speakers tuned to produce unparalleled sound quality, this vinyl player makes your vinyl record sound its best. From the classics to the latest albums, the Eastwood 2...
What to Consider Before Buying an All-in-One Turntable
A turntable with built-in speakers is more than just a device; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to dive into the world of vinyl without the intimidating setup of a component-based system. It solves the problem of space, complexity, and budget, offering a direct path to playing records right out of the box. The main benefits are accessibility and aesthetics. These units are designed to be focal points in a room, blending classic design with modern functionality. They invite you to simply put on a record and enjoy, making the vinyl experience less about tweaking knobs and more about enjoying music.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone new to vinyl, a returning enthusiast, or anyone living in a smaller space like an apartment or dorm room where a multi-component system isn’t feasible. It’s perfect for those who value both form and function, wanting a player that looks as good as it sounds. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for seasoned audiophiles who prefer to customize every aspect of their sound system, from the cartridge to the phono preamp to the external speakers. For them, a dedicated turntable like an Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB or a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, paired with their own curated components, would be a more suitable path.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: All-in-one players are compact, but you still need to account for their footprint. Measure the shelf or table where you plan to place it. Also, consider vertical clearance; some models, like the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with Speakers, have dust covers that may require extra space when open or when playing a full 12-inch LP.
- Performance & Sound Quality: This is paramount. Look beyond the built-in speakers. What kind of cartridge and stylus does it use? A diamond-tipped, magnetic cartridge (like the Audio Technica AT-3600LA) is vastly superior to a cheap ceramic one, offering better sound fidelity and being far gentler on your precious records. Also, check for connectivity options like RCA outputs, which allow you to upgrade to external speakers later.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality affects both aesthetics and performance. A player with a solid, engineered wood plinth will dampen vibrations better than a flimsy plastic one. Pay attention to the tonearm and platter materials as well; while some plastic components are expected at this price point, the core structure should feel robust.
- Ease of Use & Modern Features: A key appeal is simplicity. Look for intuitive controls, like a single-knob operation. Also, consider modern conveniences like Bluetooth. Can it receive a signal from your phone to act as a speaker? More importantly for vinyl lovers, can it *transmit* the vinyl audio to a better pair of Bluetooth headphones or speakers? This “Vinyl Stream” feature is a game-changer for versatility.
Choosing the right all-in-one turntable is about balancing your desire for authentic vinyl sound with the need for modern convenience and style. When you find a model that excels in all three areas, you’ve found a winner.
While the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player 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: Unboxing the Victrola Eastwood II
Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with Speakers in its Oak finish was the immediate sense of quality. It felt substantial, not hollow or cheap. The real wood case and the textured fabric speaker grilles give it a warm, mid-century modern aesthetic that genuinely elevates the look of a room. It successfully avoids the plasticky feel that plagues many of its competitors in this price range. Setup was an absolute breeze, living up to the “plug-and-play” promise. It was a matter of removing a few protective pieces, plugging in the power adapter, and it was ready to go. The single, illuminated knob for controlling power, volume, and source selection is a brilliant design choice—it’s intuitive, clean, and keeps the top surface uncluttered. This thoughtful simplicity makes it incredibly welcoming, especially for those who might be intimidated by more complex audio equipment. It’s a design that says “just play music,” and we were eager to oblige.
Key Benefits
- Features a high-quality Audio Technica AT-3600LA magnetic cartridge, a major upgrade for sound quality and record care at this price.
- “Vinyl Stream” technology allows wireless streaming of records to external Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
- Beautiful vintage-inspired design with a real wood case and fabric speaker grilles.
- Extremely user-friendly with a simple, single-knob control system and auto-stop feature.
Potential Drawbacks
- Dust cover cannot be fully closed while playing a 12-inch LP, requiring careful record placement.
- Tonearm and dust cover are made of lightweight plastic, which feels less premium than the wood base.
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Eastwood II to the Test
An all-in-one record player lives or dies by its performance. It has to overcome the inherent challenges of integrating speakers into the same chassis as a sensitive stylus and tonearm. We spent weeks with the Victrola Eastwood II, spinning everything from classic rock LPs and delicate jazz pressings to modern 180-gram vinyl, to see if it truly delivers on its promise of quality and convenience.
The Heart of the Matter: Audio Quality and the AT-3600LA Cartridge
Let’s be clear: the single most important component influencing a turntable’s sound and its treatment of your records is the cartridge. This is where the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with Speakers immediately separates itself from the legion of cheap, suitcase-style players. It comes pre-fitted with an Audio Technica AT-3600LA moving magnet cartridge. For those new to vinyl, this is a significant feature. Most budget players use a cheap, heavy-tracking ceramic cartridge with a sapphire or ruby stylus that can wear down your records over time and produce a flat, tinny sound. The AT-3600LA, a respected entry-level audiophile cartridge, uses a durable diamond stylus that tracks the grooves with greater precision and far less force. The difference is not subtle.
