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Best DJ Speakers: Powered PA Systems For Any Scenario

Finding the right DJ speakers is often the final link in the chain when putting together your DJ setup. There are hundreds of products on the market and the correct type for you will depend on where you mostly play your live sets.

If you’re someone who plays large clubs then the venue is most likely going to supply the sound system. However, most of us will be starting out in smaller venues and so we’ll need to buy our own speakers. This is where our in-depth DJ speaker guide comes into play.

Introduction

We’ve picked out the best DJ speakers in terms of value for money and offered up some excellent high-end and budget options as well. Are you looking for the best portable DJ speakers? No problem, we’ve got that covered. Need some banging DJ speakers for house parties or even a set of outdoor DJ speakers? We’ve got the right speakers for you. Maybe you just want to know which are the best DJ speaker brands out there at the moment? We’ll let you know the answers to all of these questions in our detailed review and buying guide below. For now, let’s take a look at the eight speakers that we have selected especially for this guide. Regardless of how experienced you are in the DJing world, professional or a beginner, or if you’re only here to find a specific product like small or big DJ speakers, we’re sure that you will find a top choice to suit your needs.

Top 8 DJ Speakers Reviews

#1. QSC K10.2 Active 2000-Watt Loudspeaker

4.7/5

View on Amazon

Audio

A+

Features

A+

Build

Value

Output Power: 2000W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo, 1 x 1/8"

Outputs: 2 x XLR, 1 x XLR

Size: 23 x 16 x 17 in

Weight: 39 lbs

The K-series from QSC has been a top-seller with professional DJs for over a decade now. Power and durability are the two key factors that make these DJ speakers so popular. The K10.2 is the one QSC model that everyone seems to gravitate towards. It’s an active speaker that provides unbelievable power from its 10” woofer and 1.4” tweeter, putting out a huge 2000 Watts at its maximum output.

It’s the obvious choice if you are looking for top DJ base speakers. You can rely on the sound quality of these speakers time and time again in whatever situation you might find yourself in. The big plus about the K10.2 is how easy it is to set up and use. One look at the back panel and some people might feel slightly overwhelmed with all of the controls to hand. However, it comes with a handful of factory presets that cover pretty much all live music scenarios. If you do need to tweak any settings then the parameters are there ready and waiting for you to adjust.

The K10.2 speaker is not only a stylish speaker but it’s also very portable as well. A perfect choice for the traveling DJ. The Dual-Pole cups are an improvement on the previous models. This design feature allows you to position the speaker straight or with a down-tilt. It also works just as well as a floor monitor so you’ve got all bases covered.

The key feature of this speaker is the enhanced DSP circuitry. It’s what makes the K10.2 so responsive and powerful in its live environment. The DSP allows for a consistent performance across all frequencies which results in a superior listening experience for your adoring crowds! The K10.2 is one of the best powered speakers for DJs and many music professionals will tell you the same.

#2. Yamaha DBR100 700-Watt Speaker

4.6/5

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Audio

Features

Build

Value

Output Power: 700W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR/TRS Combo, 1 x Stereo

Outputs: 1 x XLR

Size: 15,1 x 15,9 x 22,9 in

Weight: 30,9 lbs

The Yamaha DBR10 is a highly portable speaker option that offers 700 Watt output. A surprising amount of power when you consider its relatively small size. It’s fast becoming a popular choice for those who are looking for home DJ speakers yet it’s more than capable as part of a DJ PA system. The true versatility of the DBR10 becomes apparent when you notice that it comes with a D-Contour switch.

This gives you the option to easily flick between the main speaker and floor monitor modes. Another useful feature of the DBR10 is the switchable high-pass filter that lets you easily add a subwoofer to your sound system if you needed to. Yamaha has created a professional speaker that is suited for all occasions and that’s what we are looking for when we want value for money!

You’ve got various input and output connections that allow for mixers, instruments and media players. Plus, the onboard mixer gives you the option of using either a mixed or direct output. The DBR10 makes perfect use of DSP with a reliable and high-performance sound at all times.

Yamaha is a world-class brand and this certainly shows in the DBR10 spec. Versatility goes a long way when you are spending a lot of money on equipment. Plus, if you are looking for portability then you won’t be disappointed with these small DJ speakers. They’re not the smallest active DJ speakers on the market but the power they offer in relation to their size is impressive.

#3. Bose S1 Pro Multi-Position PA System

4.6/5

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Audio

Features

Build

Value

Output Power: 150W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo, 1 x 1/8"

Outputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS

Size: 11,1 x 9,4 x 13,1 in

Weight: 15,7 lbs

The Bose S1 Pro is an excellent choice for those playing in smaller venues and who need to travel around quickly and easily. This active speaker weighs in at just over 15 lbs. It’s hard to believe the power and the quality of sound that comes from the small and lightweight body. The speaker can be mounted, tilted, or seated and will produce rich audio to all corners of the room. The Auto EQ feature onboard means that there will be no hotspots on the floor and the ToneMatch technology offers precise sounding of voice and instruments with a flick of a switch. Perfect for any DJs who work with live musicians on stage!

The S1 Pro comes with a pre-installed Li-ion battery so you can set up and play pretty much anywhere. The convenient carry handle adds to the portability of the speaker, allowing for quick load-ins and exits for those on a busy schedule. The S1 Pro speaker is versatile when it comes to connectivity. You have Channel 1 and 2 that offer the XLR-1/4″ combo inputs with treble and bass EQ plus extra reverb options. Channel 3 is dedicated to the 3.5mm input and Bluetooth is available so you can stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled devices through the speaker. The onboard mixer also includes line output if you need to combine multiple S1 Pro speakers for larger venues. This is one of the best portable DJ speakers available right now. Created by a company who knows all about high-quality audio. The Bose S1 Pro comes with a slightly higher price tag when you take into account the power potential of other similar priced speakers. However, the features, portability, and performance go a long way in making up for the extra cost. Bose have got a winner on their hands with the S1 Pro.

#4. TURBOSOUND iNSPIRE iP300

4.5/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

A+

Build

Value

A+

Output Power: 600W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo, Bluetooth

Outputs: 2 x XLR (link)

Size: 8,5 x 8,2 x 28,1 in

Weight: 26,2 lbs

The Turbosound iNSPIRE iP300 is a surprisingly powerful active-type speaker. The slim design doesn’t mean you lose any power and it can hold its ground against any of the standard shaped speakers out there. It’s a 600 Watt design with two 6.5” woofers and four 2” neodymium drivers that have been strategically placed to produce a 180-degree, balanced soundscape. The iNSPIRE iP300 will not let you down when it comes to sound quality.

The onboard DSP from Klark Teknik is a clever piece of technology that analyzes and tweaks the incoming signal in real-time to ensure the sound quality is always optimized. It’s been described as having your very own sound engineer with you. It dials in perfect EQ whilst compressing and filtering the sound to create the perfect audio experience for your crowd to enjoy.

The built-in Class D amplifier offers superior power and performance and removes any chance of overheating when you need to play all night long. You can also control the onboard mixer via your iPhone/iPad and connect dynamic mics and line-level instruments using the XLR and jack connections (balanced and unbalanced). The LCD display makes every change quick and easy and furthermore you’ve got the Bluetooth connection that lets you stream any music to the speaker (why not couple this speaker up with any of our recommended Bluetooth Turntables?).

The iNSPIRE iP300 from Turbosound is definitely a modern age DJ speaker. It’s full of features and it makes the process of producing high-end audio quick and easy. You simply plug in and let the onboard DSP do all the hard work for you. A top choice if you are looking for wireless DJ speakers. It’s excellent value for money when you consider all of the features you get with this design from Turbosound.

#5. Mackie Thump12BST 1300W Powered Loudspeaker

4.5/5

View on Amazon

Audio

A+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Output Power: 1300W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo, Bluetooth

Outputs: 1 x XLR (mix out)

Size: 14 x 14,1 x 24,2 in

Weight: 36 lbs

Mackie is a prominent name in the world of DJ speakers. The popular Thump12BST model is an active speaker and by the looks of the reviews and feedback, it’s a fan favorite amongst Mackie fans. It comes as no wonder as this DJ PA speaker combines both huge sound and state of the art technology in perfect unison. The three-channel mixer comes with two Vita+ preamps and will easily handle line-level, mic, and instrument signals. You can dial in a wide range of sounds with the Thump12BST settings, using the EQ and highpass filter to great effect. It also comes with six different speaker modes so you can quickly hit a certain sound if you so need.

The Bluetooth and wireless connections are both very useful features for DJs and those who play in smaller sized venues. You can stream music directly from your Bluetooth-enabled device and wirelessly link up speakers in various layouts. The high-resolution screen is also a nice touch and displays all of your levels for quick reference. If all of that wasn’t enough then you can even control the whole speaker system from your Android or iOS device!

The sound of the Thump12BST is impressive and you will be surprised at how much power the 12” woofer and 1.4” tweeter can produce. The rugged design makes it suitable for life on the road and it’s light enough to carry. If you’re looking for a bass-thumping speaker then you won’t find much better than the Mackie Thump12BST. Mackie is offering great value for money once again. You’ll be ready to take on any venue with two of these Thump12BST’s in your DJ speakers set!

#6. JBL EON610 Portable 10″ Speaker

4.3/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Output Power: 1000W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x TRS 1/4″, Bluetooth

Outputs: 1 x XLR (thru output)

Size: 28 x 17 x 16 in

Weight: 32 lbs

The JBL EON610 is widely considered to be one of the top three choices when it comes to DJ speakers with built-in amplifiers. This powered speaker makes use of JBL’s advanced audio technology that gives you professional sounding results every time. You’ve got more than enough headspace with the 1000 Watt potential and the onboard EQ system can be controlled wirelessly via the Bluetooth connection. We are comfortable in saying that the EON610 is one of the best Bluetooth DJ speakers available at the moment as well. You’ll find that they will connect up with most DJ turntables, which comes in handy if you have other DJs using your speakers.

The dual combo XLR/TRS inputs give you plenty of versatility. On the back panel, you also have an XLR thru connection which allows you to route signals to additional speakers in the EON600 series. The multiple connection options make these great speakers for DJ controller units.

The performance and portability combine perfectly to give you a well-rounded speaker design. It’s obvious that JBL has put a lot of thought into getting this design just right. It’s a top-rated speaker from a popular and well-established brand. We firmly believe that the EON610 is one of the best DJ speakers for the money.

#7. Behringer EUROLIVE B210D PA Speaker

4.2/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

B+

Build

B+

Value

A+

Output Power: 200W

Speaker Type: Active

Inputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR

Outputs: 1 x XLR

Size: 9,6 x 11,5 x 18,4 in

Weight: 19,2 lbs

The Behringer Eurolive B210D speaker is a low-cost option for those on a budget. At such a low price you still get a big sound like any other DJ loudspeaker. This is all thanks to the effective DSP design and the impressive power-to-weight ratio setup. The Eurolive series all come with built-in signal processing so your sound is always going to come out optimized. The B210D speakers are designed so that you never run into the trouble of signal overload. The crossover and EQ help to keep the low end clean, effectively removing any frequencies that create that unwanted muddy sound which low-quality speakers are guilty of creating. Plus, the onboard limiter keeps a clean signal running through and prevents any potential audio clipping from occurring.

The Eurolive B210D from Behringer is a light speaker but still manages to pack a punch. You’ve got 200W of power coming from the 10” woofer and 1.35” tweeter which is more than enough for smaller sized venues. Class D amps are used which means they won’t overheat if you intend to use them for long periods of time.

A useful feature for those who work long hours on the DJing circuit. We see this speaker as a perfect choice for background music or for DJs who are just starting out. Behringer is offering a budget option that has value for money and a professional sound. These cheap DJ speakers are low in price but they still have plenty of power to offer in the right environment.

#8. Electro-Voice ELX200-10 Passive Loudspeaker

4.0/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

B+

Output Power: 1200W

Speaker Type: Passive

Inputs: 1 x speakON, LR AUX

Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x speakON

Size: 23 x 15 x 16 in

Weight: 33,7 lbs

The ELX200-10 from Electro-Voice is one of the best options out there if you are looking for passive type speakers. The powered types are recommended for most situations but we thought that we should at least include one passive option in this review. First off, you will need your own amplifier in order to get these working. However, once everything is set up you’ll love the sound quality of these speakers. The 10” woofer and titanium tweeter offers punchy bass and amazing clarity in the high-end frequency ranges. There are two SpeakON inputs on the back panel and the three handles make carrying the ELX200-10 easy and hassle-free.

The speaker is built within a tough and tour-worthy casing so it’s more than capable of surviving a few knocks and scrapes. The relatively small size also makes this speaker a great option as a floor monitor when space is limited on stage. You will notice that the price tag reflects the passive design and it does come a lot cheaper than the other active speakers in this review.

If you are specifically looking for passive DJ speakers then we think you should be considering these from Electro-Voice. It’s also worth noting that if you like the style of these speakers, but prefer to have the active type design, then they do offer powered versions as well.

What Is a DJ Speaker?

I think it’s best that we start at the beginning and the get the term “DJ Speaker” cleared up once and for all.

In simple terms, a DJ speaker is a speaker that is capable of playing loud music to a large number of people.

The varying levels of speaker quality will determine the overall sound performance and experience. You have probably heard the terms PA, powered speakers, PA speakers. There are all sorts of different names floating around the internet but they all point towards the same thing. When it comes down to it they are all used for one purpose: to produce high-quality audio sounds in large spaces.

Studio Monitors Are Not DJ Speakers

A common misconception is that studio monitor types can be used in place of DJ speakers. Let’s be clear that this is not the case. Yes, you could use them if you are practicing at home but they are solely designed for mixing and producing music. Studio monitors are perfect for reference and being able to hear the finer details in your music.

They are not great for pumping out loud music for long periods of time and they won’t last long if you do so. DJ speakers are designed to channel music at loud volumes and wider angles, perfect for large spaces and club environments. They’re also a lot more durable than the delicate studio monitor design and will survive the knocks and scrapes that come with traveling on the road.

Things To Consider When Buying DJ Speakers

We’ll now run through a list of the most important features of the DJ speaker, plus some of the less important, to give you a rounded and clear view on what you need to create the best DJ sound system for your individual needs.

