GPO Memphis Vinyl Turntable Review

The GPO Memphis Vinyl Turntable is a retro all-in-one music centre with a built-in record player, CD player, FM radio, USB/SD functions and stereo speakers. It is aimed at casual listeners who want one compact unit rather than separate hi-fi components.

Its appeal is as much about convenience and 1950s-inspired styling as vinyl playback. It suits bedrooms, kitchens, small living rooms and gift buyers who want records, CDs and radio in a simple tabletop package.

This is not best viewed as an audiophile turntable or a long-term upgrade platform. Buyers with valuable records or higher sound-quality expectations should consider a separate entry-level turntable and powered speakers instead.

The Memphis has a deliberately nostalgic look, with a compact tabletop body, clear dust cover, front-facing controls, LCD display and visible source buttons. Official information lists dimensions of 38 x 37 x 17.5 cm and a weight of 3.4 kg, so it is small enough for shelves or sideboards where a full hi-fi system would be impractical.

The layout combines the turntable, CD door, USB port, SD/MMC slot, AUX input and built-in stereo speakers in one enclosure. A rear FM aerial and external speaker sockets add some flexibility, while the integrated tonearm and platter assembly keep the design simple.

Practical record-handling details include a tonearm rest, cueing lever, removable stylus guard, speed selector and auto-stop selector. GPO also lists a spare stylus with the unit and sells a Memphis/Jive replacement stylus, which is useful because the stylus is a normal wear item.

There are limits to the technical information available. GPO does not publish the cartridge model, tracking force, stylus profile, platter material, tonearm bearing design or common performance figures such as wow and flutter.

The main feature is multi-format playback. The Memphis can play records, CDs, FM radio, MP3 files from USB, SD/MMC media and an external source through the 3.5 mm AUX input.

Record playback covers 33, 45 and 78 rpm, which is helpful for mixed collections of LPs, singles and some older records. For 45 rpm singles, the included adapter is used where required; for 78 rpm discs, buyers should note that GPO does not specify a dedicated 78 stylus.

USB and SD recording are central to the Memphis’s convenience appeal. The manual states that vinyl and CDs can be recorded as MP3 files to USB flash drive or SD/MMC card, although some copy-protected CDs may not be recordable.

The built-in amplifier and twin 2 x 1.5 W speakers mean no separate amp or speakers are required. A Bass Boost button, remote control for digital/CD functions and support for external 4-ohm speakers add useful everyday features, but Bluetooth is not confirmed for this model.

Setup should be simple for most users. Place the unit on a flat, stable surface, release the tonearm clamp, remove the stylus protector, select PHONO, choose the correct speed and use the cueing lever to lower the arm gently onto the record.

For singles, use the 45 rpm adapter where needed. If a 45 or 78 rpm record stops too early, the manual advises switching auto-stop off so the disc can play through.

USB use requires some care. The manual states that USB keys should be FAT32 and under 32 GB, and it warns that not all USB flash drive brands are supported.

Day-to-day operation is designed to be straightforward rather than highly adjustable. Select the source, choose the record speed, use the cueing lever to lower the tonearm and rely on the built-in speakers for immediate playback.

The older official catalogue describes the turntable mechanism as belt drive, but GPO does not publish speed accuracy or wow and flutter figures for the Memphis. That means it would be unwise to make firm claims about speed stability beyond its stated support for 33, 45 and 78 rpm playback.

Auto-stop is useful, but it is not universal in behaviour. The manual specifies auto-stop for 33 rpm records when enabled and notes that some 45 or 78 rpm records may need auto-stop switched off to play fully.

Connectivity is practical but not component hi-fi style. External 4-ohm speaker sockets are described in the manual, yet the built-in speakers continue to play when external speakers are connected, so it is not a clean way to bypass the internal speaker system.

Sound expectations should be kept realistic. The Memphis uses twin built-in stereo speakers rated at 2 x 1.5 W, which points to a modest, convenience-led presentation for small rooms rather than high-volume or deep-bass listening.

The Bass Boost function may help the small speakers sound fuller, but it should not be confused with the scale or control of a separate amplifier and speaker setup. Stereo spread will also be limited by having the speakers housed in the same compact cabinet.

Because GPO does not publish the cartridge model, stylus profile or tracking force, record-care and fidelity claims should be treated cautiously. Owners of valuable or rare records may prefer a turntable with adjustable tracking force, a known cartridge system and clearer technical documentation.

External speakers may improve room coverage, but the manual says the internal speakers remain active at the same time. That makes the Memphis better suited to casual listening than careful system matching.