During our testing, the sound produced was impressively warm, clear, and dynamic for an all-in-one unit. We put on Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” and the intricate bass lines in “The Chain” were present and defined, not the muddy mess they can become on lesser systems. The built-in speakers, while not room-shaking, are custom-tuned and surprisingly capable. As one user noted after upgrading from a cheaper player, the sound is “crystal clear, sounds incredible.” They are more than adequate for casual listening in a bedroom, office, or small living room. At half volume, the sound filled our testing space without distortion. While another user mentioned the speakers weren’t the “loudest,” they conceded it “has a nice sound to it,” which perfectly matches our findings. The real magic of the AT cartridge is that it provides a solid audio foundation, ensuring that whether you use the internal speakers or upgrade, you’re getting a good signal source that is also protecting your vinyl collection.
A Bridge Between Worlds: Bluetooth 5.1 and Vinyl Stream Technology
Victrola brilliantly integrated modern wireless technology into the Eastwood II, making it a true hybrid device. It functions in two distinct Bluetooth modes. First, as a receiver, you can pair your phone and use it as a stylish Bluetooth speaker to stream playlists or podcasts. The connection was stable, and it’s a handy feature for everyday use. However, the real star of the show is the “Vinyl Stream” technology. This allows the turntable to act as a Bluetooth *source*, transmitting the audio from the spinning record to any external Bluetooth speaker or headphones.
This feature is a complete game-changer for an all-in-one player. We paired it with a high-end Bose speaker in another room, and the process was straightforward. The ability to enjoy the authentic sound of vinyl through a more powerful sound system without running a single wire is liberating. This addresses the primary weakness of most built-in speakers. We confirmed the experience of one happy owner who was “able to listen with a portable speaker literally everywhere in my three level, 5 bedroom house,” attesting to a very strong Bluetooth radio. While most of our tests showed a robust connection, it’s worth noting a couple of users found the range wasn’t sufficient to reach a speaker in an adjacent room. This can be dependent on wall materials and other wireless interference, but for most typical use cases, like streaming to a soundbar in the same room, we found it worked flawlessly. This dual-hybrid functionality, especially the Vinyl Stream, is a feature that really sets it apart and future-proofs your investment.
Design, Usability, and Living with It Day-to-Day
The aesthetic appeal of the Eastwood II is undeniable. It’s a piece of decor that also plays music. The Oak wood finish is warm and authentic, and the controls are refreshingly minimalist. The single large knob on the front handles everything, clicking satisfyingly between modes (Phono, Bluetooth In, Bluetooth Out). This simplicity is a major win for usability, a sentiment echoed by a user who praised the “much more robust controls setup” compared to a previous player with flimsy buttons. The inclusion of a 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) belt-driven mechanism, engineered to reduce motor vibration, further demonstrates Victrola’s commitment to core audio principles.
However, no product is perfect, and our daily use revealed a design quirk also noted by several users: the dust cover. While essential for protecting the platter, its hinge design means you cannot fully close it while a 12-inch LP is playing. Furthermore, as one user cautioned, “you need to dip under the back of the cover or could easily scratch record.” We quickly learned to be mindful when placing and removing LPs to avoid contact with the lid’s edge. It’s a minor inconvenience but one to be aware of. We also agree with the assessment that while the base is solid, the tonearm and cover are made of a lightweight plastic. This is an understandable cost-saving measure to include the superior cartridge, but it does detract slightly from the otherwise premium feel. Still, for its intended audience—beginners and style-conscious listeners—these are very reasonable trade-offs for the overall package you get, a package you can explore in more detail here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring through feedback from other owners, a clear and consistent picture emerges that aligns closely with our own findings. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, particularly from those who are new to vinyl or upgrading from inferior “suitcase” players. One user summed it up perfectly, calling it ideal for someone who knows “nothing about record players” and wants something that is “kinda ‘for dummies’.” They praised the included “short cheat sheet” for getting started, highlighting its beginner-friendly nature.
The inclusion of the Audio Technica cartridge is a frequent point of praise. An experienced user noted it “gives you a better sound quality then your average ceramic cartridge,” calling it an “excellent gift for someone starting to hear music on vinyl.” The powerful Bluetooth streaming capability was another major highlight, with one person exclaiming they could “sync it with my Bose speakers and it works great.”
