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 drop of the needle, and that warm, crackling sound that fills a room. For years, I put off diving back into my old record collection, intimidated by the perceived complexity and cost. The world of preamps, receivers, passive speakers, and intricate wiring felt like a barrier to entry. On the other hand, the cheap, all-in-one “suitcase” players I’d seen friends use often produced a tinny, lifeless sound that did more harm than good to their precious records. I was caught in the middle: craving the authentic vinyl experience without wanting to dedicate a whole corner of my living room and a significant chunk of my budget to a full component hi-fi system. This is the exact dilemma the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers aims to solve, promising high-fidelity sound in a simple, elegant package.
What to Consider Before Buying a Record Player
A Record Player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the convenience of modern technology and the tangible, rich experience of analog audio. For many, it’s about reconnecting with music in a more deliberate and immersive way. It solves the problem of having a collection of vinyl gathering dust with no worthy way to play it, and it offers an escape from the often sterile sound of compressed digital files. The primary benefit of an all-in-one system like this is its accessibility. It removes the guesswork and technical hurdles, allowing anyone to enjoy high-quality vinyl playback almost straight out of the box.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact scenario I described: a budding vinyl enthusiast, someone looking to upgrade from a basic, low-quality player, or a music lover living in a flat or smaller home where a multi-component stereo system is impractical. It’s for the person who values both aesthetics and performance, wanting a device that looks as good as it sounds. Conversely, it might not be suitable for seasoned audiophiles who demand the ability to swap out every single component, from the phono preamp to the amplifier, to meticulously tune their sound. Those individuals would be better served by a dedicated, component-based turntable and a separate hi-fi system, which offers ultimate customisation but at a significantly higher cost and complexity.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While more compact than a full separates system, a quality turntable still requires a stable, level surface. The ANGELS HORN measures 41.8 x 35.5 x 19.5 cm. Ensure you have a dedicated spot on a sturdy sideboard or shelf, away from direct vibrations from foot traffic, which can cause the needle to skip.
- Capacity/Performance: The heart of any turntable is its cartridge and tonearm. This model uses a high-quality Audio-Technica AT-3600L moving magnet cartridge, a significant step up from the ceramic cartridges found on cheaper players. The adjustable counterweight is a critical feature, allowing you to set the correct tracking force to extract maximum detail from the record grooves while minimising wear and tear on your vinyl.
- Materials & Durability: Build quality directly impacts sound. A heavy, solid plinth (the base) made from wood, like the one here, helps to dampen unwanted vibrations. Similarly, a die-cast aluminium platter provides more rotational stability than the flimsy plastic platters on budget models, resulting in a more consistent speed and clearer sound.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: An all-in-one unit should be simple. Look for straightforward setup instructions, intuitive controls, and features like Bluetooth that add modern convenience. For long-term care, a removable dust cover is essential for protecting the platter and stylus, and the ability to easily replace the stylus or even the entire cartridge (thanks to a universal headshell) ensures the player will last for years.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth 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:
Unboxing the ANGELS HORN: First Impressions and Key Features
From the moment the courier arrived, the experience felt premium. Echoing the sentiments of many users who noted the secure and compact packaging, our unit arrived flawlessly protected. Unboxing the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers revealed a truly beautiful piece of equipment. The walnut wood finish is rich and elegant, giving it a timeless, vintage aesthetic that seamlessly blends into modern and traditional decor alike. It feels substantial and well-built, weighing in at a solid 14 pounds, a reassuring sign that quality materials have been used to minimise resonance.
Assembly was refreshingly simple and took no more than ten minutes. The instructions were clear, guiding us through attaching the die-cast aluminium platter, looping the drive belt over the motor pulley, and—most importantly—installing and balancing the counterweight on the tonearm. This last step is crucial for performance and is a feature sorely lacking in entry-level players. The hinged dust cover clicked into place easily, completing the classic look. Every component, from the smooth platter to the solid control knobs, felt a step above the usual all-in-one fare.
What We Like
- Superb audio quality for an all-in-one system, thanks to the AT-3600L cartridge.
