I decided it would be a nice addition to our living room entertainment to get a retro style, multi function, table top music player, plus, it would be nice bit of furniture.

There is a UK company that produces a catalogue containing items for the home that range from kitchenware, gardening equipment and electronic accessories. One of their products is a tabletop record player with tape and radio, all housed in an attractive and seemingly well made retro style cabinet with fretwork speaker grilles. The price was OK too, so I ordered one. Unfortunately, although everything worked, I felt the record turntable and arm were not very robust, and were a bit too "plasticy", so I returned it.

I decided to go online, and found there are about 4 or 5 possible players available. All but one were, possibly, foreign imports (China?). The one exception, was from a British company that offers several different retro players, including a 5 in 1 system, badged with the name of a Northern city (not in Yorkshire).

Before I commit to any, I thought I would seek the advice of the knowledgeable DS Forumers as to which, if any, they either already own or would consider buying.

I've never seen one that looked as if it was worth buying tbh. It's neither one thing nor the other; not a really nice piece of furniture, and not much cop as as a sound system. It's up to you which of its limited attractions sways you; I wouldn't.

They're all going to be much of a muchness unfortunately.

These systems have a bit of a niche appeal - and it's not usually towards people who want a decent quality stereo system.

You'd be better off buying a piece of furniture which matches your room and can house a stereo system - from there you can find a system which best meets your needs.

You could buy an actual 1980s music centre second hand. They vary from total rubbish to quite good.

I'd sack it off, get a HDMI amp and a bluray player, it'll play all sorts of shit.

Seriously.....

What aspects are most important to you - Retro looks, versitility or audio quality?

Is this device for main listening or is it secondary?

Are you a serious or casual listener, will you be happy with something that sounds pretty average or happier with something that offers higher quality audio.

My own view on them is, they're not really associated with high quality audio, but if its not for main listening I can see them having a certain appeal.

Given the OP has already rejected one as they were unhappy with the quality of the turntable - it's unlikely any of the others are going to be much better - hence my suggestion to look at other ways of doing this. The reality is these 'styled' units all use the same basic components and just have different cases.

Ah, so you're the kind of person the advertisers are trying to catch. Lol.

You asked which of these kind of systems some of here might own and use. The honest answer is that many of us can see these for what they are. I'd be very surprised if any forum member would own up to using one as their primary music system.

Others have said it, they'll all be built down to a price. Searching for the best one I'd going to be an exercise in disappointment. They trade on some misty - eyed nostalgia for a bygone age, except the promise isn't kept.