Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player Review: A Retro Revival or Just Nostalgia? Our In-Depth Test

There’s a certain magic to vinyl that digital streams can’t replicate. It’s the ritual of sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle drop of the needle, and the warm, crackling sound that fills the room. For years, I watched the vinyl resurgence from the sidelines, intimidated by the perceived complexity and cost. Visions of complicated setups involving preamps, amplifiers, passive speakers, and meticulous cartridge alignment felt like a barrier to entry. My goal was simple: I wanted to experience my favourite albums on vinyl without needing a degree in audio engineering or clearing out a savings account. I needed a simple, all-in-one solution that was approachable, stylish, and wouldn’t dominate my living space. The search for a player that balanced convenience with authentic charm is what led us directly to the doorstep of the suitcase-style turntable.

What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Record Player

A portable record player is more than just a device for playing music; it’s a key solution for accessibility and nostalgia. It bridges the gap between the rich, tangible world of vinyl and the modern demand for convenience. These all-in-one units solve the primary problem for beginners: complexity. By integrating speakers, an amplifier, and the turntable mechanism into a single, compact case, they eliminate the need for separate components and confusing wiring. This makes them the perfect entry point for anyone curious about records, allowing them to start their collection and enjoy music within minutes of opening the box. The main benefits are simplicity, affordability, and a small physical footprint, making them ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or any space where a full hi-fi system isn’t practical.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the desire to explore vinyl without a significant upfront investment or technical learning curve. This includes students, casual music lovers looking for a secondary listening station, or gift-givers wanting to introduce a loved one to the format. It’s for those who prioritise the experience, the retro aesthetic, and the fun of collecting records over pristine, audiophile-grade sound reproduction. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who are serious audio enthusiasts aiming to build a high-fidelity system. If your goal is to discern the subtlest nuances in a recording and invest in high-end components like external phono stages and expensive cartridges, a more traditional, component-based turntable system would be a better long-term investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The primary appeal of a suitcase player is its compact nature. The Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player measures just 35.2 x 26.5 x 12.5 cm, making it easy to place on a shelf, desk, or small table. When considering any player, think about not only its closed dimensions but also the space required when the lid is open and a 12″ LP is playing, as this can significantly increase its footprint.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance in this category is about versatility and basic function. Look for a player that supports all three common speeds: 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM. This ensures you can play any record you come across, from modern LPs to old family heirlooms. While you shouldn’t expect audiophile-level sound from the built-in speakers, check for connectivity options like RCA outputs, which allow you to bypass the internal speakers and connect to a better sound system later, providing a crucial upgrade path.
• Materials & Durability: Most briefcase players feature a plastic or MDF enclosure wrapped in a material like PU leather. While not as robust as the high-mass wood plinths of high-end turntables, this construction keeps the unit lightweight and portable. Assess the quality of the latches, handle, and tonearm components. A solid-feeling tonearm and a secure lid are indicators of better build quality within this product class.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best beginner turntables are essentially plug-and-play. Features like an auto-stop function, which stops the platter from spinning at the end of a record, add to the convenience and prevent unnecessary wear on the stylus. Maintenance is typically minimal, involving occasional dusting and an eventual stylus replacement, which is usually a simple and inexpensive process for these models.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player stands out in several areas, particularly for its blend of style, features, and user-friendliness. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.

While the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player is an excellent choice for newcomers, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models designed for those just starting their vinyl journey, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Audizio RP114BL: First Impressions and Key Features

Opening the box of the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player felt like stepping back in time. The unit arrived securely packaged, and the first thing that struck us was the vibrant blue PU leather finish. It has a classic, retro look that is both playful and stylish, capable of being a decorative accent piece as much as a functional music player. At just 2.45 kg, it’s genuinely portable. The chrome-finished latches and hardware feel secure enough for transport, and the sturdy handle makes it easy to carry from room to room. Inside, the layout is clean and intuitive. The platter, tonearm, and controls are logically arranged, with a simple switch for speed selection (33, 45, 78 RPM) and a single knob for power and volume. Included in the box were the DC power adapter and a 45 RPM adapter for 7″ singles. There’s no complex assembly required; it’s a true plug-and-play experience. You simply plug it in, place a record on the platter, and you’re ready to go within minutes. This immediate accessibility is precisely what beginners and casual listeners are looking for.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: Putting the Audizio RP114BL to the Test

A record player can look the part, but its true value is revealed when the needle hits the groove. We spent extensive time with the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player, spinning everything from classic rock LPs and modern indie releases to old 78 RPM shellac records. Our goal was to evaluate it not against a five-thousand-pound audiophile setup, but against its core promise: to provide a fun, simple, and accessible vinyl experience. We broke down our analysis into the key areas that matter most to a prospective buyer: its design and portability, its audio output capabilities, and its overall functionality as a modern record player.