- Elegant and stylish vintage design with a high-quality wood finish.
- Features like an adjustable counterweight and Phono/Line out offer performance and an upgrade path.
- Extremely simple setup process, perfect for beginners.
- Versatile functionality as a Bluetooth speaker for streaming.
Drawbacks
- Some user reports indicate inconsistencies in quality control, with occasional cosmetic damage on arrival.
- Bluetooth functionality is receive-only; it cannot transmit audio to external Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
- The tonearm does not have an auto-return feature at the end of a record.
A Deep Dive into the ANGELS HORN’s Performance
A record player can look stunning, but its true worth is only revealed when the needle hits the groove. We spent weeks putting the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers through its paces with a wide range of vinyl, from delicate folk albums to bass-heavy electronic pressings and classic rock anthems. This is where the unit truly separates itself from the budget crowd and justifies its price tag.
Audio Performance: The Heart of the Matter
The single most impressive aspect of this turntable is its sound. Let’s be clear: this is not a £2000 audiophile setup. But for an integrated, all-in-one system, the audio quality is astounding. The secret lies in the components. ANGELS HORN made the crucial decision to include an Audio-Technica AT-3600L moving magnet cartridge. This is a legendary, entry-level audiophile cartridge known for its warm, balanced, and detailed sound. It’s the same cartridge you’ll find on many highly-regarded standalone turntables, and its inclusion here is a game-changer.
When we spun a copy of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” the difference was night and day compared to cheaper players. The intricate acoustic guitar work on “Never Going Back Again” was crisp and clear, while the iconic bass line in “The Chain” had genuine weight and presence without sounding muddy. This confirmed what several users reported: a “very good bass and treble separation.” The four built-in speakers—two full-range drivers and two tweeters—do an admirable job of creating a full, room-filling sound. While they won’t replicate the wide stereo imaging of separate bookshelf speakers, the sound is rich, dynamic, and free from the tinny character that plagues suitcase models. We found the volume was more than sufficient for a medium-sized living room. The adjustable counterweight proved its worth immediately; once correctly set, we experienced no skipping or distortion, even on more demanding records.
Design, Build Quality, and Setup
This record player is designed to be seen. The layered wood plinth in a walnut finish gives it a classic, mid-century modern look that feels both premium and timeless. It’s a piece of decor in its own right, something we were happy to display prominently. The die-cast aluminium platter adds to this premium feel, providing a stable and heavy base for records to spin on, which is vital for speed accuracy. The controls are simple and intuitive: a single knob switches between Phono, Aux, and Bluetooth modes, while another controls the volume.
As mentioned, the initial setup was a breeze. For a newcomer to vinyl, the process is not at all intimidating. However, it’s important to address the elephant in the room: quality control. While our review unit was flawless, we cannot ignore the cluster of user reviews that mention receiving units with cosmetic damage, such as a chipped wood casing or a cracked dust cover. Others have noted issues with the hinges on the dust cover feeling fragile over time. This suggests some inconsistency in the manufacturing or shipping process. Our advice is to inspect the unit carefully upon arrival. The good news is that when you get a good one—which seems to be the vast majority—the build quality feels solid and reliable for the price point. The two-year warranty also provides a degree of peace of mind should issues arise down the line.
Connectivity and Versatility: More Than Just a Record Player
The “all-in-one” promise extends beyond just playing records. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 is a fantastic modern convenience. With a quick turn of the mode dial, the turntable transforms into a capable Bluetooth speaker. Pairing our smartphone was instantaneous, and we were soon streaming playlists from Spotify directly through the player’s integrated speakers. The sound quality in this mode remains strong, making the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers a versatile hub for all your audio needs, not just vinyl. An Aux-in port provides another option for connecting wired devices like an old iPod or laptop.