Passive vs Active Speakers

The main difference between passive and active speakers is the power factor.

Passive speakers are unpowered and will require separate DJ speaker amps that match up with the Watt of the speakers they are connecting to. It’s not overly complicated but it will require some thought and of course, it will cost more money with the extra purchase of the external amp.

Active speakers, on the other hand, come with built-in amplifiers and are ready to use straight out of the box. The amp inside of the speaker will mean that you’ve got hands-on control of the volume and EQ parameters.

Active speakers are the recommended option for most people. You will end up paying more but the convenience of the active speaker design makes up for the extra cost. All you need to make sure is that you are using the correct audio cable types when connecting your equipment. You’ll notice that most of the speakers in our reviews are active speakers. It’s the way to go if you want more control and reliability from your sound.

Power (Watts)

You can’t really go wrong if you stick to the thought that the more Watts, the louder the speaker will be. The amount of wattage that you require will depend on the environments that you intend to play in.

Watts equal power and if you’re looking to play in venues with 1000 people and above then you’ll need at least a 1000 Watt speaker to keep the crowd happy. If you’re playing to small rooms with 100 people or fewer then you’ll find that a 200 Watt speaker will be more than adequate. Obviously, the more powerful the speaker the better.

Getting the most Wattage for your budget will give you more space to work with in terms of loudness and will also keep options open as you start to play bigger venues. More often than not, the bigger venues provide you with professional DJ speakers anyway but having your own setup is always useful.

Woofer Size

The size of the woofer cone is measured in inches and determines how much bass the speaker can cope with. Often described as low-end you’ll find that most DJ speakers are capable of handling extreme levels of low-end bass. The minimum you’re likely to see is 8” and this is fine for standard sized rooms and if you’re not playing bass-heavy music. However, if you’re a DJ who regularly plays drum and bass music or anything that is bass-heavy then you’ll be wise to use a 10”-12” woofer.

You will instantly notice the bass quality in these larger woofers. Although only a few inches bigger, they give you a lot more potential to play those big, wall-shaking bass lines. If your budget allows for it, then 15” woofers are available but another alternative is to use a subwoofer as an add-on to your speaker. Subwoofers are dedicated to bass and they help to reduce the stress on your speakers.

Again, it all depends on the type of music you play and how loud you need to go. If your budget stretches to a 12” woofer then you’ll be sitting comfortably knowing that your speaker will be able to cope with most music and venues.

Portability and Durability

If you are always on the road with your music then you will appreciate the importance of the portability and durability. However, DJs just starting may not have experienced the trauma of lugging around large pieces of equipment (yet)!

Most speakers are ergonomically designed with multiple handles on them located around the side and top panels. This makes it a lot easier to carry in and out of venues and puts less strain on your body. Nowadays, many designs have the advantage of modern technology with powerful speakers being housed in smaller bodies. In any case, it’s always wise to double check the dimensions and weight of the speakers.

Will they fit in your car or van with all of the other gear loaded in as well? Is the speaker itself built for the road and traveling? Most speakers are made with durable materials nowadays so you shouldn’t need to worry too much. Like always, it’s worth checking the smaller details like portability and durability just to make sure you have everything covered before you hand over your money.

Best Brands

You’ll find a handful of brands at the top of the list when you’re searching for your next professional DJ speakers. We’ve only included some of the best brands in our reviews and these come highly recommended from experienced DJs and musicians.

Top brands such as Mackie, QSC, JBL, and budget-friendly options from Behringer all make the list. These companies live and breath audio performance so you know that you’re getting quality. There are cheap options out there from unknown companies and people do buy from them because they think they are getting a bargain. The fact is that they will only make this mistake once.

Audio performance is not something you can cut corners with. When it comes to DJ speakers, you need to pay the money to get quality and that can be said for most sound equipment.

Budget

We can’t all be as rich as Huell from Breaking Bad…

Budget is a big factor when it comes to buying the right equipment. We know that most people can’t go out and buy the top speakers and that’s why our reviews cover the full range of price options. Unfortunately, this part of the DJ setup is not going to be cheap, especially when you need to buy multiple speakers.

There are cheap options out there but if you want to be successful then you should stay well clear of them. They won’t get you anywhere in the DJing world. The bright side is that companies are starting to create entry-level speakers that are ideal for beginners and for those environments that don’t require the wall-shaking bass that the big speakers are capable of. You’ll find some good deals in and around the $250-mark. You’ll most likely upgrade soon after that when you start making money from your first DJ gigs.

The main point to take away is that you should get as much power as your budget allows. This leaves you with a speaker setup that you can grow with as you get more successful and play bigger venues. Plus, when you think about it, you spend all of that time practicing and creating your DJ sets. Surely you would want to portray all of that hard work in the best way possible?

Do your music justice and let the people listen to it in the way you intended by using the best DJ speakers available within your budget.

The post Best DJ Speakers: Powered PA Systems For Any Scenario appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Speaker Wire Connector Types: Their Advantages & Disadvantages

Today we’ll walk you over some of the most common speaker wire connecter types used today.

Speaker cables carry the electrical currents from your amp or receiver to your speakers. An important part of the audio setup yet the connection is often overlooked.

It’s essential to use the right cable connector as it helps to optimize the audio signal until it reaches the final speaker components. Using the wrong speaker cord type and connector can cause signal loss and this will greatly affect your end sound.

It’s a small component but understanding which connector types to use with your speaker terminal does offer a big advantage. There are various plug types to choose from but we’ve narrowed it down to seven of the best wire plug designs.

1. Phono (RCA) Connectors

The RCA connectors have been used widely within audio devices since its introduction in the 1940s. For audio devices intended for casual use in homes, the RCA connectors are by far most common. They’re small, cheap and easy to use. For that reason, they’ve become so popular that you rarely see a household without them nowadays. While many of the newer TVs have moved on to using HDMI, products such as record players still use the design to a great extent.

The advantages of phono connectors are that they’re highly affordable and easy to work with. They’re less monstrous than e.g. XLR cables.

The disadvantages of RCA cables are that each signal requires its own plug. This can lead to unnecessary clutter in even the simplest of audio setups. This is definitely something that can trigger the inner demons of any audiophile.

2. Banana Plugs

As opposed to RCA connectors, Banana plugs offer some kind of security against accidentally getting pulled out with little to no contact. This single-wire (one-conductor) electrical connector offers a good steady fit and excellent electrical conductivity. Banana connectors are 4mm in size.

Banana connectors can plug into specifically matching Banana jacks as well as 5-way binding posts.

One of the biggest pros of these plugs is that they look great. They allow you to quickly and safely make connections without risking any type of corrosion due to them being gold plated.

The major drawback to Banana plugs is the price. These cables can easily cost around $10 a piece and if you’re running an extensive audio setup you may end up with a noticeably higher bill than other connectors would leave you with.

3. Pin Plug

The Pin plug is the smaller version of the Banana Plug. You will find that pin plugs come in sizes between 2mm and 3mm whereas the bigger Banana plugs are 4mm in size. Not a lot of difference in size at all but the Pin plugs do have their own design characteristics. They do not use the spring contact like the Banana plugs but instead use binding posts that are designed with holes through the center.

A common Pin plug type that you will find is the 2.6mm plug, it’s about 1/3 of the size of the standard Banana plug connector. These come with the same contact styles and sheathed options for high voltage use. The downside to these Pin plugs is that they are fragile and won’t give you as much durability as the standard sized plugs. However, on the plus side, they do come in handy if you need a compact connector or if you require a number of connectors within a tight space.

4. Spade Plugs

Spade Plugs are a popular choice as they give you one of the most secure and reliable connections. They often come as crimp-on or screw-on styles, the latter being the most common option. To connect the screw-on type you simply place the open part of the U over a five-way binding post and then screw the nut down onto the plug. You will find some spade plugs that are shaped with 3/4 of a circle. People often find these circle types to offer an even stronger connection than the U-shaped design.

The main advantage of using a Spade plug is that it offers one of, if not, the best type of connection for speaker wires. They also protect the wire ends from unraveling and keep all the strands inside one safe connection. Spade plugs are secure and give you a quality connection over a long period of time. If we had to suggest one disadvantage then it would be that it does take a bit longer to connect and screw into place, as opposed to the quick and easy Banana plugs.

5. XLR Connectors

The most common XLR connector is the circular, 3-pin design. You can also find 4, 5, 6, and 7-pin designs in use. Plus, a mini-XLR connector is also available for those smaller projects. You will have no doubt seen these in use in various microphone and audio/video applications. A popular choice of connector in home audio setups and home studios. You will notice that a lot of the XLR connectors come with a locking device that ensures that they can’t be easily pulled out. This is a simple yet extremely useful design feature that users are quick to appreciate.

The beauty of the XLR connector is that they are reliable and very common if you are an audiophile. You are likely to have one lying around if you need a quick replacement. However, while the XLR connector is perfectly sufficient for low volume performance such as speaker systems. It was never suited for outdoor and larger scale situations.

6. TRS Connectors

The TRS connector is one of the most well-known connections in the professional audio environment. Widely known as the 1/4” speaker jack type, it can be seen on all sorts of audio equipment. The TRS initials stand for tip, ring, and sleeve. These three terms describe the three contact points of this wire plug design, giving the TRS connector its balanced nature. As opposed to the unbalanced, TS connector design with two contact points (tip and ring). As well as the standard 1/4“ size, the TRS connector also comes in two other useful sizes of 3/32″ and 1/8″.

The advantages of using TRS connectors is that they are designed to give a more balanced and improved signal-to-noise ratio. The clear disadvantage is that they will be more expensive than their unbalanced TS counterpart. There will be a significant difference in cost when setting up larger scale projects. You do pay more for the balanced and clear signal though it is worth noting that you are not likely to hear the difference between TRS and TS cables under 10ft long. So again it depends on your setup as to which connector type is going to be best suited to you.

7. Speakon Connectors

The Speakon connector is a trademarked design that was specially created for professional audio speakers. Other similar designs have been coined “speaker twist connectors” but the Speakon design is widely regarded as the industry standard. You can buy these in 2, 4, and 8-pole designs and they are interchangeable to a certain degree. The 4-pole is the most common type as this allows for bi-amping without the use of two cables (two connections each for both high and low frequencies).

The advantages of the Speakon cable connectors is that they come with a useful locking design, meaning no more connection fallout. They are also able to carry more current than the standard 1/4” phone connectors, in fact, they are specially designed for high current environments. Last but not least, the contacts have been designed so that you experience no shorting when connecting and disconnecting. The Speakon wire plug is designed for the professional audiophile with convenience and safety in mind. The downside to the Speakon plug is that you do pay more for the optimized design, but for most people, this will be worth it in terms of end result.

The post Speaker Wire Connector Types: Their Advantages & Disadvantages appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Top 7 Best Vintage Turntables Reviewed (Buying Guide)

Introduction

You have to admit that there is something charming about a vintage turntable. It instantly becomes the focal point of any room, and it’s often a talking point when visitors drop by. An old design comes with warmth and character whereas some modern-day turntables tend to be cold and lifeless.

Many of these older, retro designs have that wooden appearance which helps them to blend into the background of your home. Others are unique in their design, and that’s the beauty of antique turntables. Designs are varied, and you never know what you might find.

As you would expect, actual vintage turntables can be pricey and hard to find. Not to mention that maintenance can often be a nightmare. You can imagine how hard it is to track down parts for a 1970’s record player!

However, there are plenty of options that are vintage in design yet still have the modern day features onboard, such as the ever-increasing popularity of Bluetooth connectivity in turntables. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding a quality vintage turntable.

So, we’ve done some of the leg work for you and gathered up the top vintage turntables. Look through the reviews and see if any of them catch your eye.

Product Overview

Model Rating Audio Features Build Value JORLAI Classic 4.6 B+ A B+ A Victrola 3-Speed Turntable 4.4 B+ B B+ A Victrola Nostalgic Aviator 4.4 B A A B+ Fluance RT81 4.3 A C+ A C+ Wockoder Retro 4.2 B+ B B+ B Pyle Retro 4.1 B A C+ B Wrcibo Classic 4.0 B+ C B B

Top 7 Vintage Turntable Reviews

#1. JORLAI Old-Style Vintage Turntable

4.6/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX In, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio, Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 13,8 x 9,8 x 4,7 in

Weight: 6,18 lbs

The JORLAI Vintage Record Player is another suitcase design similar to the Victrola. The wooden and faux leather materials look stylish, and although it doesn’t have that wooden appearance, it still has that vintage charm. The carrying handle makes it portable, and it’s light enough to take with you out of the house. Plus, the rechargeable battery is an excellent addition and gives ultimate freedom. Listen to your music wherever you want! The JORLAI comes with a one-touch lever that makes raising the tonearm and lowering the needle an easy process.

The belt-driven platter will play all 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM records. The back panel holds the RCA outputs, AUX in, and USB connections. In addition to this, you’ve got the Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream other music through the onboard speakers. The headphone jack can be found next to the power/volume control that sits next to the tonearm. Everything about this record player from JORLAI is stylish. It looks sleek in white although a turquoise option is also available. The fact that it comes with the rechargeable battery makes this a brilliant option for those who like to listen to their vinyl in and around the house. You can pack it away, pick it up, and take it with you wherever you go. Overall, when you look at the price and all of the onboard features, you can’t help but be impressed. We firmly believe that this option from JORLAI is one of, if not, the best vintage turntable under 500.

#2. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Turntable

4.4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX In

Outputs: RCA Audio, Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 16,6 x 7,3 x 12,8 in

Weight: 5,07 lbs

The portable suitcase turntable is a hugely popular design from Victrola. It’s based around a winning combination of retro design, quality playback, and portability. Add to that the numerous features, and it’s easy to see why this turntable is widely regarded as the best vintage turntable for the money. It’s available in a wide range of colors, so there is a style for everyone. The onboard speakers have been cleverly designed into the outside of the suitcase. The surprising thing about this unit is the weight at just over 5 lbs. It’s super light, and the handle makes it simple to carry around with you.

The Victrola Bluetooth Suitcase definitely has that vintage feel, but like most turntables in this review, the features are all in line with modern technology. The built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream and playback any music from your Bluetooth-enabled devices. Plus, the AUX in jack opens up playback from any other devices that are not Bluetooth enabled.