On the critical side, the most common complaint centers on the dust cover design and the plastic feel of the tonearm, which we also identified. One reviewer advised to “take it easy” with the plastic parts as they “seem easily breakable.” A small number of users reported receiving units with poor sound quality or cosmetic damage like a cracked cover, suggesting some potential for quality control issues, though these appear to be outliers. Overall, the consensus is that the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with Speakers delivers excellent value, blending aesthetics and performance in a way that delights its target audience.
How Does the Victrola Eastwood II Compare to the Competition?
The all-in-one turntable market is crowded, but the Victrola Eastwood II carves out a specific niche. To understand its value, let’s compare it to three popular alternatives.
1. FEKTIK Bluetooth Record Player 10-in-1 Turntable with Speakers
- [10-in-1 Mutifunctional Record Player]– With vintage mahogany wooden look & modern features, this turntable not only plays your Vinyls, but also has a CD & cassette player, FM radio, Bluetooth, and...
- [Bluetooth Turntable Record Player for Vinyl with Speaker]-Wireless audio music streaming from your smartphone or other external wireless device via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm Aux/headphone jack
The FEKTIK player is the ultimate nostalgia machine. If your primary goal is to play a wide variety of old media, this is your device. With a CD player, cassette deck, FM radio, and LP-to-MP3 conversion on top of its vinyl and Bluetooth capabilities, it’s a media Swiss Army knife. However, this jack-of-all-trades approach often means being a master of none. The audio components, particularly the cartridge and speakers, are unlikely to match the quality of the Victrola’s dedicated Audio Technica setup. Choose the FEKTIK if you have stacks of CDs and tapes you want to enjoy alongside your vinyl and prioritize versatility above all else. For those focused purely on the best possible vinyl experience in an all-in-one format, the Victrola is the superior choice.
2. ANGELS HORN Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth Hi-Fi System
- Enjoy High-Fidelity Sound: All of our budget and the engineering efforts for this vinyl record player went toward sound quality. Imagine your friends will be wowed by this record player's stylish...
- High-Quality Turntable Experience: Mention the performance of this vintage vinyl record player, you could expect its sense of realism, high-end phono cartridge, well-made woods, instrumental...
The ANGELS HORN system represents a step up into the world of entry-level hi-fi. While it includes Bluetooth, its core design is different. It’s a component system-in-a-box, featuring a dedicated turntable with an adjustable counterweight and a separate pair of powered bookshelf speakers. This setup will deliver superior stereo separation and a more powerful, nuanced sound profile than the Victrola’s integrated speakers. It’s the right choice for a budding audiophile who has more space and a slightly larger budget, and who wants the flexibility of speaker placement and the ability to fine-tune their tonearm’s tracking force. However, it lacks the single-unit simplicity and the “Vinyl Stream” output feature of the Eastwood II.
3. Qlearsoul All-in-one 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) player is a very direct competitor to the Victrola Eastwood II. It also boasts an all-in-one design, built-in speakers, and crucially, an Audio Technica AT-3600L cartridge. It even features a slightly newer Bluetooth 5.4 standard. Where they differ is primarily in aesthetics and brand reputation. The Qlearsoul has a more modern, minimalist look compared to the Victrola’s vintage-inspired wood finish. The choice between these two will likely come down to personal style preference. The Victrola brand has a long history in record players, which may offer some buyers more peace of mind, but the Qlearsoul presents a very compelling, feature-matched alternative for those who prefer its contemporary design.
Final Verdict: Is the Victrola Eastwood II the Right Turntable for You?
After extensive testing and comparison, we can confidently say that the Victrola Eastwood II Record Player with Speakers is a resounding success. It masterfully bridges the gap between the casual listener who wants convenience and the vinyl enthusiast who demands quality. Its greatest triumph is prioritizing the single most important component for sound and record preservation—the Audio Technica magnetic cartridge—in a market flooded with inferior alternatives. This decision alone elevates it far above the typical entry-level player.
When you add in the beautiful mid-century design, the incredibly useful Vinyl Stream technology that lets you connect to better speakers wirelessly, and the dead-simple user interface, you have a truly compelling package. While it has minor flaws, like the dust cover design, they are far outweighed by its strengths. We recommend it without hesitation to anyone starting their vinyl journey, looking to upgrade from a basic player, or seeking a stylish, high-value, all-in-one solution for a smaller space. It delivers on its promise of bringing the warmth of vinyl into the modern age with style and substance. If you’re ready to experience vinyl the way it was meant to be heard, without the fuss, you can check the latest price and get yours here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API