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As the name suggests, Victrola Portable Bluetooth Turntable also has a Bluetooth function that lets you play music from your mobile device over Bluetooth. Apart from the suitcase record player, it came with a power adapter and an extra needle in case the one attached gets damaged. You also have an instruction manual to refer to if you’ve never operated a Vinyl record player before.
Form Factor & Build Quality
This turntable is made of plastic, but there’s some kind of synthetic leather layered on top of it. If you plan to move it around a lot, I suggest you should be careful. Although the synthetic leather is glued to the plastic, it looks like it could be pulled off from the edges. However, if you don’t move it around too much, it should be fine.
There are shiny metal caps screwed to the edges and that’s a good thing. It’s pretty thoughtful and prevents wear and tears along the edges.
On my unit, the platform holding the tonearm and the platter feels shaky, and I wasn’t able to figure out why.
There’s a clip for the tonearm which is supposed to be locked down if you ever want to move the record player around.
The power knob also serves as the volume control. Below this is a headphone jack that I haven’t really been using. Above the power knob is the function selector. This lets you choose to use the record player in Bluetooth mode, as a phonograph record player, or as an auxiliary input from an external source.
There’s a 45 rpm adapter included. I haven’t been able to put this to test since I don’t have a 45 rpm record. The speed selector can be adjusted too based on the type of Vinyl record you intend to play.
At the back, there’s a stereo audio output if you plan to connect your speakers.
At the front, there two speakers. Being a portable device, one might expect it to have a backup battery, but it doesn’t.
Sound Quality
The two speakers at the front are loud enough to fill a room and even reach the next room. If you’re wondering if they sound great, you should be reminded that you get what you pay for. This is a $40 record player and you shouldn’t expect a $300 sound. I kept my expectations minimal and wasn’t really disappointed when I heard the speakers for the first time.
For old vinyl records, they sound okay. They’ve got that old-school feel, but it’s not the best sound I’ve heard. Even though they’re small speakers, I believe the sound could be better. The sound quality is no match for those on my laptop.
For old highlife music which I’ve been playing a lot on this unit lately, it’s fine. I couldn’t bear to listen to the latest songs using the Bluetooth function because of the sound quality.
But then, that’s why you have an audio output around the back here to connect your speakers.
Features & Operation
Starting with the one-way Bluetooth function, you can only play music from your mobile device. You’re unable to connect your Bluetooth headphones. For some, this may be a bit disappointing.
This phonograph player has an auto-stop feature that stops the record from spinning once it’s done playing. I always have this turned on since I don’t want the platter spinning all night. Besides, it’s the best way to keep the belt in good shape and avoid unnecessary pressure on the needle when not in use.
Operating it is easy. Even if you’ve never operated a Vinyl record player before, the included user manual simplifies the general operation.
The speed selector has 3 options: 33 rpm, 45 rpm, and 78 rpm. The right one to choose ultimately depends on the kind of record you intend to play. Playing a 45 rpm record requires an adaptor which is included.
If you’re worried about damaging the stylus in the future, a replacement from Jico should be a good fit.
Verdict
It’s generally believed that cheap record players like this damage record. It’s a month an a half already and I haven’t experienced this. Maybe it’s too early, but none of the records I played sounds damaged.
If you’re just getting started with Vinyl records, this works. At least, you get to play those old records you dad had in the 70’s. If you’re an audiophile or someone with a lot of experiences with the things, I’m not sure this is for you.
But then, you get what you pay for. It’s a $40 record player, and you don’t expect a $100 value.