Over the past few years, vinyl has made a proper comeback. Whether it’s the warm, analogue sound or just the tactile charm of dropping a needle onto a spinning disc, more people are finding their way back to records. And with this revival comes a demand for record players that not only sound decent but look good sitting in your living room. There’s also been a growing interest in all-in-one systems that blend vintage looks with modern features—particularly among those just starting their vinyl journey.
Enter the Fenton RP165 record player range—a family of turntables designed to deliver vinyl playback in style. With multiple finishes, included stereo speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity, these players cater to both aesthetic tastes and everyday convenience.
This review dives deep into the RP165 series, covering its features, how it performs, and what real users are saying—so if you’re thinking about getting one, this guide should help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Overview of the Fenton RP165 Range
The Fenton RP165 isn’t just a single record player—it’s a full range of turntables with the same tech under the hood but wrapped in a variety of stylish finishes. Whether you're going for modern minimalism or vintage charm, there’s likely a version that’ll match your taste.
Here’s a quick run-through of the finishes available:
Lightwood (RP165B & RP165L): These have a natural, Scandinavian vibe—clean, bright, and easy to blend into lighter interiors. The "L" variant appears to be a slightly updated design, but both serve up the same understated charm.
Dark Wood (RP165D): A richer tone gives this one a more traditional, warm feel. It looks especially nice in more classic or mid-century-style rooms.
Cherry Finish (RP165C): Eye-catching and bold. The cherry veneer gives off a strong retro aesthetic without feeling overdone.
Aluminium Finish (RP165G): Very modern and a bit industrial—this one’s a good fit if your space leans toward the contemporary.
Black/Grey (RP165B): Sleek and neutral, this combo is ideal for minimalists or those who want something that just works with everything.
Marble Finish (RP165M): Definitely the most luxurious look of the bunch. It stands out without being loud—elegant in a way that’s not too try-hard.
It’s important to note: all RP165 models have the same internal features and specs—the differences are purely cosmetic. So, your decision really comes down to style.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Fenton RP165 gives off serious retro-modern crossover energy. Whether you're picking the lighter woods or the marble finish, the build feels solid enough for its price range. It’s made mostly from MDF, giving it a bit of weight and helping it feel more substantial than the average budget turntable.
The dust cover is clear plastic, hinged for easy opening, and does its job of keeping dust off the platter and stylus when not in use. It’s a nice touch that adds to the practicality without cluttering the look.
Knobs and controls are minimal, which helps maintain a clean design. There’s a small control panel tucked away for volume and playback modes, and the overall layout is simple enough for first-time users to get going without fuss.
The speakers are built into the front panel, neatly integrated behind a fabric grille that complements the chosen finish. Are they big enough to fill a room? Not quite. But they’re more than sufficient for casual listening. And for a player in this price bracket, it's honestly a decent inclusion.
Some users have noted that the lightweight platter and tonearm feel a bit “plasticky,” and that’s fair. This isn’t high-end hi-fi gear—but it's also not pretending to be. For under £100, you're getting an attractive bit of kit that feels better than many of its similarly priced rivals.
So, while the RP165 isn't built like a tank, it's perfectly solid for casual home use—and looks great while doing it.
Core Features and Functionality
The RP165 packs in quite a few features considering its price point and target market. It’s designed to be user-friendly, flexible, and visually appealing—great for newcomers or those who want a hassle-free vinyl setup. Here's a breakdown of what it offers:
Three-Speed Playback
You can play 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM records—so whether you’re spinning old 78s, 7-inch singles, or full LPs, the RP165 has you covered. The speed selector is easily accessible, and the motor handles all three speeds reliably, though you won’t find pitch control or auto-return features here.Stereo Speakers
This is one of its biggest draws. The included speakers are surprisingly decent and capable—clear enough for background music or casual sessions. You're not going to get room-shaking bass, but they’re well-tuned for vocals and acoustic sounds.Bluetooth Input
A big win for versatility—Bluetooth input lets you stream music from your phone, tablet, or laptop straight to the RP165’s speakers. It's worth pointing out that this is Bluetooth input only—so you can’t send your vinyl audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, but you can use the RP165 like a Bluetooth speaker when you're not spinning records.RCA Line Out
If you want to connect to an external sound system, the RP165 includes stereo RCA outputs on the back. Hook it up to a proper amp and speakers, and you’ll instantly upgrade your sound experience.Auto-Stop Function
When your record reaches the end, the platter stops spinning—saving unnecessary stylus wear. It’s a small but helpful touch.Stylus and Cartridge
The RP165 comes fitted with a basic ceramic cartridge and stylus—enough to get started, but not audiophile-standard-amazing. This means it’s best suited to casual listeners rather than audiophiles, and if the stylus needs to be upgraded, this can be done at a later date.Sound Quality
Let’s be honest: if you're buying a turntable under £100 with included speakers, you’re not expecting studio-level fidelity. And the RP165 doesn’t try to fool you—it delivers exactly what it promises: decent sound that’s enjoyable for everyday listening.
