Is there such a thing as a good portable record player?

[Bol]

I live in London, but am about to spend about 3 months in Chicago.  I would like to buy some records while I am there given the greater supply and better prices in the US.  Ideally, I'd want to play them as I get them, so that I can enjoy them and also avoid bringing back defective pressings.  I remember people with some small suitcase-sized and -shaped record players in the old days.  Are any of them good and also still available?  Any suggestions?  Now, that we're past the pandemic, I plan to go back more often to the States, and I will also be in Japan for a month later this year.  So I wouldn't mind a small investment.

[Teasing the Korean]

4 hours ago, Bol said:

I live in London, but am about to spend about 3 months in Chicago.  I would like to buy some records while I am there given the greater supply and better prices in the US.  Ideally, I'd want to play them as I get them, so that I can enjoy them and also avoid bringing back defective pressings.  I remember people with some small suitcase-sized and -shaped record players in the old days.  Are any of them good and also still available?  Any suggestions?  Now, that we're past the pandemic, I plan to go back more often to the States, and I will also be in Japan for a month later this year.  So I wouldn't mind a small investment.

I can only partially answer your question.  The ones that I used to see vinyl hounds bring to record shows were suitable for needle drops to audition records, but nothing I would use for playing any titles repeatedly.  Of course, many of these guys were DJs who used Ortofon DJ styluses, which are not the best and designed to track heavier than recommended.  I would look into what kinds of styluses and cartridges the available models use, and how heavy the suggested tracking force is.  For the uses you are talking about, though, I don't think it would be a major issue.  Life is short, and enjoy the records while you are traveling.

[BillF]

[Chuck Nessa]

[HutchFan]

10 minutes ago, Chuck Nessa said:

 

 

@Bol -- Maybe this?  https://www.crutchfield.com/S-dR4FXfc878o/p_338REVGOBK/Victrola-Revolution-GO-Black.html?XVINQ=GZ0&XVVer=1DIE&awcr=628328329863&awdv=c&awnw=g&awug=9010791&awkw=pla-1456075109902&awmt=&awat=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfF6H3ql_wzyQmBelXc8ydOxE5QENWkLaSuYql-oHb_LqS9MWXRrDBEaAtV6EALw_wcB

I have no experience with this product and no idea how it sounds -- but does have an Audio Technica cartridge/stylus. 

So it likely wouldn't damage your albums, unlike some others.

 

Edited March 8, 2023 by HutchFan

[Dub Modal]

AT's Soundburger FTW

[Bol]

Thank you for these recommendations.  I will look further into them.