Turntable vs. Record Player: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between a turntable and a record player is, you’re not alone. These two terms are often used interchangeably—but in the audio world, they mean very different things.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

A record player always includes a turntable, but a turntable doesn’t necessarily include everything that makes up a record player.

So, what exactly is a turntable?

In the audio world, a turntable refers specifically to the mechanical parts responsible for spinning your record and tracking the grooves. That includes the platter, motor, tonearm, and stylus (aka the needle). A turntable on its own doesn’t produce sound—it just reads the record.

To actually hear the music, you’ll need to connect your turntable to other gear—typically a phono preamp, an amplifier, and speakers.

That said, some modern turntables include a built-in phono preamp, which makes setup much easier. With those models, you can plug directly into powered speakers or most stereos without needing extra components. It’s a great option for anyone new to vinyl or looking for a simpler setup without sacrificing sound quality.

A great example is the SpinDeck 2. It’s a semi-automatic turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp, making it beginner-friendly while still delivering impressive audio performance. Just connect it to powered speakers or an amp, and you’re good to go—no extra boxes or complicated wiring required.

What about a record player?

A record player is the all-in-one solution. It combines a turntable, amplifier, and speakers into one single unit. Just plug it in, drop the needle, and you’re spinning—it’s that easy.

Most record players prioritize convenience over sound quality. That means they’re great for casual listening but often fall short if you're after a rich, detailed audio experience. You’ll usually get better performance by building your own setup with individual components.

The exception? The Andover-One Record Player. It’s an all-in-one record player that actually sounds like a high-end separate system. With premium components—including an advanced amplifier, four built-in subwoofers, and an Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter—the Andover-One delivers stunning clarity, deep bass, and a beautifully wide soundstage. And because everything is already integrated and optimized, it saves you the time, space, and complexity of piecing together separate gear.

In Summary:

• Turntable = The spinning mechanism that plays records. Needs additional gear to produce sound,.

• Record Player = An all-in-one system with built-in speakers and amplification. Most prioritize convenience over sound—except the Andover-One, which combines simplicity with truly high-end performance.

Whether you’re just getting into vinyl or upgrading your setup, understanding the difference between a turntable and a record player can help you make a smarter decision—and get the most out of your music.