The Suitcase Aesthetic and Grab-and-Go Portability

The first and most obvious appeal of the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player is its form factor. The briefcase design isn’t just a gimmick; it’s the core of its identity. The blue PU leather wrap is neatly applied, and the contrasting white stitching adds a touch of retro authenticity. It successfully captures the vintage vibe it’s aiming for. We found the clasps to be satisfyingly secure, and the handle is robust enough that we never felt hesitant to pick it up and move it around. This portability is a genuine lifestyle feature. We took it from the living room to the home office, and even out onto the patio on a calm evening. It’s the kind of player you could easily take to a friend’s house to share a new record find or bring along on a holiday trip. Its compact size means it never feels like it’s in the way, a huge plus for those with limited space.

During our testing, we noticed something that one user also pointed out: the internal turntable mechanism has a slight amount of play within the housing. When moved, you can feel a subtle shift. While initially concerning, we quickly identified this as a common characteristic of many entry-level suitcase players. The mechanism is often mounted on springs to provide some basic shock absorption, which can result in this feeling of not being rigidly fixed. It did not affect playback performance in any of our tests, even when the volume was turned up. It’s a clear trade-off made to achieve the low weight and affordable price point, and for the target audience, we feel it’s an acceptable compromise for the immense convenience the design offers.

Audio Performance: Built-in Speakers vs. The Power of RCA Output

Let’s address the most debated feature of any all-in-one record player: the built-in speakers. The Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player is equipped with two small, full-range stereo speakers hidden behind a front grille. To be blunt, these speakers will not impress an audiophile, and they aren’t designed to. Their performance is best described as functional and convenient. They produce a clear sound that is perfectly adequate for casual, low-to-mid-volume listening in a small room. Vocals come through with decent presence, but the sound lacks significant bass response and dynamic range. As one user aptly noted, the sound from the built-in speakers is “not convincing.” We wholeheartedly agree. They serve the purpose of immediate, hassle-free playback, which is the primary goal.

However, the story completely changes when you utilise the RCA line outputs on the back of the unit. This, in our expert opinion, is the single most important feature of this record player. We connected the RP114BL to a pair of entry-level powered bookshelf speakers, and the transformation was night and day. The soundstage opened up, bass became present and defined, and the music gained a depth that the internal speakers simply cannot reproduce. This proves that the core turntable components—the cartridge and built-in preamp—are capable of producing a respectable signal. The RCA outputs provide a vital upgrade path, allowing the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player to grow with you. You can start with the built-in speakers and later invest in a better sound system, turning this budget-friendly player into the heart of a proper stereo setup. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is another thoughtful touch, perfect for private listening sessions without disturbing others.

Functionality and Ease of Use: From Needle Drop to Digital Conversion

Beyond its looks and sound, a record player must be easy to operate, especially one aimed at beginners. Here, the Audizio RP114BL excels. The controls are minimalist and foolproof. A single knob turns the unit on and adjusts the volume. A small lever lifts and lowers the tonearm, allowing for gentle placement on the record. A three-position switch toggles between 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM speeds. During our tests, the rotational speed was consistent, with no audible wow or flutter that would detract from the listening experience. The player also features an auto-stop function, which conveniently stops the platter from spinning a short while after the needle reaches the end of the record. This is a great feature for preventing unnecessary stylus wear if you get distracted and forget to lift the tonearm yourself.