The RCA connection is there to pump up the volume through external speakers. If you feel the need to be more private and keep the music to yourself, then a headphone jack is also available. It would have been useful to connect the Bluetooth with external speakers, but I suppose you can’t have everything! Especially when you look at the price. At well under $100, this is the choice for those on a shoestring budget. It looks vintage and sounds excellent. If you’re looking for the best vintage turntable for the money, then look no further.

#3. Victrola Nostalgic Aviator Classic Turntable

4.4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX In, USB

Outputs: Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 20,4 x 12,1 x 12 in

Weight: 25,2 lbs

Victrola is known for making excellent turntables, and the Nostalgic Aviator is no exception. The look is pure retro, and it comes with a wide range of features. The wooden casing has that unmistakably vintage look about it. The metal plating that houses the old-style controls and the authentic, old-fashioned speakers are full of character. Everything about the Nostalgic Aviator is retro.

Now, let’s jump into the features and find out what this unit is capable of. Starting at the top, you can play all three significant record speeds – 33 ⅓, 45, 78 RPM. The construction of the platter and the components used are adequate but not high-end. You shouldn’t expect high-end for the price you are paying though. The main point is that it does offer quality playback performance. You’ll want to connect to more prominent speakers if you’re looking to enjoy the music out loud.

The built-in CD player, AM/FM radio, and cassette player are all welcome features. You can record any of the vinyl, CD or cassette to the USB drive and the remote control lets you sit back and manage the player from the comfort of your chair. The Bluetooth connection allows you to stream music from your devices to the onboard speakers. You also have the choice to plug in via the AUX in jack for other non-Bluetooth devices. The Victrola Nostalgic Aviator has got you covered with a variety of features, and it has that classic, vintage appearance. You won’t be disappointed with this option; we think it’s one of the best vintage record player options.

#4. Fluance RT81

4.3/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

C+

Build

Value

C+

Speeds: 33⅓, 45 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 13,75 x 16,5 x 5,5 in

Weight: 14,1 lbs

The Fluance RT81 is a turntable that has a strong vintage appeal. It’s going to attract those who are looking for more of a stylish design over the fun-style of the Victrola units. The walnut finish and minimalist design offer a professional quality that others lack. The audio clarity and playback is something that we should highlight. The construction and components all point towards a high-end audio experience. You’ll find that the RT81 is going to offer a lot more listening pleasure than the budget units in this review.

We also reviewed the Fluance RT81 in our DJ Turntable Guide. However, we’ll focus on the vintage aspect of the unit in this review. There is no denying the vintage looks but what about the onboard features? Well, it doesn’t get anywhere near the level of features of some of the other options in this review. The RT81 is more about sound performance than modern technology. There is no Bluetooth connectivity and no USB options, but not everyone needs these. We do, however, think that the sound quality benefits from the decision to leave these features out. You will notice the higher-grade components in the platter and tonearm, as well as the built-in preamp and gold-plated RCA connectors. Before you consider buying this option, ask yourself if you will miss the modern features? If not, and you’re more interested in the sound and looks then the RT81 is going to be a solid choice for you.

#5. Wockoder Retro Vinyl Player

4.2/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX In

Outputs: RCA, Headphones

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 14,2 x 13,7 x 5,7 in

Weight: 5,65 lbs

The Wockoder Retro turntables is another wooden design that instantly takes you back to the old days. The old-fashioned, stereo speaker sits in the front panel next to the on/off-knob and headphone jack. The unit itself looks sleek with the rounded edges and black mechanical components. Wockoder has introduced some additional features that go a long way to enhance the overall sound. The platter has a built-in spring that helps to reduce vibration. The Ruby stylus offers a lot more durability, and the tonearm controller gives you added support when starting and stopping records.

The Wockoder Retro turntable isn’t here just for its good looks though. The onboard Bluetooth connectivity means you can wirelessly stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device to the speakers. The 3.5mm AUX in jack gives you access to any non-Bluetooth devices. RCA connectors are also available if you want to hook up any external speakers. So you’ve got plenty of options to use the Wockoder as a standalone speaker.

All three speeds are available for playback (33 ⅓, 45, 78 RPM) and it will play all of your 7”, 10”, and 12” vinyl. This retro offering from Wockoder is a good all-around option that combines the vintage looks and modern technology. You will find that you’re going to pay slightly above average for this record player from Wockoder. It does look great, but we are not 100% convinced that the end product justifies the price tag.

#6. Pyle Retro Record Player

4.1/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

C+

Value

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX In, USB & SD

Outputs: RCA Audio, Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 14 x 8,8 x 15,2 in

Weight: 8 lbs

The Pyle Vintage Record Player is a unique design that has that rock n roll diner feel to it. The casing is crafted from wood and includes a useful collapsible lid. The chrome grill is at the forefront of the design and holds the stereo speakers. It’s a bold design and was surely built to be center stage of any room. The components only seem to be of standard quality, and so the focus is undoubtedly on the features. You can listen to all of your vinyl collection with the three-speed, selectable playback option (33 ⅓, 45, 78 RPM). The RCA audio jacks can be found on the back panel to connect up with external speakers.

Numerous features can be found on this player, and they all help to keep you and the unit connected. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream in and play any of your favorite tracks through the onboard speakers. USB is included to record and store any of your vinyl as mp3 files. The addition of the SD card reader is something we don’t often see. It gives you another option to play your mp3 tracks through the Pyle vintage record player. Other features include an AM/FM radio, headphone jack and a blue LCD display with a remote controller. The vintage player from Pyle is a feature-heavy design that will keep a lot of people happy. With numerous connectivity options, a unique look, plus the crisp stereo sound, we think it will draw a lot of attention.

#7. Wrcibo Classic LP Player in Natural Wood

4.0/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

C+

Build

Value

Speeds: 33⅓, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: AUX In

Outputs: RCA Audio, Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Drive

Size: 16,4 x 16 x 6 in

Weight: 7,55 lbs

The vintage record player from Wcribo is a simple option that will attract those looking for that minimalist, retro design. Much like the Fluance RT81, the Wcribo player is geared more towards the sound rather than packing in the features. You can see that it’s very much the traditional style with the all-wood base and finish. It comes with a belt-driven platter and plays three speeds at 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM. The tonearm is semi-automatic and uses a sapphire stylus for extra durability. The onboard speakers are well-designed, and they produce a clear sound for the price you are paying. They can also be used as standalone speakers for external music devices via the AUX In jack.

RCA connectors are available around the back to hook up to any Hi-Fi systems. A headphone jack is there in case you want to listen to your vinyl in private. It’s a shame that there are no Bluetooth or USB recording options onboard. There is no way to stream music wirelessly or record your collection to digital format. It does come with a USB power adaptor, allowing you the choice to power up via the USB or the mains. It’s clear that the features are limited on this Wcribo player, but it does offer a great design and quality playback, all for a brilliant price. It definitely has that nostalgic feel to it though. I’m sure it will make it into a lot of homes because of that very reason.

The Vintage Record Player Buying Guide

Buying a vintage record player can mean one of two things nowadays. You either buy an old design that comes with modern technology, such as Bluetooth and USB. Else you actually go hunting for something that was built years ago. Perhaps you’ve got your eyes on one of those suitcase-style record players that are popular among vinyl collectors nowadays.

The modern vintage players give you connectivity with your daily devices like mobiles and tablets for example. Record players usually take center stage in a room, so it’s essential that it looks the part. This style of record player gives you the best of both worlds. Not to mention that the design will come with modern components and will make use of today’s solid construction materials.

On the other hand, if you intend to buy a vintage record player that was built back when record players first made their rise to fame. It’s best that you know what to look out for. You are likely to find some issues when you buy anything that is vintage or retro. So we’ve detailed some of the main areas that you need to be aware of when heading into the vintage market.

If you’re new to this sort of technology, then we suggest taking a quick look at our record player buying guide. It will get you up to speed with all of the basics. It’s always best to understand the technical talk before you go out and buy these things. You’ll save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run. Here’s what you need to know:

Cost

The cost of a vintage record player can be anywhere from under $100 to upwards of $500 and more. It all depends on who you are buying it from and how much they value their “junk” or “beloved record player.” Make sure to check the condition, the model, and the owners’ opinion before you hand over any money.

There are plenty of bargains to be found in yard sales and online pages like Craigslist. You just need to spend the time to find them out. You might find a deal; you might not. If you have a reasonable grasp of how much these old players go for. You’ll be in a much better position to haggle and strike a deal that’s right for you.

Quality

Old record players were built to last with the use of high-quality components. There was a lot more time spent on construction by highly-skilled engineers. Modern turntables do have the benefit of newer technology but today’s mass construction method is always going to throw some faults in now and again.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear more motor noise than usual on older players; this is to be expected. However, the main point here is not to be swayed by looks and make sure the sound is still up to scratch.

Maintenance

One of the main issues with anything vintage is the difficulty in finding replacement parts. If you’ve got a rare model, then you’re going to have a tough job of finding the right parts or something similar to fit. You might find something on the internet with sites like eBay and record player forums.

The forums are full of audiophiles who have plenty of knowledge and experience in retro vinyl players. Ask nicely, and they’ll usually be willing to help a fellow vinyl fan. Collecting classic turntables is a great hobby, but there is always that risk especially without included warranties.

Functionality

The beauty of vintage players is that many of them were fully automatic. You would push a button, and the player would do the rest. Be it safely moving and placing the needle on the record or changing speeds; there was less room for error.

The turntables of today are often manual which means more chances of damage to your needle and records. Bear this in mind if you’ve got a lot of valuable records in your collection.

Other Areas To Look Out For

Aesthetic

Vintage record players are likely to be bigger and chunkier, unlike the sleek and compact modern day turntables. Remember that they will take up more room in your house.

Speakers

The record player might look in good shape but what about the speakers? Make sure you test the speakers before handing any money over. You don’t want to get home and end up listening to a buzz or crackle when you put your first record on.

Components

It may sound obvious but do try and check all moving parts if you can. Wear and tear is always going to occur. Does the tonearm move freely? Does the platter spin consistently? Is there any vibration, shaking?

You can’t always test what you buy, but given the chance, you should definitely at least ask the questions and make sure the player is worth the asking price.

The post Top 7 Best Vintage Turntables Reviewed (Buying Guide) appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Best DJ Turntables Reviewed – Cheap & High-End Vinyl Options Reviewed

We put it on ourselves to research and find some of the best DJ turntables on the market in 2019. We settled on 8 different options – some budget-friendly and others high-end. Discover the ultimate winner below.

Introduction

The DJ turntable is a different breed to the standard turntable that we all know and love. It packs more punch. It’s often a lot heavier and you’ll definitely notice a lot more specialist features onboard. Any turntable that claims to be DJ-orientated should use solid, reliable components. The life of a DJ involves a lot of traveling, setting up, and packing away. Not to mention the constant wear and tear from scratching and mixing. In other words, they need to be tough or else they won’t last very long.

The arrival of digital media and mp3 audio changed the DJ world dramatically. Nowadays, any useful DJ turntable should have at least USB connectivity included. This is essential to keep up with the demand of the modern-day DJ setup. Yet, features like USB, or Bluetooth for example, can often affect the sound performance. The right balance between onboard features and audio quality is important. It’s something that only a few companies have managed to get right.

So, with that in mind, we have picked out some of the best options on the market at the moment. There are some solid candidates for the best budget DJ turntable amongst the beasts you’ll find in this article. Plus, we’ve also thrown in some high-end options as well to show the comparison between the quality and price.

Top 8 Best DJ Turntables Reviewed

#1. Numark NTX1000 High-Torque Direct-Drive Turntable

4.7/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: USB

Outputs: RCA Audio Cables, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 13,7 x 17,7 x 5,9 in

Weight: 20,9 lbs

The Numark NTX1000 is one of the best DJ turntables available in our opinion. Numark shows that it is possible to create a pro-level turntable at an affordable price. It sounds as good as it looks. Precision-milled parts on top of a solid base shows that the NTX1000 means business. The full-size platter includes a direct-drive motor with plenty of torque. It’s the perfect design for precise control and quick startup times. There is also dual RCA audio with switchable Phono/Line output and a USB connection.

The NTX1000 is a 2-speed turntable with 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM capability. The S-shaped tonearm offers accurate tracking. It also includes height adjustment, anti-skate control and damped cueing options for further control. The adjustable counterweight allows you to find the perfect balance and setup. You’ve got a handful of DJ essentials that include pitch range (+/-8/16/50%) and a pitch fader with a reset button that instantly snaps back to zero.

If you’re in the market for a high-end turntable, then the lack of cartridge is not going to discourage you. After all, this is where a lot of the sound quality comes from. It makes sense for you to be in control of this important attachment if you are serious about DJing.

In summary, Numark is offering a highly refined DJ turntable at a very reasonable price. It doesn’t come with any standout features, but it does offer high-quality components in every area. The NTX1000 is the perfect companion for those who are looking to perform at the top of their game.

#2. Audio-Technica AT-LP1240

4.5/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: USB

Outputs: RCA Audio, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 20 x 14 x 10 in

Weight: 25 lbs

The AT-LP1240 from Audio-Technica is a superstar when it comes to turntables for DJs. The popular design is common among nightclub DJs and touring musicians. It’s often the go-to choice for many beginners as well. So, as you can see this turntable has a lot of followers. The main reason being is that it packs all the features that you would need to become a successful DJ.

The turntable offers superior sonic performance that is likely to please most audiophiles. It does go the extra mile to ensure that it can keep up with the rough and tumble of daily DJ life. The direct drive motor and die-cast aluminum platter provide accurate speed and tracking. The S-shaped tonearm also offers anti-skating and counterweight measures. These are some of the bare essentials for any DJ.

The USB output allows you to connect the AT-LP1240 to computers and laptops. The built-in preamp is convenient for use at home and in the club, allowing you to plug straight into a variety of receivers. You can playback any of your 33/45/78 RPM records with forward and reverse play, and back-cueing. Pitch change and pitch lock options are also available. All this result in a serious, feature-packed DJ turntable.

The only clear downside is that you will need to buy your own cartridge. Yet, this is only a minor issue when you think of the whole package. In summary, the AT-LP1240 is a very powerful, direct drive DJ turntable from Audio Technica. It’s built to last and will take your DJing to new levels.