The speakers put out a balanced sound, with mids and highs coming through clearly. Bass is present but not particularly deep, which is expected from small integrated drivers. For low-volume sessions in a kitchen, bedroom, or living space, they do a solid job. And the clarity is good enough that vocals and acoustic instruments really shine.
User reviews mention that the system “sounds better than expected,” especially for the price. Multiple reviewers praised how "crisp and clean" it sounded straight out of the box. Some noted that it can sound a little flat at higher volumes—again, not surprising, given the size of the speakers.
Using the RCA output to connect to a bigger setup gives the RP165 a whole new life. Hooked up to a decent amp and bookshelf speakers, the sound opens up considerably. If you’ve got plans to gradually build a more serious listening setup, this option means the RP165 won’t hold you back.
It’s also worth noting that the stylus tracks well on most records, but may struggle with heavily warped or scratched vinyl. There’s no tracking force adjustment, so it's a bit of a “take it as it is” setup.
Bottom line: for casual spins, background music, or someone just dipping their toes into vinyl, the sound quality is more than acceptable—and even impressive when you consider the price.
Ease of Use & Setup
One of the standout features of the RP165 is just how plug-and-play it is. No faffing about with separate amps, preamps, or speaker wires—just take it out of the box, plug it in, and you’re ready to go.
The tonearm is already fitted with the stylus, and there’s no tricky calibration required. Switch it on, choose your speed, drop the needle, and away you go. For first-timers, it’s exactly what you’d want.
Bluetooth pairing is quick and straightforward—press the mode button to enter Bluetooth mode, find the RP165 on your device, and you’re connected. No app required, no passwords or nonsense.
User feedback backs this up strongly. Many commented on how “easy to set up” the RP165 is, and how they were “up and running in minutes.” It’s an ideal setup for someone who just wants to listen to records without needing a manual the size of a phonebook.
The only bit to watch for is the tonearm’s manual control. There’s no cue lever, so you’ll need to lower the needle by hand. It’s not a dealbreaker, but a gentle hand is recommended to avoid scratching your records.
All in all, the RP165 hits that sweet spot between simplicity and functionality—great for beginners, or anyone who values a no-fuss setup.
User Feedback & Reviews Summary
User reviews of the Fenton RP165 range are overwhelmingly positive, particularly considering the price bracket. On platforms like Electromarket and Reviews.co.uk, the average score hovers around 4.6 out of 5, with hundreds of satisfied buyers.
Here’s a quick summary of what real users are saying:
Positives
Ease of setup: This comes up time and again. People love how quickly they can get started.
Good looks: Almost every review mentions the attractive finish. Whether it’s the marble, cherry, or lightwood, users feel they’ve got something that looks much more expensive than it is.
Sound quality for the price: While no one’s claiming audiophile quality, many users were pleasantly surprised by the clarity and volume from the wired speakers.
Bluetooth feature: Having the option to stream music from your phone is a big win, especially in a compact living space.
Negatives
No Bluetooth output: A few users were disappointed that they couldn’t send audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Tonearm feel: Some mentioned the tonearm feels a bit flimsy or light, and would have preferred a cue lever.
Overall, the consensus is clear: for under £100, the RP165 delivers excellent value, striking a nice balance between style, functionality, and ease of use.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a stylish, affordable, and easy-to-use record player to enjoy your vinyl collection—or even to start one—the Fenton RP165 range is a brilliant choice. With a variety of eye-catching finishes to match any room, included speakers, and modern features like Bluetooth input, it offers an accessible entry into the world of vinyl without skimping on looks or basic performance.
It’s not built for audiophiles, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But it is built for people who want a no-fuss, great-looking player that sounds good and just works.
In a crowded field of budget turntables, the RP165 stands out for its design variety, user-friendly setup, and surprisingly decent sound. Whether you’re buying your first turntable, or just want something simple for casual listening, it’s well worth a spot on your shortlist.
