Success on a platter
After years patiently explaining that the hole in your car dashboard was originally designed for a plastic box that played magnetic tape, and the tray that pops out of your PC isn’t a cup holder, anyone over 40 will now be amused to note that the young folk are getting into vinyl. Good luck to them, but we own all the records. The only problem is finding a turntable to play them on.
This one serves three purposes. First off, it plays records (obviously), not 78s but 7 and 12in discs at 33 or 45rpm. Secondly, it converts the audio signal to digital, so you can connect the deck to your PC or Mac via USB and record into software of your choice (try Audacity, free from www.snipca.com/18231). Does this infringe copyright? Nobody knows: judges ruled in July against a new law that said it didn’t. Whatever the truth, because this is a better-quality product than bog-standard USB turntables, the copies will be worth listening to.
Thirdly, it makes you look like a bona fide audiophile. The minimalist design isn’t exactly practical. With no lid, it’ll gather dust; while the belt, which you have to switch between pulleys to change speeds, can slip off. But it’s all part of the vinyl experience, and the really fiddly bit, the tone arm and cartridge, comes set up for you. You’ll need to attach powered speakers or a hi-fi to the phono sockets.
VERDICT
There are much cheaper ways to play and digitise records, but not with this much quality and fun.
SPECIFICATIONS
MDF turntable (acrylic option at extra cost) • Ortofon OM 5E moving magnet cartridge • USB port • 2x phono sockets • 43x80x80mm (HxWxD) • One-year warranty