#3. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC

4.4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 12,6 x 16,34 x 4,65 in

Weight: 12,35 lbs

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC is widely regarded as one of the best high-end, entry-level turntables on the market right now. The original Pro-Ject Debut Carbon was a near-perfect design in regards to value. It’s hard to see where they can improve with this revised DC model. Nonetheless, the Pro-Ject design team has managed to find ways to improve it.

The base of the unit consists of a medium density fibreboard. The high gloss finish means it will look stylish wherever it sits. The rubber feet, a heavy steel-based platter, and the decoupled belt-driven motor all combine to produce a pure and consistent sound. The carbon fiber tonearm is an excellent choice of material and adds extra strength to the unit. The one-piece design reduces the number of moving parts and guarantees high-level performance.

The inclusion of the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge is another standout feature. It offers excellent tracking and captures the distinct nuances in your vinyl grooves. The gold-plated RCA audio cables and 2M cartridge are replaceable, adding to the flexibility of the turntable.

There is no built-in preamp and you need to manually change the record speeds (33 ⅓, 45 RPM), but these are minor issues. However, the lack of onboard controls and connections is going to limit the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC in the DJ arena. Overall, the sound performance is spot on and it’s top of the class when it comes to value for money.

#4. Pioneer PLX-500-K Pro Turntable for DJs

4.3/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: USB

Outputs: RCA Audio Cables, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 18,3 x 22,2 x 11 in

Weight: 29,6 lbs

The Pioneer PLX-500 is a strong and flexible USB DJ turntable. It ticks all the boxes for both beginners and experienced DJs alike. It’s built for DJing and the sound performance will not leave you disappointed. The die-cast aluminum platter adds extra weight to the solid MDF and plastic base. You’ll get very little vibration as you spin your records. The direct-drive motor ensures a smooth and reliable rotation. Pioneer designed the PLX-500 to produce that analog playback that we all love to hear.

The S-shaped tonearm is of standard quality, but it does offer both counterweight and anti-skating. The fact that you can upgrade the components for future improvements is a big bonus. Speed-wise, you can play both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records via the onboard buttons. Pushing them together gives you the ability to play at 78 RPM if you ever need it.

The pitch slider and strobe light features are two of the primary onboard DJ essentials. You’ll be hitting the right beat and playing at the correct speeds with the PLX-500 at your fingertips. The USB connection means that you’re all set to work with digital files. Pioneer have included their own DJ software, Rekordbox, an alternative to the popular Audacity software. Lastly, the switchable Phono output lets you connect up to mixers or speakers via the built-in RCA cables.

Overall, the PLX-500 is a solid turntable that borders the line between budget and high-end performance. The onboard features, weighty construction, and high-grade components are all DJ worthy. Pioneer has created another turntable that is capable of handling the DJ lifestyle.

#5. Fluance RT81 Pro DJ Turntable

4.2/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

C+

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 13,75 x 16,5 x 5,5 in

Weight: 14,1 lbs

The Fluance RT81 is a classic looking turntable. It combines value for money and high-end sound performance. The walnut finish gives it a stylish appearance. It’s definitely one of the better-looking units in this list. However, as good as it looks and as rich as it sounds. We can’t help but feel that many DJs out there will find this option to be lacking a few key features.

You can’t deny the sound quality. The RT81 has premium components throughout. It’s a solid structure from the ground up with a body made of audio grade MDF, a sturdy aluminum platter, and a rubber slip mat. All helping to minimize vibration and unwanted noise to create a crisp and clear, high-fidelity sound.

The RT81 will play both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records and you can easily switch back and forth via a control knob. The built-in Texas Instruments preamp and gold-plated RCA connections are high-quality fixtures. However, it lacks USB connectivity. A strange decision because this is quickly becoming a primary turntable feature.

The Fluance RT81 uses an S-Type tonearm. It offers high-definition playback by allowing the stylus to sit deep in the grooves. The inclusion of the AT95E Audio Technica cartridge is a nice addition. It helps to optimize the sound and reduce vinyl wear and tear.

The Fluance RT81 is a solid turntable optimized for high-end sound performance. However, the fact that there is no speed or pitch adjustment somewhat limits the RT81 from becoming a pro DJ turntable in its own right. You can’t complain about the value for money though, it’s a well-built unit.

#6. Pioneer PLX-1000 DJ Turntable

4.2/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 22,3 x 18,6 x 10,8 in

Weight: 31,5 lbs

The PLX-1000 from Pioneer is another top design. It is considered by many as one of the best turntables for DJing. The direct-drive unit offers exceptional performance and consistent rotation. It all starts with the reinforced, solid base. Rubber components throughout help to dampen and absorb vibrations. The high-torque platter is die-cast aluminum and gives you a solid base to scratch and mix your music.

The black metal casing has a brushed effect and the design is clean and simple. The gray, S-shaped tonearm looks stylish against the black metal. We love how the blue lights subtly finish off the modern look. The gold-plated RCA jacks ensure that the high quality continues right along the signal path.

While the PX-1000 is not full of features, it does offer some useful options. The tempo control feature has three adjustable ranges (+/-8/16/50%). Plus, a useful reset button for extra precision and flexibility. The only feature that is lacking is the USB connection. It’s a strange one to miss out in our books considering how much the design is geared towards DJs. It’s also worth mentioning that a cartridge is not included with the turntable.

The design is much like the previous Audio-Technica turntable. You can see that both builds have DJs in mind. The PLX-1000 is the best turntable for scratching and feedback is minimal. You can’t fault the sound performance. However, without the USB connection, it falls short of the AT-LP1240’s level. It’s close but it’s not quite the full package.

#7. Roland TT-99 Special Edition

4.1/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio, Built-in Preamp (Phono/Line)

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 21 x 17 x 8 in

Weight: 26 lbs

The retro design of the Roland TT-99 is a big nod towards the classic Roland TR 909 drum machine. The color combinations and graphics make this very clear but it’s not all about the looks. The build and design features make the TT-99 a worthy choice for DJs and musicians. It’s not going to set the world alight with sound quality and performance, but it does hold its own in this list.

The TT-99’s direct drive motor delivers high-torque and stable rotation. The use of a static balanced, S-Shaped tonearm is perfect for tracking and will not wear out your vinyl. A nice bonus is that the included cartridge means that you’ll be up and spinning as soon as it arrives. A die-cast aluminum platter will run three speeds at 33/45/78 rpm. You’ve also got an onboard pitch adjustment setting (+/-10%) for extra control. The TT-99 doesn’t come with a USB connection but does include the standard RCA audio phono output.

Roland has thrown in a few accessories in the form of a 909 Celebration Special slipmat, RCA cable, and a dust cover. The TT-99 only offers the basic features for a DJ turntable but the main riding feature is the look and feel. This turntable is for those who want something cool in the middle of their room. It’s not going to appeal to all DJs, but it will please those who are looking to scratch the surface in the world of DJing.

#8. Denon DJ VL12 PRIME

4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

Value

C+

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: N/A

Outputs: RCA Audio Cable, Phone Level

Drive Type: Direct-Drive

Size: 14 x 17,8 x 5,9 in

Weight: 27,3 lbs

The Denon DJ VL12 Prime gives us a different view on the traditional DJ turntable. It holds a few surprises and features that are rarely seen outside the usual tried and tested design. At first glance, the VL12 Prime has a lot to offer but is the performance worthy of the high asking price?

First off, the chassis is weighty and sturdy with vibration-reducing legs. It’s everything that you would expect from a pro DJ turntable. The isolated direct-drive motor reduces noise and includes a Low/High torque switch. The S-shaped tonearm is perfect for tracking and includes lock and rest functions.

The VL12 Prime is a 2-speed turntable with both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM options to choose from. A stereo RCA connection is available but there is no USB option. You have a few extra features such as the adjustable pitch range and Easy Grip platter design. The edge of the platter illuminates with RGB color and it does look cool. You can adjust the brightness and color via the back-panel switches.

The fact that the price is so high and still lacks the USB connection is a big question mark for us. Denon has tried to create a different design and set itself away from the pack with the VL12 Prime. It’s nice to see different ideas from time to time but different doesn’t always mean better. It’s a solid, well-built DJ turntable but we don’t think that the end result justifies the high price tag.

The Ultimate DJ Turntable Buying Guide

DJ turntables are unique in their design and makeup. It takes a blend of power and precision to create a well-rounded turntable. It’s not an easy task to design something that will keep up with the demands of today’s DJ. Legendary brands such as Technics have some excellent designs but most of us don’t have the budget. You can end up paying $1000s for a top-rate turntable, but luckily for us, there are plenty of options within a reasonable price range.

The key is that you are able to pick out the good from the bad. Make sure that you’re not going to leave yourself short and buy something that claims to be for DJs when it’s not. This buying guide will get you up to speed with some of the essential features of a DJ turntable.

First off, if you are looking for the best DJ turntable for beginners, be sure that the design ticks off the following three features. If you’ve got these included, then you’re on the right track.

Direct-Drive Motors

Direct-drive motors are located underneath the center of the platter in direct-drive turntables. The center location ensures higher torque and lower speed fluctuations. These are essential for a DJ. Belt-drive motors are too inconsistent. They do not provide anywhere near the amount of control that a DJ requires. You need a constant speed to DJ successfully and even the slightest fluctuation in speed will create galloping (when beats are playing out of sync).

Torque Power

The higher the torque power, the faster the platter will reach the desired speed. The more power you have the easier it is to use the slip mat. This means that the platter will not slow down as much when you hold a record still. A useful guide is to look for at least 1.5 kg/cm levels of torque in your DJ turntable spec.

Pitch Control Slider

The pitch control slider is a classic DJ feature. Moving the slider up or down will alter the speed of the record currently playing. A standard DJ turntable should be able to increase or decrease by at least 8%. For beginners, make sure the slider is smooth and responds to any quick adjustments. This will give you a head start when it comes to perfecting your DJing techniques.

Other Features To Look Out For

1. Cartridges

Moving coil cartridges will offer greater audio clarity than moving magnet cartridges. Expect to pay more for the coiled versions though. Spherical stylus types are more accurate when it comes to tracking but they tend to skip less than the elliptical types.

2. Tonearm

S-shaped tonearms offer better sound quality and stability. Straight tonearms are better at tracking. Whichever style you choose, make sure it’s built with durable materials. The stronger the tonearm, the better. Look out for aluminum or carbon fiber tonearms for the best performance.

3. Master Tempo

A useful feature that makes use of digital processing. The master tempo keeps track of the original record speed as you adjust the tempo via the pitch control slider.

4. Digital Connectivity

USB is fast becoming a key feature on a lot of DJ turntables. It’s very convenient to be able to interact with your laptop and/or another digital device. Especially so when you are mixing and playing records in a live scenario.

The post Best DJ Turntables Reviewed – Cheap & High-End Vinyl Options Reviewed appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Top 7 Best Bluetooth Turntables / Record Players Reviewed & Compared

Bluetooth technology opens up a world of wireless connections within your home. It’s the perfect solution to reduce clutter and takes away the need for messy cables. It’s modern, tidy, secure, and it looks like it’s here to stay.

You would have thought to convert vinyl analog to digital audio would be to completely take away the essence of the old-fashioned record player. The thought of a Bluetooth phonograph does seem strange but, in fact, this combination of new and old technology has a lot to offer. The ability to wirelessly stream music around your house, via a record player with Bluetooth capability, is a very convenient feature for many people.

The following reviews should give you a deeper insight into the different Bluetooth options available. We’ve analyzed and researched the most popular products and picked out our top Bluetooth turntable. It’s nice to switch off and relax sometimes, but it’s even better to switch on whenever you want to hear the music!

Product Overview

Model Rating Audio Features Build Value

Timmit TMT-1000 4.2 A A+ A B+

Victrola Vintage 4 B+ A B+ A+

Audio Technica AT-LP60-BT 3.5 B+ B B+ A

WOCKODER Turntable 3.2 B A B+ B+

1byone Turntable 3.1 B B B B+

JOPOSTAR Turntable 3.1 B B B B+

Crosley Dansette Bermuda 3 B B+ B+ C+

Top Turntables With Bluetooth-Functionality

Timmit TMT1000 Wireless Bluetooth Record Player

4.2/5

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Audio

Features

A+

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In/Out, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 15,9 x 14,5 x 3,6 in

Weight: 10,2 lbs

The Trimmit TMT1000 Bluetooth record player is a stylish unit. It has clearly been designed with both performance and connectivity in mind. The components used in this belt-driven turntable are far from basic and definitely help to enhance the sound quality. The anti-skating, adjustable counterweight, and moving magnet cartridge all come together to increase the overall sound performance.

The TM1000 has a full stack of Bluetooth wireless options that lets you connect to external speakers within a 33 ft radius. It also gives you the option to stream in any music that you have on your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It’s great to see both of the in/out Bluetooth functions being put to use here. It makes full use of the technology and onboard speakers.

As with most modern turntables, the USB connection has been included to help you convert your records into a digital mp3 format. The additional Audacity software (PC and Mac) makes this process painless and straight forward. The TM1000 is capable of playing both 33 ½ and 45 RPM records and if you do find the need to connect up to a Hi-Fi system then the RCA audio output will let you do so. The price tag is slightly higher than the other options, however, we think that the overall build-quality and sound performance justifies this extra cost.

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Victrola Vintage Suitcase LP Player

4/5

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Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

A+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio & Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 16,6 x 7,3 x 12,8 in

Weight: 5,07 lbs

Victrola has been around and making record players for years. The fact that they can produce a unit that is Bluetooth-enabled, full of features, and excellent value for money is a testament to their experience and success. Let’s make it clear that the Victrola Vintage is a budget unit and high-end sound performance should not be expected, yet it still manages to offer a handful of features. The Victrola is classified as a suitcase turntable – a trend that has grown immensely popular in a short amount of time due to its captivating vintage look.

The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to easily pair up with Bluetooth-enabled devices to play music through the onboard speakers. Also, the addition of the AUX jack allows you to wire up any mp3 players or 3.5mm audio devices. In terms of output, you’ve got the headphone jack for private listening and, if the need arises, you can connect to external stereo systems via the RCA Audio output.