Perhaps the most forward-thinking feature is the dual output configuration on the back. A small switch lets you choose between “Phono” and “Line” output via the RCA cables. This is hugely significant. With the switch set to “Line,” the built-in phono preamp is engaged, meaning you can connect the turntable directly to any powered speakers or any amplifier/receiver without a dedicated “Phono” input. This offers an immediate and powerful upgrade path. If you ever move to a larger space or simply want bigger sound, you can easily add a pair of quality external speakers. Setting it to “Phono” bypasses the internal preamp, allowing you to connect it to a traditional amplifier with a proper phono stage, satisfying more advanced users. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that gives the player a longevity that many of its competitors lack. If you’re intrigued by this blend of vintage feel and modern flexibility, you can see all the connectivity options and features here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers is largely positive, especially from those new to the vinyl world or upgrading from inferior models. One user captured this perfectly, stating, “I tried those suitcase models and they were tinny and really poor sound reproduction. This turntable with built in amp is far superior and may be worth the extra cash.” Another first-time buyer was thrilled, saying, “I didn’t want to buy a cheep one… I want the best quality I can get, this did just that!! I couldn’t recommend it more.” The aesthetic appeal is a constant point of praise, with comments like “It looks fantastic” and “a very nice object… that blends perfectly into my decor” appearing frequently.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common complaint relates to quality control upon delivery. Several customers have reported receiving damaged products, with one noting a “cracked plastic lid and a chip out of the wooden casing.” Another mentioned an “issue with the speaker wrap.” While many were able to get replacements, it highlights a potential weak link in the process. A smaller number of users have reported technical faults developing after a few weeks, such as the turntable “playing slow” or failing to turn at all. These appear to be outliers but are important to consider.
How Does the ANGELS HORN Compare to the Alternatives?
The market for all-in-one record players is crowded, so it’s essential to see how the ANGELS HORN stacks up against its key competitors.
1. 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player
The 1 BY ONE player represents the popular “suitcase” style of portable turntable. Its main advantages are its lower price point and portability. If your primary need is a player you can easily move from room to room or take to a friend’s house, this is a viable option. However, the trade-off is significant. It almost certainly uses a basic ceramic cartridge, which cannot match the audio fidelity of the ANGELS HORN’s AT-3600L magnetic cartridge and will cause more wear on your records over time. For anyone serious about sound quality and vinyl preservation, the ANGELS HORN is a substantial and worthwhile step up.
2. ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable System
This is the big brother to the model we reviewed. It features what appears to be the same high-quality turntable base, complete with the AT-3600L cartridge and adjustable counterweight, but it ditches the integrated speakers in favour of a pair of separate, powered bookshelf speakers. This is the logical next step for someone who has more space and wants a true stereo separation and a more powerful, expansive soundstage. If you love the ANGELS HORN aesthetic and quality but don’t need the all-in-one form factor and have a slightly larger budget, this system is an excellent choice for a more traditional hi-fi experience.
3. Shuman MC-250BT Retro 8-in-1 Music Centre Record Player
The Shuman Music Centre is for the person who wants to play everything. It’s a jack-of-all-trades, offering vinyl playback, a CD player, a cassette deck, AM/FM radio, and USB connectivity all in one retro-styled box. Its strength is its sheer versatility. However, with so many features packed in, the focus on pure vinyl playback quality is diluted. It likely uses a more basic turntable mechanism and cartridge than the ANGELS HORN. This is a great choice for someone who wants a single device for all their physical media, but for those whose primary passion is vinyl, the dedicated quality of the ANGELS HORN will provide a much more rewarding listening experience.
Our Final Verdict: Is the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers is one of the best all-in-one record players available today. It masterfully bridges the gap between cheap, low-fidelity suitcase players and expensive, complicated component systems. It delivers on its promise of high-fidelity sound in a simple, beautiful, and accessible package. The inclusion of an Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge and an adjustable counterweight are standout features that prioritise sound quality and vinyl care, setting it far apart from its direct competitors.
It’s the perfect choice for anyone beginning their vinyl journey, upgrading from a lesser player, or simply wanting a stylish and convenient way to enjoy their record collection without the fuss. While the reports of quality control issues are a valid concern, the vast majority of users are thrilled with their purchase. Provided you receive a good unit, you are getting exceptional value and a fantastic listening experience. For its combination of style, performance, and user-friendly design, it earns our strong recommendation.
If you’ve decided the ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Turntable with Speakers is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.