The standout feature in this department is undoubtedly the USB MP3 conversion. By connecting the player to a PC or Mac with the included USB cable, you can digitize your vinyl collection. We tested this using the free and widely available software Audacity. The process was straightforward: the computer recognized the turntable as a USB audio input, and we were able to record the audio output directly. The quality of the resulting MP3s is decent—it’s a direct capture of what the player’s stylus and preamp are producing. While it won’t match a high-resolution digital file from a professional mastering service, it is an absolutely fantastic tool for creating personal digital archives of rare records, transferring vinyl-exclusive tracks to your phone, or simply preserving the sound of older, more fragile LPs. This added functionality significantly boosts the overall value proposition of the player. For anyone wanting to preserve their vinyl in a digital format, the Audizio RP114BL offers a simple and effective solution.

What Other Users Are Saying

To get a broader perspective, we analysed feedback from other buyers. The sentiment largely aligns with our own findings, painting a picture of a product that delivers on its promises for the right price. One user from Germany praised it as “perfect for the price,” awarding it a 10/10 and noting the good sound quality for what it is. They did, however, confirm our observation about the internal mechanism not being rigidly fixed in the housing, but correctly identified this as a minor issue that doesn’t detract from the overall value. This feedback reinforces the idea that at this price point, users are forgiving of minor build quirks in exchange for affordability and functionality.

Another user shared a mixed but ultimately positive experience. While their initial delivery was missing the power supply, they praised the seller’s “super service” in rectifying the issue promptly. This speaks to a potentially positive customer support experience. More importantly, they found the turntable itself to “work perfectly” but echoed the common critique that “the sound of the built-in speakers is not convincing.” This consistent feedback is crucial: buyers should purchase the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player for its portability, style, and connectivity, with the understanding that the onboard speakers are a feature of convenience, not of high fidelity.

How Does the Audizio RP114BL Compare to the Competition?

The Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player exists in a crowded market. To understand its place, it’s essential to compare it against some notable alternatives, each catering to a different type of user.

1. Shuman MC-250BT 8-in-1 Music Centre

The Shuman MC-250BT is less a portable record player and more a comprehensive nostalgia hub. In addition to a 3-speed turntable, it packs a CD player, cassette player, AM/FM radio, and wireless connectivity into a single retro-styled unit. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to play their entire physical media collection, not just vinyl. While it sacrifices the grab-and-go portability of the Audizio, it offers far greater media versatility. If you have boxes of old CDs and tapes you’d like to revisit, the Shuman is a compelling all-in-one solution that serves as a central music system for the home.

2. Fluance RT82 Reference Turntable

The Fluance RT82 represents the next major step up for aspiring audiophiles and sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Audizio. This is a serious, component-based turntable focused exclusively on superior sound quality. It features a high-mass MDF wood plinth for vibration control, a high-quality Ortofon OM10 cartridge, and a precision belt-drive motor. Crucially, the Fluance has no built-in speakers or preamp. It requires connection to an external phono preamp, an amplifier, and speakers. It is the superior choice for anyone prioritising audio fidelity over convenience and is willing to invest in a full hi-fi system.

3. Shuman MC-250DBT 9-in-1 Wireless Music Centre

The Shuman MC-250DBT is an enhanced version of its sibling, the MC-250BT. It includes all the same features—turntable, CD, cassette, USB—but adds a significant upgrade: a DAB/DAB+ digital radio for crystal-clear, modern radio broadcasts. It also boasts a real wood construction, giving it a more premium look and feel compared to many of its competitors. This model is for the user who loves the all-in-one concept of the other Shuman but wants the best possible radio reception and a higher-quality finish. It’s a fantastic, feature-packed home audio centre for those who value versatility above all else.

The Final Verdict: Is the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player Right for You?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player is overwhelmingly positive, provided you understand its purpose. This is not a high-fidelity instrument for critical listening; it is a fantastically fun, stylish, and accessible gateway into the world of vinyl. Its greatest strengths are its effortless portability, its charming retro design, and its dead-simple, plug-and-play operation. The addition of USB recording is a genuinely useful feature that adds significant value.

While the built-in speakers are merely adequate, the inclusion of RCA outputs is the player’s saving grace, offering an essential upgrade path that allows it to become the centrepiece of a much better-sounding system down the line. We recommend the Audizio RP114BL wholeheartedly to vinyl beginners, students, or anyone looking for a secondary, portable player to enjoy their records without fuss. It’s an affordable, stylish, and enjoyable way to experience the magic of vinyl.

If you’ve decided the Audizio RP114BL Portable Record Player is the right fit for your journey into vinyl, you can check its current price and purchase it here.