The Vintage turntable from Victrola is hands down the best budget buy on the market at the moment. It’s clear that sound performance is often sacrificed for the additional Bluetooth functionality. However, Bluetooth record players are built for convenience, not sound perfection. Overall, this turntable is great value for money and makes a perfect choice for casual listeners and first-time buyers.

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Audio Technica AT-LP60-BT Bluetooth Phonograph

3.5/5

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Audio

B+

Features

Build

B+

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In

Outputs: 3,5mm Audio Out (Pre-amp “PHONO/LINE”)

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 18 x 6 x 16 in

Weight: 8,5 lbs

Audio Technica is a company who always seem to deliver quality turntables and value for money. The AT-LP60-BT is no different, however, we must stress that this unit is built for one thing in mind – Bluetooth connectivity. It’s clear that other areas have been sacrificed but we think that the overall performance is still impressive regardless.

One thing that we first noticed is the basic appearance. The decision to use a plastic casing does make it look cheap and dated. However, as you start to look around at the features and listen to the sound performance, the unit eventually comes to life. The belt-drive mechanics underneath a die-cast aluminum platter give a consistent, clean sound and minimizes any unwanted vibration. The Audio-Technica cartridge is better quality than most others we’ve seen, plus, the replaceable diamond stylus makes future upgrades a possibility.

You can play either of your 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records with the useful automatic start/stop feature. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to store up to eight different devices, allowing you to easily switch and listen between headphones, speakers, and any other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It’s easy to see that this turntable is solely based around Bluetooth and some purists might not take to the overall design and build quality. However, we think that it’s a brilliant option for any first-time buyers with the affordable price tag and modern connectivity features.

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WOCKODER Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player

3.2/5

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Audio

Features

Build

B+

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In/Out, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio & Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 14,2 x 5,7 x 13,7 in

Weight: 6,12 lbs

To start off our Bluetooth turntable reviews we’ve got the Wockoder. It not only looks smart but plays smart as well. The natural wood appearance gives the turntable a modern look that is often lacking in designs. The die-cast aluminum platter and belt driven motor make for a sturdy unit, reducing vibrations and unwanted noise. However, as we said, this Bluetooth compatible turntable has a lot more going for it other than just the looks and build quality.

The Wockoder is a flexible unit and loaded with features. Converting your vinyl collection into mp3 digital files is made easy through the USB connection. Just plug in and record, it couldn’t be simpler. You’ve got three playback speeds to choose from (33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM) and the WOCKODER will comfortably play 7”, 10” and 12” records.

You’ve got the option to wire up to external speaker systems via the RCA audio outputs. The AUX and Bluetooth functionality converts the turntable into a music player for your mp3 players and Bluetooth-enabled devices, furthermore, playing your vinyl through external Bluetooth speakers and headphones is a simple process. Built-in stereo speakers (2 x 5W) are a welcome feature and being able to play music via the Wockoder in various situations is going to make this a popular option for many.

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1byone Bluetooth Turntable with Stereo Speakers

3.1/5

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Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 17 x 14 x 6,2 in

Weight: 7,1 lbs

The 1 By One Bluetooth enabled record player is another solid design that manages to combine both looks and a wealth of modern features. The solid wood appearance helps to give it that retro feel and the belt-driven motor will give you consistent playback performance. We do like the look of this unit, and much like the Wockoder turntable, the design certainly helps it to stand out from other cheaper looking options.

The built-in speakers are designed on a stereo active, 2-way, crossover system which really helps to optimize the overall sound performance. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to use the turntable as a standalone speaker, however, it doesn’t give you the extra option of connecting it to external speakers. The ever-useful USB slot lets you record and save your classics with the vinyl-to-mp3 functionality. Connecting it to a traditional Hi-Fi system is also available via the RCA audio output.

In summary, the 1 By One Bluetooth vinyl player is another great choice for those who prefer the vintage look but still require the modern-day features. The slight downside is that you can’t connect to external Bluetooth speakers. This lack of flexibility proves that the unit is not perfect, but it is fairly priced and still gives you plenty of playback and recording options.

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JOPOSTAR Bluetooth Compatible Turntable

3.1/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 14,4 x 14,7 x 4,5 in

Weight: 8,05 lbs

The JOPOSTAR Bluetooth-enabled record player is another well-designed unit. The wood finish makes it look a lot more professional than some of the other plastic-built options. In terms of playback, this belt-driven turntable offers three speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM. The JOPOSTAR made our shortlist because it has more than enough features to keep any casual listener and beginner happy.

The built-in Bluetooth connectivity is the focal point around all these turntable options. While some of them offer both in/out options, unfortunately, this unit only offers playback on the built-in speakers. The ability to stream your vinyl to other Bluetooth-compatible devices is missing. It does seem strange to leave this out when Bluetooth is the main attraction of the product. Nonetheless, the JOPOSTAR manages to add a few more features that are worth talking about, including the USB function for recording vinyl to mp3 and the RCA audio outputs for wired speaker connections.

The best part about the JOPOSTAR turntable is that it’s nearly half the price of the other Bluetooth turntables we have reviewed so far. This Bluetooth record player is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for your first turntable. Plus, the fact that it acts as a standalone Bluetooth speaker will bring some additional benefits to your home music setup.

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Crosley Dansette Bermuda Bluetooth Capable Vinyl Player

3/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

B+

Build

B+

Value

C+

Speeds: 33, 45 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth In, AUX, USB

Outputs: RCA Audio & Headphones

Drive Type: Belt-Driven

Size: 11 x 17 x 7 in

Weight: 12 lbs

The Crosley Dansette Bermuda turntable is in a league of its own when it comes to aesthetics. It has that retro look and would easily make an eye-catching focal point in any home. The case not only looks stylish, but it does a great job of protecting the inside parts as well. It’ll play your 33 ½ and 45 RPM records with ease and has plenty of connection options.

It’s evident that this belt-driven turntable is only able to offer standard sound quality. We can’t help but feel that the majority of the design has been spent on the external fascia rather than the internal components. While the plastic knobs keep in line with the retro look, some of the internal design could easily be improved. The excessive tracking force is often picked out as a common problem and will likely cause increased wear and tear on your records.

It’s not all bad though, with an Audio-Technica MM cartridge and a replaceable, diamond stylus, the sound is consistent enough and will satisfy the casual listener. The Bluetooth connectivity lets you use the Dansette Bermuda as a standalone speaker and you’ve got the AUX and Headphone jacks for further playback options. The price tag is a little higher than we expected and it’s very much a case of style over substance with this Crosley turntable.

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Buying Considerations

Choosing the right Bluetooth turntable comes down to a simple question. Do you already have Bluetooth devices at home? If the answer is yes then a Bluetooth turntable is going to be a rewarding purchase.

Here are some of the main things to consider, starting off with the most important feature – Bluetooth.

Bluetooth Connectivity

You may have noticed that many of the reviews above show various levels of Bluetooth connection. Some of them offer both In and Out, while others only offer In. The main difference between the two is that Bluetooth Out lets you stream the music from your turntable to external devices. This gives you the option to enjoy your vinyl collection anywhere in the house, out loud via speakers or privately through headphones.

Bluetooth In converts the turntable into a standalone speaker. You can use any of your Bluetooth-enabled devices to stream and play music via the onboard speakers. Deciding on which Bluetooth connections you need will depend on your situation and how you intend to use your turntable. If you already have Bluetooth speakers or headphones in your home, then opting for the In/Out functionality is an obvious choice. You can make good use of your existing gear and enjoy your vinyl collection wherever you are in the house. It seems to us that the Bluetooth Out option is what makes these turntables so flexible. Bluetooth In is just a bonus and not really relevant to your enjoyment of vinyl music.

Sound Performance vs Bluetooth Capability

Buying a turntable with Bluetooth capability is going to affect the overall sound performance, that’s the truth of it. The Bluetooth concept means that most low to mid-range turntables will be built with plenty of plastic components. Plastic does not go hand in hand with high-quality sound. The sound isn’t terrible but it’s nothing to sing about, that’s for sure.

The real reason why most people purchase turntables with Bluetooth is for the convenience. They want to listen to their music around the house and not be limited to the room where the turntable sits. In simple terms, sound quality is replaced with convenience. If you understand this then we’re sure that you’ll get plenty of enjoyment from buying a Bluetooth turntable. You can always upgrade later on if you want to enjoy the finer sounds of vinyl.

Other Things to Consider

Record Speed – most common speeds are 33 ½ and 45 RPM (78 RPM is uncommon)

Belt-drive or direct-drive – Belt-drive offers the best sound quality and this type is more common than a direct drive Bluetooth turntable

USB – Saving your classic vinyl via USB can be achieved by using a Bluetooth record player with vinyl to MP3 capabilities

Upgrades – Being able to upgrade components such as the stylus will prolong the life of your turntable. Choosing high-end upgrades might also help to increase the sound performance.

The post Top 7 Best Bluetooth Turntables / Record Players Reviewed & Compared appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Best Record Player Stands: Turntable Cabinets, Furniture, Tables & Boxes

Turntables are all the rage at the moment. People are waking up to the sound quality and compression-free audio that vinyl records can offer. A turntable needs somewhere to live in your home, and finding the best turntable stand can be an opportunity to turn your functional record player into a design feature too.

There are a huge amount of options on the market, with a variety of different styles. Whether you’re looking for a wooden record player stand, table, cabinet, storage box or something entirely different, we’ve got you covered. Perhaps you are looking for a more modern record player stand to suit a contemporary apartment or maybe you want something vintage with a relic look. We’ve included record player stands in a lot of designs with something to suit every home.

Top Picks: Affordable Turntable Stands

Below you’ll find 14 affordable pieces of furniture ideal for record players. Hopefully, these will give you some inspiration and help you make up your mind.

#14 Victrola Wooden Stand for Wooden Music Centers

The Victrola model is quite a minimal looking stand designed originally to be used with the Victrola wooden music center. Although it is the perfect fit if you have one of these music centers, it doesn’t have to be used with their specific record player, and it provides a good surface for different types of turntables.

Key Features:

Made from real wood.

Available in five different finishes so you can choose that which best suits your home decor.

No tools required to put this together.

Space on the lower shelf for fifty records to be stored.

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#13 Novogratz 1324015COM Concord Turntable Stand

The Novogratz stand for turntables definitely looks like it could have been made in the 1970s. The funky hairpin-style legs and sturdy MDF design make this a good option if you need a handy turntable stand with storage. It is available in multiple configurations. You can buy the Concord stand with or without drawers, or as a tall, cabinet style stand.

Key Features:

Comes in five different finishes including two types of wooden design. Choose which you prefer.

Four cubbies within the stand allow you to keep records and other items such as headphones and cleaners organized.

Other Novogratz themed tables and desks are available for a matching look.

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#12 Crosley ST75-PA Bardstown Entertainment Cabinet

This cabinet has a classic, wooden design, which would look good in many different rooms around the house. There are multiple Crosley record player stands out there, as they also manufacture a number of household record player models. This is one of the more compact choices and though it has space for both records and CDs within the cabinet, it is small enough to fit in even a tiny room.

Key Features:

Extremely compact with dimensions of 16 x 20 x 25 inches.

Glassdoor to display your records and other items within.

Easy to assemble.

Available in three different finishes.

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#11 SONGMICS Vintage Nightstand, Stackable End Table, Cabinet for Storage

The words ‘shabby chic’ and ‘upcycling’ come to mind when you see the SONGMICS stand. This is a simple style of turntable table. Not necessarily designed for record players first and foremost, this can be used as a nightstand or end table, too.

The vintage look is wonderful, but the design of two compartments is perfect for vinyl fans, as you can store the record player on top of the table with space for records in the cubby hole beneath.

Key Features:

Sturdy wooden design with strong powder coated iron legs.

Simple to install with all the tools needed to assemble it are included in the box.

Stackable, so you can simply buy a second if you run out of space for your records.

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#10 Darla’Studio 66 Turntable Stand

This looks a lot like a DIY turntable stand converted from a crate of some description. The Darla’Studio 66 has been handmade in the United States and has a look which can fit both modern and classic room designs. The sturdy look and huge amount of storage also make this popular for those with large collections, or even people wanting to store other items within.

Key features:

27 inches tall with two shelves for storage.

Sturdy wooden design with brown stain, versatile looks for a variety of home decors.

Can hold 120 records.

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#9 Crosley ST66-PA Manchester Entertainment Center Stand

Another Crosley option, the Manchester entertainment stand is a very compact and simple wooden design, with a ‘Paprika’ finish. It is handcrafted and well built, and though small it does have enough storage for quite a few records. Perfect for your a small apartment and for the more compact turntables and record players on the market.

Key Features:

Handcrafted using quality hardwood and veneers.

Compartments for record storage made out of wire.

Simple to assemble.

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#8 Pangea Audio Vulcan TT Turntable Stand with Vinyl Record Storage

The Pangea is a heavy duty, black record player stand. It is modern and immensely stable, as well as being one of the only matte black products on the market. The exceptionally thick shelves and large frame means it can hold over 100 records as well as having the capacity to hold a record player, speakers and more. This is a hard-wearing and reliable turntable stand as well as looking great!

Key Features:

Heavy and thick 19mm platform for your record player.

Steel frame adds to durability.

Scratch-resistant finish on the shelves to avoid scratches when moving things around.

Saucer style legs avoid scratching your floor.

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#7 Design 59 inc Mid-Century Modern Acacia Hardwood Table

The Design 59 stand is one that can be used for a variety of different purposes. It works as an end table or nightstand just as well as a record player. The simple Acacia wood design with a walnut finish fits in with many different styles. Ultimately, the best feature is the sheer durability and sturdiness of the Design 59.

It can support up to 350 lb in weight, so even if you have a large and heavy sound system, this table can handle it. The open shelf below also means you can store vinyl records within.

Key features:

Assembles without using any tools.

Incredible weight capacity, you could probably sit on this with no issues!

Really simple to wipe clean due to the walnut finish.

Space to store some records, books or other items.

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#6 Darla’Studio 66 Antique Gray Stained Vinyl Cabinet

Another Darla’Studio 66 option, but this time stained with an antique gray look, perfect for the upcycling vibe. It looks like somebody has converted an old crate or pallet, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t sturdy. It is an incredibly hard-wearing stand with plenty of storage space too.

Key Features:

27″ x 19-3/4″ x 15-1/4″ in dimensions.

No assembly required just place where you want it.

