The LP&No.1 record player has been around since 2019 and remains a popular choice for vinyl enthusiasts. I want to figure out the kind of features it provides and whether it can deliver good sound. Join me as I review the product to help you make an informed choice before purchasing it.
LP&No.1 Record Player Overview
The LP&No.1 record player is a user-friendly retro-style unit that comes with a pair of bookshelf speakers. It can play 7/10/12 inch records and offers 3-speed options (33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpms). The player supports both wired and wireless connectivity, catering for the versatile needs of users. Costing $69.99, LP&No.1 is price-friendly, which makes it easily accessible to individuals starting the vinyl journey. Customer reviews are mixed. Those satisfied with the product love its attractive aesthetics and ease of use, while the discontent lot express disappointment in sound and poor construction.
Technical Specifications
The record player has the following features:
- 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpms)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual Bookshelf speakers
- Built-in speakers
- Protective dust cover
- Auto stop on/off
- Ceramic cartridge with diamond stylus
- RCA jacks
- Supports universal 3-size of 7/10/12 inches or any other size record
Some of this record player’s features are quite likable. One is the diamond stylus, which can help track your records accurately. It’s also replaceable, so you can get another whenever necessary to enhance the quality of sound produced by the unit. By supporting all record sizes, LP&No.1 ensures you enjoy your whole vinyl collection (from singles to LPs) without requiring extra equipment. Moreover, you can easily connect the unit to external speakers or amplifiers for better-quality audio output, thanks to the RCA jacks.
Although the dual external speakers are a great addition at this price point, I am afraid they may not be as effective in producing good sound as some users have reported. There are also numerous complaints about the unit wobbling and causing the needle to skip. To make it worse, a counterweight isn’t available, which makes it harder to balance the tonearm, especially when it begins bouncing around.
LP&No.1 Record Player Drive Mechanism
The LP&No.1 record player is designed to operate through the belt-drive mechanism. In this setup, a rubber belt is used to connect the motor to the platter, preventing direct contact between the two. Therefore, the motor turns the belt and then spins the platter, enabling playback. This mechanism is believed to reduce motor noise and vibration to help the stylus track grooves without skipping.
The major drawback of the belt drive system is that it doesn’t start immediately to play at 33 1/3 rpm for a standard record but instead builds up to this speed in about a second. This ramp-up can cause undesirable slurring where the player temporarily sounds off-pitch or distorted. Moreover, the belt can wear out or lose elasticity and start to slip, leading to variations in platter speed. You can mitigate this by replacing the belt after some time.
Is LP&No.1 Record Player Automatic or Manual?
This unit includes both automatic and manual features, which I think is ideal to meet the unique needs of different users. If you are an audiophile who likes to actively engage in the playback process, you will appreciate the option of manually cueing the tonearm. You also know where exactly to place the stylus on the record groove as opposed to relying on the player to do that for you.
The automatic part of this unit is mainly activated when the music finishes playing, stopping the platter from spinning. The main advantage of this feature is that you don’t have to worry about your records getting damaged, especially if you become busy with other things and forget about turning it off.
Usability and Portability of LP&No.1 Record Player
Ease of use seems to be one of the characteristics the manufacturer wanted to achieve when designing this record player. Almost every component comes preset, simplifying the installation process. The manual is straightforward, and anyone can easily follow operation instructions and start playing records almost immediately.
In my opinion, the LP&No. 1 record player is not portable. Yes, you can transport it to different venues, but you really have to be careful not to damage the components. You also have to ensure a power source is nearby as there are no built-in batteries to power the unit on the go. Not to mention the inconvenience of carrying the bookshelf speakers around. Therefore, the player can be enjoyed better in a stationary setup.
LP&No.1 Record Player Design & Build
I am impressed with this record player’s overall look. It has an elegant, retro style design that can blend well with different home décor styles. The natural wood appearance is made from solid audio-graded wood to isolate unwanted vibrations. LP&No.1 is available in multiple colors, including black marble, dark brown wood, dark walnut, light green wood, sky blue, and so much more.