Storage for over 100 vinyl records.

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#5 TunePhonik Bamboo LP Record Holder w/Turntable Display Shelf

The TunePhonik record holder with display shelf for a turntable is very different to other options on the market. Five simple wood pieces clip together to create this unique triangular design. The idea is that the turntable sits on top of the shelf which is almost 25 inches wide. The base doubles up as a storage space for your records!

This display shelf is very compact, good for small apartments, dorm rooms and other homes without a huge amount of spare space for record player stands.

Key Features:

Made of a quality and study bamboo wood.

Can hold 50 records on the grooved base, whether 12”, 10” or 7” vinyl.

The pieces easily attach without any tools or wood glue.

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#4 Line Phono Turntable Station Turntable Stand + Vinyl Record Storage

The Line Phono turntable station has been designed with the music lover in mind! This is no basic piece of kit, and the manufacturers have thought of just about everything the vinyl collector could need from their stand.

The very large design means you can fit pretty much any turntable, amp and home speakers you need onto the console. The huge range of what the maker describes as ‘record collector features’ includes record stops and a cable management system!

Key Features:

Loads of space for over 200 LPs, speakers and the turntable itself.

Smaller accessory shelf, grooves for your currently spinning record and even a cable management system.

The height of the feet can be adjusted to keep it stable (no “wonky table syndrome”).

Comes flat and is relatively simple to put together.

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#3 Crosley Furniture Everett Record Player Stand

This is a record player stand which keeps the vinyl within hidden away! Perhaps not the best if you want to show off your collection to everyone, but for a subtle, sturdy record player, the Everett is a good option.

This stand from Crosley looks great in homes that have an older look to them, with classic furniture and rich woods. The mahogany finish gives that extra touch of class. Many of the wooden record player stands on the market have a more modern feel to them, so the Everett record player table may come as a welcome change.

Key Features:

Can store up to 75 vinyl LPs, with wire slots to organize your favorite albums.

Mid-century design with a rich mahogany finish as well as quality metal hardware.

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#2 Crosley Furniture Everett Media Console

Yet another Crosley furniture model. This is another in the Everett range, and the larger sibling of their smaller record player stand. The full media console is the sort of record player table you could imagine someone having in their home early in the 19th century for their gramophone or later their first turntable.

The huge design gives room for a component turntable on the right-hand side, with a huge amount of storage underneath and to the left. This is possibly the best stand if you want the option to hide your turntable away, and to look at it in its ‘unfolded’ state, you wouldn’t know it was a record player stand.

Key Features:

Loads of storage behind a set of sliding doors.

Wire slots for organizing your LPs and records.

Hand finished mahogany with metal hardware.

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#1 Convenience Concepts Oslo Storage Console

Though the Convenience Concepts storage console is not specifically marketed as a turntable or record player stand, it has everything needed to use it this way. The surface is big enough for your record player, and the inside of the cabinet has storage space for records, headphones, and other accessories.

The design is inspired by Scandinavian trends, and the Oslo look can be echoed around your home, as the brand also offers the same design in bookshelves, nests of tables and more. Consistency can give a classy finish to your living room or wherever you choose to relax and listen to music.

Key Features:

Two cabinets with plenty of storage space and a central shelf.

Sturdy wooden legs ensure a high weight capacity.

Minimalistic design to fit pretty much any home decor.

Comes with all the tools needed for the assembly process.

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Conclusion

Naturally, finding the best turntable stand for you will come down to personal preference, the space you have to put it in and how big your turntable and record collection is. Whether you’re a casual listener or are fanatical about vinyl, the options above can provide something perfect for you and your home.

The post Best Record Player Stands: Turntable Cabinets, Furniture, Tables & Boxes appeared first on SoundWiz.

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What is 8D Audio & How Does It Work?

8D audio is the new kid on the block when it comes to immersive music. It first appeared a couple of years ago on YouTube and ever since those first few tracks were posted online, more and more people have started to pick up on the growing trend.

Listening to 8D audio puts you right in the center of the action, giving you that euphoric feeling of being surrounded by the music. The vocals, beats, guitars all seem to move around your head from side to side, back to front and, for some, it creates an out of body experience unlike anything heard before.

The Rise of 8D Music

A quick search on the internet will pull up many 8D audio tracks with the majority being found on YouTube. The popular channel, 8D TUNES, has racked up close to 5 million subscribers and includes plenty of different genres to keep you entertained. The quality of these 8D songs are a lot higher than most, but in all fairness, this style of music is a fairly new concept.

The people who are producing these songs, mainly sound engineers, are learning as they go. Finding the right balance of movement and atmosphere in 8D audio is subjective, with the final mix often coming down to how each person interprets the song. We believe that the quality of these 8D songs will only get better, and it’s exciting to think of how they will be implemented with future technology. The combination of 8D and VR is the obvious stepping stone as they would complement each other perfectly.

Just to make sure that we are all on the same wavelength, we should point out that the 8D term itself does not actually count for much. The world that we live in can only ever be three dimensional (3D). There are a few suggestions as to why it is called 8D. Some have said that it just sounds futuristic and others have mentioned how the sound is channeled from eight different directions (left, right, front, back, front left, front right, back left and back right), but none of these suggestions are conclusive.

Strangely, you can find 7D, 9D, 10D, and even 11D music. However, the numbers are purely down to marketing execs looking for new slogans to attract customers. The facts come down to that although 8D audio feels like it is revolving and moving around, it is actually still 3 dimensional. We’ll explain exactly why and how in the next section.

How Does 8D Audio Work?

An ambisonics 3D microphone

First off, the technical term for 8D Audio is actually known as Ambisonic Audio, a technology that was first developed in the 1970s to improve the VR experience. It consists of a technical process whereby you record audio within a virtual spherical dome and split the output results through L and R channels. This is a very simple description of the process and there is a lot more to it than that, but for now, we’ll carry on and stick to the 8D terminology.

So, how does 8D audio work exactly? Well, for you to better understand we’ll revert back to the comparison of 3D audio. You will find that both styles of audio are designed to manipulate the sound to feel as though it is coming from multiple directions. However, 8D audio takes the process one step further by dynamically moving the source of the sound around the center point, whereas the source of 3D audio is fixed and stays in one position.

The ability to create this dynamic sound source is made possible by using binaural processing. Sound engineers use this process by recording sounds through two mics that are positioned to replicate our ears, the illusion of direction is then achieved by altering the delay of each sound as it reaches the two mics. A perfect way to understand this process in action is by listening to the viral “Virtual Barbershop” audio on YouTube. Make sure to wear headphones and you’ll feel as though you are sitting right there in the barber’s chair. You need to hear it to believe it!

youtube

Nowadays, the sound engineers who are trying their hand at 8D audio are learning quickly and using various techniques and effects to improve the end result, however, it should be noted that some engineers are more adept than others. A lot of the early 8D tracks seem to just pan left and right, and we can assure you that this is nothing new and should not be classed as 8D. However, as mentioned earlier, there are one or two channels on YouTube that have plenty of high-class, 8D audio mixes. You can see that some of the better quality videos have millions of views. These are the tracks that you want to be listening to for a true 8D audio experience.

The Future of 8D Audio

Just exactly where 8D audio will end up in the future is uncertain. It’s still in its early phase and the true potential is still unknown. The sound engineers who are testing the waters with 8D are still learning how to optimize the process, so it is exciting to think of what they might produce in the coming months and years. However, 8D audio is limited to the extent that you do need headphones for the effects to work. It’s simply not possible to enjoy 8D music with conventional speakers but who knows what the future will hold?

Virtual Reality is the one area where 8D audio could be used effectively. Audio sounds that react to the movements of your head would open up a whole new realm of VR. Imagine immersing yourself in a virtual concert environment with 8D sounds swirling around, it’s something that we would love to experience one day, that’s for sure!

The Most Popular 8D Music & Songs

There are many 8D songs available and they all come in varying levels of quality. As mentioned, 8D TUNES is by far the most popular YouTube channel so we’ve picked out some of their top songs:

Alan Walker – Faded (8D AUDIO)

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Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out (8D AUDIO)

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Arctic Monkeys – Do I Wanna Know (8D AUDIO)

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Final Words On 8D Audio

Dummy head used for recording binaural audio.

8D audio has certainly caught the imagination of the public, you can tell that by the millions of subscribers and views on YouTube. It seems that this new way of experiencing music is giving people a chance to sit back and escape life’s problems for a few minutes at a time.

The need for headphones and the lack of song options does limit the potential of 8D for now. However, given that this style of music can only be experienced alone then we think the whole headphone thing shouldn’t really be a major issue. In terms of song availability, there is no doubt that more songs will be made available, but we should respect the fact that creating 8D audio is a technical process. We shouldn’t expect there to be thousands of songs available overnight.

YouTube 8D channels are rare and this points to the fact that the process is not an easy one, with only the experienced sound engineers being capable of creating true 8D audio. It’s fair to say that this is a specialist skill and that brings a lot more value to this new and exciting style of music. All in all, the potential of 8D is huge and we can’t wait to see (and hear!) what happens if it does team up with VR technology.

The post What is 8D Audio & How Does It Work? appeared first on SoundWiz.

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soundwizreview · 5 years

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Top 5 Best Suitcase Record Players to Buy in 2019

The vinyl format is back – and it’s here to stay. With a huge spike in popularity over the latest years, major music gear brands have opted to revive the format in the best way possible.

With lots of new products seeing the light of day, interesting trends occur. One of the most noticeable niche products in this category is suitcase record players.

Decorated like a vintage suitcase, these turntables are sure to bring an energetic 80’s feel into any space. Tag along as we closely review and compare the top 5 best suitcase turntables on the market as of today.

Product Overview

Model Rating Audio Features Build Value

Victrola 3-Speed Turntable 4.4 B+ A A A+

JORLAI Vinyl Player 4.5 A A+ A A

Crosley Executive 4.5 A A+ A A

Crosley Cruiser Deluxe 4 A A A A

ClearClick VT30 3.8 B+ A+ A B+

What is a Suitcase Record Player?

Though it may seem obvious, we’ll quickly fill you in on some background. As the name suggests, these units are masked as suitcases. It gives them a captivating and vintage look and makes them highly portable.

Suitcase turntables are usually at the cheaper end of the price spectrum. Most units are priced somewhere between $50 and $130. For regular turntables, some of the higher quality units go as high as $300 or above.

Briefcase turntables are meant to be portable and easy to move around. They’re also meant for casual use which means they’re easy to figure out even if you’re not much of a soundwiz (no pun intended). They’re versatile and intuitive units that generally pack a lot of value at a competitive price.

Pretty much all suitcase vinyl players act as all-in-one music entertainment centers. First, they all have built-in speakers. Second, not only can you play vinyl, but you can also connect your smartphone using Bluetooth and AUX to play music through the internal speaker.

This isn’t the pinnacle of sound quality for an audiophile. If sound quality is Alpha Omega to you, you may want to look in a different direction and get a regular record player. If, however, you’re looking for a handy and affordable all-in-one solution that you can bring on the go, a suitcase turntable is ideal.

Top Suitcase Turntables Reviewed

We thoroughly reviewed the top models on the market. We compared them based on points such as aesthetics, sound quality, built quality, features, and value.

1. Victrola 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player

4.4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

Build

Value

A+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth & AUX

Outputs: RCA & Headphone jack

Power Options: AC/DC power

Size: 13,9 x 10,1 x 5 inches

Weight: 5,07 lbs

The Victrola suitcase turntable is by far the most popular unit on the market. Known for their nostalgic designs and premium sound quality, Victrola has been in business for more than 100 years. Surviving that long in a tough industry is a remark of their product quality.

This suitcase record player is easy to use, versatile in terms of functionality and comes in about 20 different and exciting colorways. Whether you like a psychedelic, minimalistic or vintage look, you can rest assured that there’s a version for you.

The Victrola 3-speed suitcase record player can play vinyl records at 33, 45 and 78 RPM. No matter which type of vinyl you’re looking to play, this unit got you covered.

This turntable is much more than just a vinyl player. It has both AUX and Bluetooth functionality at its disposal. Therefore, it acts as an all-in-one portable music player solution. If you want to listen privately, there’s also a jack for headphones so you can enjoy music discreetly.

The Bluetooth connectivity is one of this Victrola’s greatest perks. It enables you to connect any Bluetooth device within a 33-feet radius to the Victrola and play music through its speakers. It’s simple. Just connect on the fly, and you can play right away.

One of the biggest wins with suitcase record players is the fact that they’re portable. The Victrola is no exception. It closes like a regular suitcase would and features a sturdy carry strap so you can take it with you.

Generally speaking, the turntable build feels pretty good. The materials used are lightweight but are sure to withstand ordinary wear from moving about.

There isn’t much to say about the sound quality. It’s decent, but it isn’t the best. Since it is a very cheap unit, it is to be expected that the manufacturer will save money somewhere in the build. It seems that the only compromises are the speakers and the cartridge.

It is worth noting that this unit must be connected to an AC/DC outlet to function. There’s no battery in this unit. Also, it has an RCA output so you can connect it to a better pair of speakers if needed.

Pros

Great value for the price

Solid build quality

Plenty of handy features

Cons

No internal battery

Audio quality in speakers not impressive

Conclusion: As for the price, it’s amazing what you’re getting for your money. The Victrola offers so much regarding functionality at an extremely competitive price. If you’re not looking to spend a whole fortune, this suitcase turntable may be the ideal choice for you.

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2. JORLAI Vinyl Record Player

4.5/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

A+

Build

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB & AUX

Outputs: RCA & Headphone jack

Power Options: AC/DC power & Battery

Size: 13,78 x 9,84 x 4,72 inches

Weight: 6,18 lbs

Moving on to the new kid on the block – the JORLAI vinyl record player. For an upcoming manufacturer, the JORLAI is getting immense traction and features as the #1 new release at multiple vendors.

Now, this was a turntable that really got us excited. As with all products we’re unfamiliar with, we don’t really expect much going into it. However, we were greatly surprised by the audio quality of the JORLAI hipster briefcase vinyl player. Comparing the built-in speakers of the JORLAI and the Victrola via Bluetooth, the JORLAI won slightly. However, when it came to the actual audio reproduction of vinyl, the JORLAI put the Victrola to shame. This probably comes down to a better cartridge and better speakers.

Like the Victrola, the JORLAI brings Bluetooth and AUX connectivity to the table making it a fully functional all-in-one audio entertainment solution. On top of that, the JORLAI has a USB output. This allows you to connect the turntable to your PC and save your vinyl tracks into MP3 files — a perfect way to digitalize the old analog songs while maintaining the rustic vintage sound.

This suitcase record player can play vinyl records at 33, 45 and 78 RPM so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues.

As for build quality, the JORLAI is pretty solid. The exterior materials used don’t seem to cheap and nor does the internal hardware. We’d be surprised if this unit gave in without a significant amount of wear. It comes in five different colorways – turquoise, white, lavender, blue and wood.

Pros

Very good speaker sound quality

Built-in battery makes it highly portable

Lots of connectivity options (USB, AUX & Bluetooth)

Cons

Fairly unknown brand with minimal history and authority

Conclusion: All in all, the JORLAI is a robust and versatile suitcase turntable that’ll get the job done nicely. It’s straightforward to use, and it doesn’t have any obvious shortcomings. The price tag is slightly higher than that of the Victrola, but it is reasoned with better sound quality and USB-connectivity.

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3. Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable

4.5/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

A+

Build

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB & AUX

Outputs: RCA & Headphone jack

Power Options: AC/DC power

Size: 14 x 5 x 12 inches

Weight: 7 lbs

The next addition to the list is the Crosley CR6019D Executive turntable. This one looks amazing! In the Brown/Black colorway, this unit almost looks like something Newt Scamander carries around in the “Fantastic Beasts” universe.

Like the two precursors, the Crosley Executive can play at all three common speeds: 33, 45 and 78 RPM.

To make this unit all the more interesting, it features Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB connectivity. This means you can play tunes directly from your smartphone through the built-in speakers on the Executive using Bluetooth. If you want to go the old-school AUX way, there’s also room for that. With a USB output, the Crosley Executive can quickly be hooked up to your PC. From here, you can forever digitalize your old records by turning them into MP3-files. Like the other models, this turntable has RCA outputs that allow it to work together with external speakers.

The built-in speaker quality on the Crosley suitcase vinyl player really impressed us. The dynamic full-range stereo speakers sound crisp and balanced. On some cheap units, the lower frequencies tend to get mushy, but the Executive does a great job here!

As you may have caught earlier, I’m a huge fan of the feel and look of this suitcase turntable. Whereas some of the others look vintage, this unit looks almost antique. With three different colorways, there should be something for most tastes.

Moving on to the build quality. Since this unit is relatively cheap, I expected the materials to be knock-off third tier stuff. However, this unit feels as authentic as it looks. With real leather along the edges and aged metallics, this record player is a must for anyone who likes a bit of relic.

Pros

Plenty of connectivity options

Great dynamic full-range stereo speakers

Vintage look with quality materials

Cons

Heavier than most competitors

Could use a built-in battery

Conclusion: If you like modern technology in a seemingly antique package, the Crosley Executive seems like a solid choice for you.

Check The Best Price

4. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe

Another addition to the list from Crosley makes its mark. This time, we’re looking at the Cruiser Deluxe. This ravishing record player has a distinct look that will bring character to any setting. Especially the fabric-wrapped models bring a unique feel and look to the table.

4/5

View on Amazon

Audio

Features

Build

Value

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB & AUX

Outputs: RCA & Headphone jack

Power Options: AC/DC power

Size: 14 x 10,5 x 4,63 inches

Weight: 5,5 lbs

So, what’s this portable turntable capable of?

When looking at features and hardware, it is quite similar to the Crosley Executive. It plays at three speeds (33, 45 and 78 RPM), it has Bluetooth-functionality and a pair of built-in full-range stereo speakers. An AUX input, an RCA output, and a headphone jack output are also present like on the Executive-model. Both models even have identical ceramic cartridges and needles.

So, what’s the difference?

First, the Crosley Cruiser Deluxe is cheaper than the Executive. Due to this, the USB-connectivity option has been dropped on this model. This means you cannot connect the unit to your PC to digitalize your vinyl.

On the other hand, this unit weighs only 5.5 lbs, which is 1.5 lbs less than the Executive-model.

Pros

Unique and warm look with various colorways

Light-weight

Solid audio quality

Cons

Could use USB-functionality

Doesn't offer as much value for the money as some other products

Lacks an internal battery

Conclusion: If you wanna save a few bucks on your record player purchase and don’t need USB-functionality, the Cruiser Deluxe may be a better option than the Cruiser Executive. When comparing this unit to the previously mentioned models, it just falls short of the top. It simply doesn’t bring as much value to the table as some of the equally priced competitors.

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5. ClearClick VT30 – Classic Wooden Retro Style

Just as you were getting bored by all the turntables looking like each other comes the ClearClick VT30. This product takes a very interesting and unarguably different approach. It’s round!

3.8/5

View on Amazon

Audio

B+

Features

A+

Build

Value

B+

Speeds: 33, 45 & 78 RPM

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB & AUX

Outputs: RCA & Headphone jack

Power Options: AC/DC power

Size: 18 x 15,2 x 8,5 inches

Weight: 7,5 lbs

Its unique shape and detailed and relic leather exterior give it history. It looks like an antique family heirloom that has been passed on to the firstborn for several generations.

Don’t let the skin fool you. Inside the casing, you’ll find a fully functional and efficient turntable. Like the previously mentioned products, this unit features all of the common nifty functionality you could imagine.

It plays at three different speeds depending on the records – 33, 45 and 78 RPM. Seems to be a trend with these suitcase vinyl players. It is Bluetooth-enabled, meaning you can pair it with any other Bluetooth device and stream music through the internal speakers on the suitcase. Additionally, you have an AUX input if you wanna go the old-fashioned route.

For outputs – like the other products mentioned – you have RCA and a headphone jack. Like some of the other products at the higher end of the price spectrum, the ClearClick VT30 has a USB output that lets you convert your records to digital MP3 files. It comes bundled with software for both PC and Mac that’ll help you get the job done. We tested it and it was intuitive and efficient.

The audio quality isn’t anything to call home about. The quality is alright but not great. We were slightly disappointed by the quality as we expected more from a product with this price tag.

Pros

Captivating and unique look

Robust build quality

Has all the features you'd want

Cons

Heavier than the competition

The pricing is a little high

Sound quality not impressive

Conclusion: With the ClearClick VT30, you pay a little extra for the design. However, I wouldn’t blame you for falling in love with it. It’s absolutely beautiful. As for design and functionality, this suitcase turntable absolutely nails it. All the important features are covered and the build feels sturdy. It falls short in terms of audio quality and pricing so if you’re picky with sound, you may want to opt for another unit.

Check The Best Price

Buying Considerations

Built-In Speakers

Almost all suitcase record players have built-in speakers. This is what makes them so easy to use and move around with you on the go. While the chances of coming across a unit without speakers are slim, do make sure to check whether speakers are built into the unit or not. Having built-in speakers in your unit is a great pro.

Power Options

Another thing to take note of is the power options that a suitcase turntable offers. Some units require being wired while others run on battery and have to be charged every now and then. Both options have their pros and cons. Generally speaking, having the unit run on rechargeable batteries gives you more freedom. You can bring it with you wherever you want, and it’s easy to move it around. If you hate charging it all the time, you can just leave it in an electrical outlet.

Connectivity Options

Most of these units feature Bluetooth and AUX connectivity. On top of that, some of them have an USB-output that lets you save your records as MP3-files on your PC or Mac. For some, the USB-connectivity is nice to have, but usually, units get a little more expensive with this functionality.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money and you’re not interested in USB-functionality then you may want to go for a unit without it.

The post Top 5 Best Suitcase Record Players to Buy in 2019 appeared first on SoundWiz.

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soundwizreview · 6 years

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Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers for Outdoor Use

We put the leading solar-powered Bluetooth speakers to the test to see which speaker came out on top. We extensively compared their build and audio quality, battery life, solar charging capabilities and features. The Nuboom turned out to be our favorite.

Product Overview

Best Overall

Nuboom Solar Speaker

View on Amazon

Best Budget

Solarbox IPX5

View on Amazon

Best Premium

Eton Rukus Xtreme

View on Amazon

Harnessing the energy provided by the sun to power our everyday electronic items is a growing trend. This is no different with speakers, especially ones which are portable and likely to spend time in the sun. For this reason, we’ve explored the best solar-powered Bluetooth speakers – designed to be able to run without disposable batteries or need to be charged from mains power.

Environmental concerns are growing, and people are looking for ways to become more responsible with their energy use. We expect there to be even more speakers like these coming onto the market. That said, there is already a very strong selection to choose from, as you will see.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

The inbuilt solar panels which give these products their power work in the same way as most solar technology.

A quick explanation of how they work is as follows: They allow photons (particles carried within light) to impact electrons in atoms, which creates electricity. This is then stored in a battery unit ready to use. The technology which is doing this is called a photovoltaic cell. All a solar panel is is a lot of these photovoltaic cells put together to allow the product to make the most of the sunlight. Of course, to be effective, your speaker must spend some time exposed to light outdoors.

Top Picks

The following are the top three solar-powered Bluetooth speakers out of those we have tried and tested. Our detailed reviews, as well as product ratings, are designed to help you work out which speaker could be the one for you, and which will suit your unique needs.

Best Overall

Nuboom Solar Power Bluetooth Speaker

Pros

Long battery life

32 feet connectivity

Shockproof

Convincing audio quality

Cons

Not 100% waterproof (Only IPX5)

4.6/5

View on Amazon

The Nuboom Solar powered Bluetooth speaker has a lot to offer and is another of the options on the market which has absolutely incredible battery life. It is able to last for over 55 hours on a single charge, which is truly impressive and of course is wonderful for long trips.

The Nuboom combines some of the features of the other two products on our list. As well as having the battery life similar to the Solarbox. It also has the ability to charge phones just like the Rukus. This can be really valuable when heading out of the house.

We loved the sound of this speaker. Two 5W speakers give a wonderful level of volume and the stereo sound which can make your tracks sound so much richer. It also has a bass boost built-in, amplifying lower frequencies and ensuring you don’t lose the feel of your music.

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It is shockproof and splashproof, so in relatively challenging environments you can rest assured that the Nuboom can handle it. The build quality is very good and you can tell by the feel of it that this is a good quality piece of kit.

On top of this, the Bluetooth range is very good with up to 32 feet of reliable connectivity. No need to worry about the sound dropping out if you stray a few feet from the speaker.

View on Amazon

Best Budget

Solarbox IPX5 Waterproof Outdoor Portable Speaker

Pros

Very durable & shockproof

Good value

Excellent 60hr battery life

Cons

Can cut out at range

Sound quality not that impressive

4.4/5

View on Amazon

The Solarbox is a pretty impressive portable speaker. It combines reliability and good audio quality with a very good price tag, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get something you know can do a decent job.

The charging is one of the big benefits of this speaker. 10 minutes of charge gives roughly 30 minutes of playing time. If you aren’t able to charge purely via the sun then you can also attach via USB. The speaker also has the ability to work for 60 hours once fully charged.

The Bluetooth range of around 33 ft means that you can easily connect to it on a camping trip or in the backyard at a party. If you don’t want to use Bluetooth you can also connect via an aux cable too.

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In terms of audio quality, we would rate this among the best in the field. Though it is not the absolute elite product for sound clarity, it has plenty of responsiveness and a bass boost built-in which amplifies lower frequencies. The volume is pretty impressive too, and we found it sounded good on all of our test songs.

Considering the price, this speaker is also very well made, the manufacturers have definitely thought about their responsibilities when making something that is totally portable. It is protected by gel and rubber mesh so that it doesn’t stop working if some sort of dust, mud or sand gets into it. It is waterproof so you can happily use this in any weather conditions. On top of this, it is ‘shockproof’ so if you drop it, the Solarbox will be able to withstand the hit it takes.

Other great features include inbuilt LED light for use in the dark, an included carabiner for attaching this wherever you want and the ability to take phone calls via your speaker when hooked up to your smartphone.

View on Amazon

Best Premium

Eton Rukus Xtreme Rugged Solar Speaker

Pros

Incredible sound quality

Powerbank-functionality

Strong 5200 mAh battery

Cons

Only splashproof (IPX4)

Somewhat expensive

4.2/5

View on Amazon

The Eton Rugged Rukus is another great solar powered speaker which can connect to your devices either via Bluetooth or aux cable. The Bluetooth connection is reliable and fast, with a ‘one touch’ system letting you get those tunes playing in no time.

The battery is good, though not quite as amazing as some of the other products on the market. It charges in under 5 hours and can then provide around eight hours of playing time, which is plenty. Though not a ‘weakness’ as such, it is worth considering that some of the other products on the market manage four or five times this battery life.

The sound is good quality and the output power is pretty impressive, especially due to the stereo speaker system meaning more detail and more volume! Our set of test songs sounded very good when listening to them on the Rukus.

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One of the big benefits is the fact that this can even charge your smartphone. This is especially useful if you are using a phone to play songs from, as this can sap your battery. It is also great if you are out and about on a camping trip or hiking as power might not be easily available. In terms of charging the unit, this can be done from mains power too in around 2.5 hours.

The product is well built and water ‘resistant’ so not totally waterproof. However, moderate rain or a few splashes from the pool won’t cause too much of an issue. The Bluetooth range is decent, but realistically with this speaker, the closer you can be to the speaker, the better. If we went more than a few meters away then it wasn’t quite as reliable.

The Rukus can easily be strapped onto backpacks or elsewhere, and is relatively small and only weighs around 1 lb, so it is perfect to take on your travels with you.

View on Amazon

The Verdict – Which Is Best?

Asked to whittle it down to one product for all-round quality, we would have to go with the Nuboom. The sound is excellent, and a large range for connecting via Bluetooth means more reliable audio with no drop-outs. The battery life is incredible.

The Rukus is a good option for people who want to spend a little more on improved audio quality. It is one of the best sounding solar Bluetooth speakers out there. The place where it falls a little short is its battery life and range. If you are able to keep your device near the product and don’t need longer than 8 hours of battery life then the Rukus is worth a second look.