The unit is essentially covered with a felt mat, offering a touch of sophistication and safeguarding records from scratches. The surface is quite spacious, with control knobs and buttons intuitively laid out. There’s a dust cover to protect the record player from dust, and you can close it during normal playback.
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Connectivity & Sound Performance of LP&No.1 Record Player: Average, but…
With LP&No.1 player, you have two connectivity options to choose from: the standard RCA outputs and Bluetooth. The RCA output jacks enable you to connect the unit to external speakers or amplifiers to magnify sound from your records and have an enhanced listening experience. By integrating the Bluetooth function, the player enables you to play music on your mobile phone or tablet PC on the player.
There are mixed reactions regarding the record player’s sound performance. According to some users, the sound is just okay and not out of the ordinary. However, others claim the sound is terrible, and the unit is unable to handle some bass notes. It supposedly struggles to play a range of records, partly due to the insufficiently sized, cheap, light surface where the records are placed. This might also explain why the records wobble too much.
Main Technology Perks of LP&No.1 Record Player
This unit offers several technological advantages. The first is the auto-stop function that automatically stops the platter from rotating when the record finishes playing. This serves to protect the record and the stylus from unnecessary wear and tear.
Another benefit relates to Bluetooth connectivity. With this function, you can wirelessly stream music from your digital devices through the record player. Therefore, you don’t have to worry if you lack adequate vinyl records.
The integration of a ceramic cartridge with a diamond cartridge is another technological advantage. It ensures accurate tracking of records and resistance to vibration.
Pricing
The record player is relatively price-friendly as it costs only $69.99.
How to Setup & Use LP&No.1 Record Player?
LP & No.1 is a plug-and-play unit, so you need to do little to get it up and running. Here are the steps to follow to use it:
- When you unpack the player, place it on a level surface and connect it to the speakers using an RCA cable. Insert the adaptor’s DC plug into the unit’s DC in jack. The adaptor’s AC plugs are to be plugged into a power source.
- Open the anti-dust cover, place your record on the platter, and select the playing speed. Use the 45 rpm adapter when playing a 45 rpm record with big center holes.
- Turn the power and volume control knob clockwise and switch the function mode to PH mode.
- Gently remove the protective cover on the stylus, unlock the tonearm and move it over the record. Let it descend onto the record surface to begin playback.
- If you turn on the auto stop on/off switch, your record will automatically cease playing when the music ends. However, if the switch remains off, you will have to stop the playback manually.
- In case you want to use Bluetooth, switch the function mode to BT mode. Search for the device name on your tablet PC or mobile phone and connect to enjoy Bluetooth playback.
To achieve a better experience with the record player, ensure you balance and align it properly on a level surface to prevent potential tracking issues. Also, avoid touching the stylus tip with your fingers or bumping it against the platter or record edge. This protects the stylus from damage, so it can track your grooves correctly. Another important thing is always to cover the player when not using it to prevent dust accumulation. As you already know, dust can affect the unit’s sound quality, and you don’t want that. Lastly, examine the stylus often and replace it if it wears out. A properly functioning stylus is vital for clear sound production and protects your records from damage.
Overall Impression About LP&No.1 Record Player?
LP&No.1 is a nice record player as far as looks are concerned. Unfortunately, the unit might be poorly constructed, causing it to wobble during playback. This can interfere with tracking and lead to poor sound production.
Pros
Here is a list of the record player’s advantages:
- It’s easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Looks nice
- Multiple color options
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
- Plays all record sizes
Cons
The disadvantages include the following:
- Lacks counterweight
- Average sound quality
Who Is It For?
LP&No.1 is an entry-level record player, so it’s mainly ideal for newbies. DJs may not prefer the unit since it operates through the belt-drive mechanism. They normally look for direct drives due to their fast start-up times and scratching ability.
Final Verdict
LP&No.1 ticks all the boxes if we are to focus solely on the nice features it offers. You have a nice pair of bookshelf speakers at no extra cost and Bluetooth connectivity to stream music through digital devices with no hassle. Not to mention the elegant aesthetic that’s sure to decorate any room. But if you really want to enjoy the sound that comes from vinyl, I am afraid you might be disappointed.
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