The Solarbox provides not only an excellent budget option but an excellent battery life. It is similar in this respect to our top choice, the Nuboom. However, it isn’t quite as good in terms of audio quality and doesn’t have the capacity to charge devices. For a cheap speaker with a long battery then the Solarbox is worth considering.

Buying Considerations

There are a few things to consider when you are planning to purchase a solar-powered Bluetooth speaker. You shouldn’t just dive in and buy the first one you come across! The following features and functions are the criteria for a good quality solar-powered Bluetooth speaker.

Audio Quality

This is definitely the top consideration whenever you’re buying any kind of audio product. It is all very well buying a durable rugged speaker with high battery power, but this is all useless if the sound quality isn’t good enough.

A good Bluetooth speaker should have a clear audio response as well as being able to recreate bass frequencies so you don’t lose the ‘punchy’ low-end sounds. This is a common problem in smaller speakers.

Materials as well as how the speaker is made will contribute to how the sound is replicated. If it is made out of cheap components then the likelihood is that the sound quality will suffer.

Volume

A solar-powered Bluetooth speaker is usually purchased because it is portable, wireless and easy to just take out and about with you. Whether you’re taking it to the beach or just into the backyard for a gathering with friends, it will need to have enough output power so that you can enjoy the music properly. You shouldn’t have to be right next to it to hear anything! A speaker with low power is not good for large gatherings. You should at least have the option to crank it louder and be able to hear it from a distance.

Battery

A solar-powered speaker will be charged by the sun and then it will hold this charge for a period of time. It is like charging up your phone. So the capacity and quality of the battery should definitely be thought about, as well as how quickly it charges in the sun.

Not everyone lives in an area where sunlight is constant, so it helps if the power provided by the sun can last long into the night so you can keep the music playing.

It is worth noting that all of these units can be charged using a power cord as well in case you’re not lucky enough to see the face of the sun.

Build Quality (Is it Weatherproof?)

The benefits of having a product which is well made and durable are pretty clear. For a Bluetooth speaker, it is pointless if it cannot hold up to changing weather conditions as it will probably be used outdoors a lot. Some of the products on the market have been known to not work as well in the heat, while some aren’t as waterproof as needed. A good portable speaker of any type should be able to hold up to all weather conditions.

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth technology within should be high quality too. By this, we mean it should have a good range so that you can connect from a distance. It should also be reliable and simple to connect to.

It is so frustrating if you’re playing music from a phone or other device and it stops due to the Bluetooth failing. We’ve looked for products offering a good level of reliability, compatibility, and distance here. Walking around the garden with your phone in your pocket shouldn’t mean you go out of range.

Size and Weight

This is another thing you should definitely think about. A lot of people are looking for a speaker they can throw in their bag and take hiking, camping or on other long trips. A big and bulky product can be cumbersome and difficult to take with you.

The post Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers for Outdoor Use appeared first on SoundWiz.

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soundwizreview · 6 years

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Why You Should Get a Wireless Home Theater

While you plan your custom home theater, you should really consider looking into a wireless home theater as it will look a lot neater without cables everywhere and will be a lot more flexible to move and use.

Wireless Sound Speakers

The most important benefit of wireless sound audio speakers is that there are fewer cables to worry about or mess with. While you will usually most likely need cables to connect to main devices, satellite speakers themselves run via infrared transmission or radio.

The next upside of the wireless system is the latest technology of wireless itself, making use of infrared transmission, digital signals are basically beamed from the transmitter to individual receivers in each speaker.

Loudspeakers

A loudspeaker needs two types of signals in order to work. Speakers need to access the music or movie soundtrack, which is provided in the form of electrical impulses, the audio signal. In order for the speaker to take the electrical sound impulses and convert those vibrations into an actual sound that you can hear, the speaker needs to be physically connected to an amplifier, which can be powered either by a battery or AC power.

Wireless Home Theater Systems

Wireless Home Theater systems will use Bluetooth technology, variations of wifi networks, and proprietary wireless systems. Many manufacturers are now creating home theater systems, kind of like a home theater in a box that include speakers, receivers, wireless surround speakers and a DVD player all in one package.

Conclusion

Wireless is getting a lot of attention from home theater engineers and designers, and wireless technologies themselves are advancing rapidly. Over time, wireless will be a natural part of many home theaters. Today it’s a niche product for people with specific needs and requirements. But it is a lot neater and convenient to have things wireless.

Not set on which home theater to get? Read our guide here:

https://soundwiz.net/best-home-theater-system/

The post Why You Should Get a Wireless Home Theater appeared first on SoundWiz.

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soundwizreview · 6 years

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Sangean H202 Portable Shower Radio with Bluetooth Review

The market of Bluetooth speakers is in rapid evolvement at the moment. First and foremost, these gadgets are super handy to have. They help us keep track of time in the bathroom in the morning. They also act as an entertainment center to blast out our favorite tunes while we get ready for work or relax after a long day.

The Sangean H202 has taken the market by storm, quickly gaining the title as one of the best shower radio speakers. Though competitively priced, the H202 provides heaps of innovative and unique features to the table which the competitors don’t.

A Shower Radio That Works

It’s no secret that the market of shower radios can be a jungle to navigate. There are quite a few options out there. Many of them look solid at first glance. However, once you dig deeper, you’ll see that a lot of them have game-changing shortcomings.

Quite a few of them starts at around $20 and upwards. However, these speakers only serve you at the bare minimum of what you’d expect. Often they’re hard to navigate, have unstable radio reception and a bland and flat audio response.

With the Sangean H202, however, you don’t have to worry about any of this. One of the strongest points of the H202 is the radio reception and navigation. First, it supports FM, AM and WX tuning. It has a built-in AM antenna and a pigtail antenna for AM and WX tuning.

With 20 station presets, you’ll easily get going straight out of the box. With a handy LCD display and 12 logical and easy-to-use buttons, the Sangean H202 radio speaker is extremely easy to navigate and get used to.

As for as reception stability goes, this unit is second to none. Even though we tried challenging its signal strength, we were unable to kill the reception. It’s super reliable and highly stable.

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Faultless Audio Quality

Shower radios aren’t designed to reproduce the world’s best HiFi sound. However, the Sangean H202 is probably as close as you can get to it within the realms of shower speakers.

We tested this shower radio against a few competitors by having them play the same AM radio frequency side by side to determine how they sounded in comparison. Together with the Sony ICF-S80, the Sangean H202 sounded the best. We then moved on to test them using Bluetooth, playing the same song on all units. The ICF-S80 does not support Bluetooth, so the H202 was battling against cheaper models. The H202 came out on top quite convincingly.

The Sangean H202 doesn’t sound like a shower radio. It more closely compares to the more recent JBL Bluetooth speakers. Especially the lower frequencies impressed us a lot. Where some of the other radios started to thin out, the H202 maintained width and provided body to the sound. If sound quality is an important factor for you, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Features For Days

The Sangean H202 is the most sophisticated shower radio on the market at the moment. Where most of the other units are what can be considered one-trick ponies, the quality of the H202 is displayed in its range of features.

A Wireless Weather Station

As mentioned before, the H202 supports WX tuning – which is something none of the other shower radios we reviewed do.

With WX tuning, the H202 receives weather updates and reports from all seven NOAA weather channels. Due to this, you can check the weather while taking a bath. It is super handy to get an overview of how the day is going to be and so you can plan your outfit accordingly.

Bluetooth Connectivity

The one thing that the Sony ICF-S80 lacked was Bluetooth connectivity. The fact that you can connect your phone to your shower radio and play your favorite songs through Spotify just makes the product a lot better overall. One thing I like to do is to listen to various podcasts in the morning and thus having this helps me a lot.

We tested the Bluetooth range and it seemed that the connection started to suffer at a distance of around 30 feet from the radio. Generally speaking, this is fairly average.

Perfect Timing. Always

With the Sangean H202, you’ll never lose track of the time on busy mornings again. The LCD display shows the clock (which can be set to your liking).

Additionally, you can set adjustable sleep timers and short timers. Want to limit your bath to 3 minutes? Set a short timer for 180 seconds. Want the unit to automatically turn off at 8:30 AM when you leave your house? Set a sleep timer for automatic turn-off.

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Mobility Is Key

The Sangean H202 is geared with an adjustable carrying/hanging strap that lets you place the unit in a lot of handy ways. Some of the other models use suction cups which the H202 does not. It isn’t a solution that would work for this unit due to its shape, size, and design.

Unique to the Sangean H202 shower radio, it comes with a wall mounting plate and belonging hardware. This means you can seamlessly create a hanging spot for the H202 on the wall wherever you want while hiding the hanging strap from your view.

Multiple Power Options

You probably thought this unit couldn’t get any handier… You were wrong! There’s more…

The Sangean H202 – already proven to be a very flexible shower radio – can be powered in two ways. Either you can run it directly through your power outlet using the DC power plug in the unit. Otherwise, you can use two 1.5 V (UM-1) batteries to power it. When powered by batteries, you can expect the unit to play for 110+ hours.

A lot of the other shower radios require being charged every 5-10 hours of play time. This can get tiresome, especially if you’re in a rush on busy mornings.

It is worth noting that no DC power adapter nor batteries are included with this unit.

Conclusion – Is The Sangean H202 The Best Shower Radio?

The Sangean H202 is a versatile unit with lots of great features that make it the best shower radio in our opinion. Although not the cheapest product on the market, you certainly ain’t breaking your bank by acquiring the H202.

It’s clear that Sangean had a strong and clear vision with this product – and that seemed to work. With solid audio quality and access to lots of unique and useful features combined with a more than fair price tag, the H202 is unarguably our favorite shower radio speaker on the market.

The H202 is a super flexible unit that serves multiple purposes. You can’t go wrong with this product.

The post Sangean H202 Portable Shower Radio with Bluetooth Review appeared first on SoundWiz.

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Teac TN-300 Turntable With USB & Built-In Pre-Amp Review

Introducing the Teac TN-300

The TN-300 from Teac is a rare find in today’s collection of turntables, a design that manages to combine both quality engineering and superior sound performance, all within an affordable price range. The design team at Teac decided to leave out the fancy features and focus their attention on what really counts – sound and usability.

Within the first few minutes of using the TN-300, we all agreed that this idea to focus on the basics was a wise decision and one that puts this turntable firmly on the map.

Designed for Superior Sound Performance

The TN-300 is a fully analog unit with a clean, simplistic design and a crystal clear sound. It’s a no-frills, classic-looking record player that will keep all of you vinyl lovers entertained.

Upon looking at the technical details of the TN-300, we should first point out that it’s a manual belt-drive turntable, capable of playing both 33rpm and 45rpm records. The two speeds can be alternated electronically via the higher of the two knobs on the right-hand side (the lower knob is the on/off switch).

The chassis is built from strong MDF and acts as a sturdy base that limits unwanted vibrations. Controlling everything from below is the high torque motor and neoprene belt which will keep your records at a consistent and stable speed. A high-quality, die-cast aluminum platter will excite the audiophiles out there, proving that the TN-300 has been built with sound quality in mind. Lastly, the straight, static balance tonearm with an anti-skate mechanism offers accurate tracking.

We strongly believe that the focus on sound optimization is the leading factor for the TN-300. All of the components combine together perfectly, producing that dynamic and rich sound that we all expect.

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Built-In MM Phono Pre-Amp and USB Connectivity

The first thing you notice when looking at the TN-300 is the simplicity of it all, however, it does come with some useful features that help to broaden its overall capabilities. As you look at the back panel of the unit you will find a handful of input and output options.

Firstly, the built-in MM phono pre-amp is a simple switch that gives you great flexibility, letting you connect the turntable to either of the line, auxiliary or CD inputs of a standard hi-fi system or stereo amplifier.

Secondly, the USB digital output allows you to transfer your music to your PC or laptop (optional recording software is also included). Archiving and playing your favorite vinyl collection on your computer, smartphone or any other digital audio player is a breeze with the TN-300.

High-Performance Audio Technica Cartridge

The award-winning Audio Technica AT95W cartridge is a welcome addition to an already high-spec design, helping to push the sound quality of the TN-300 to the next level. By using these high-end components, Teac has proved to us that they are keeping the vinyl enthusiast in mind and are not just here to make some quick money.

Whilst testing the TN-300 with our own vinyl collections, we couldn’t help but notice the difference in sound quality over other similar priced units. It just goes to show, when you take the time to choose the right combination of components, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

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Pros and Cons

A summary of the TN-300 can be found below with our own list of pros and cons.

Pros

Quality sound performance – Listen to your vinyl in warm, crystal clear sounds. The AT95W cartridge is a bonus for the TN-300 and boosts the overall sound performance. Plus, cartridges are often required as an extra purchase with most other units – a money saver right there!

Features – USB connectivity and a built-in pre-amp are on offer, letting you archive and play your collection across various hi-fi systems and digital devices. You can also electronically adjust the speeds between 33rpm and 45rpm.

Usability – Design has been focused on the usability and performance of the TN-300, doing away with the extra features that some other units have opted for. The simple and intuitive design means that you’ll be spinning records straight out of the box.

Price – The price you pay for the classic look, high-spec design and simple usability is what makes the TN-300 a popular choice. To the untrained eye, the TN-300 could be mistaken for a record player at a much higher price tag. You’re getting a high-performance record player at an affordable price, so it’s a thumbs-up from us.

Cons

No automatic return – We did notice that the TN-300 is missing one useful feature and that’s the automatic stop function, this is something that many of us find convenient and also helps to prolong the life of the needle itself.

Final Verdict of the TN-300 from Teac

The TN-300 has been designed with vinyl enthusiasts in mind. Many products out there claim to be “all singing and all dancing”, however, the actual sound quality is often overlooked. The TN-300 is different. The design focuses purely on sound performance and usability. I’m sure that you would agree that this is something that all music lovers will appreciate.

However, you shouldn’t be expecting the very best in turntable technology with the TN-300. The price tag can only offer so much quality. You could add some more flexibility with an external switchable pre-amp, and there are alternative cartridges that would improve the overall sound. Both options, of course, will certainly stretch your budget even further.

Overall, this record player from Teac is a quality product straight out of the box. The usability and solid build help to place the TN-300 above most other similar priced units. A great option for casual listeners on a smaller budget and we think it will surprise most of you audiophiles out there as well!

The post Teac TN-300 Turntable With USB & Built-In Pre-Amp Review appeared first on SoundWiz.

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