Latest news with #turntable
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Clearaudio Compass Launches Its Entry-Level Turntable At A Knock-Out Price
The Compass turntable is precision-made by German audio brand Clearaudio. It's an entry-level model. ... More If you've ever fancied owning and high-end turntable to play your vinyl on but found the price of the top-end models a little too salty, then news from the German manufacturer Clearaudio may be of interest. Clearaudio has announced the launch of its Compass turntable. This is a new and entry-level model that's designed to bring high-end audio quality within reach of many more people without compromising on quality. The new Compass is a ready-to-play turntable with a brand-new T1 tonearm, which is a smaller version of Clearaudio's Satisfy tonearm. The Compass turntable also includes a newly developed N1 moving magnet cartridge. Clearaudio's Compass turntable will ship with the newly developed N1 moving magnet cartridge mounted ... More on Clearaudio's T1 tonearm. The compact Compass is available in sleek black or silver finishes and comes with a detachable acrylic lid to keep dust off your records. Using precision-milled components made from premium materials, the Compass is the epitome of German engineering and is designed for long life and years of listening. Clearaudio CEO, Robert Suchy, says: 'Clearaudio has always stood for uncompromising quality, ultimate precision, and exceptional design. Now we are welcoming a wider audience for our high-end technology and performance with Compass: a ready-to-play turntable delivering a vinyl-listening experience that far exceeds expectations in this price range.' At the core of the Compass turntable is a precision bearing that works in combination with a specially manufactured platter and sub-platter. All three items have been manufactured with the same attention to detail that Clearaudio applies to all its products. The new T1 tonearm on the Compass turntable is a smaller version of Clearaudio's acclaimed Satisfy ... More tonearm. You can read up on the full technical specifications for the turntable, tonearm and cartridge below. The Clearaudio Compass is just entering production and will be available to buy worldwide by September 2025 and will carry a suggested retail price of €1,290. Pricing in other currencies will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Forbes
QlearSoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player With Stereo Speakers
The Qlearsoul SoulBox S1. That slip mat looks more than a little like Canada's CBC logo... If you're looking for an affordable way to listen to your record collection, there's a new option in the SoulBox S1 from QlearSoul. The system includes a turntable, Bluetooth streaming support and bookshelf speakers, all wrapped in a warm wood finish and typically retails in the $250 range. Listening to records with true stereo sound is the ideal setup. However, many people make compromises early on and end up with a system that lacks this capability. A 'suitcase-style' portable record player, or a turntable plugged into a portable speaker delivering mono sound, for example. There are many reasons why someone might find themselves in this position. A component system with a receiver or amplifier, PHONO pre-amp, turntable and speakers can be an expensive proposition and then there's the challenge of matching components that are going to look good and, more importantly, sound good together. Space is often an issue. And then there's the complexity of setting up a component system and a turntable. For someone who's not comfortable with working with audio equipment, this prospect can be daunting. The turntable arrives largely assembled. With the SoulBox S1, QlearSoul aimed at eliminating these barriers. Both the PHONO pre-amp and the system amplifier are built into the turntable. That means stereo sound with only one power supply (the bookshelf speakers are not powered) and all that's needed is to connect the speakers to the turntable with the included cables. The turntable itself is shipped largely assembled, including having the cartridge pre-mounted on the tonearm. You'll need to attach the counterweight, balance the tonearm and set the anti-skate dial, attach the belt and platter, then slip the plastic cover on the pre-installed hinges. Clear instructions are included, no tools are required and this should be a five or 10 minute exercise that only needs to be done once. A built-in, switchable PHONO pre-amp, plus a built-in stereo amplifier to drive the bookshelf ... More speakers. Many entry level record players and turntables keep costs down by using a generic cartridge and/or stylus. Doing so does help to keep the price down, but at the cost of sound quality. A cheap stylus that tracks too heavily can also physically damage a record, which is the last thing you want to do. QlearSoul went with the Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge, plus an adjustable counterweight and antiskate. The AT-3600L is a popular, budget-friendly offering from a leading audio brand. It's known for providing an entertaining listen while helping to minimize skips from used records. With millions of these sold, it's easy to find a replacement stylus. Equipped with the workhorse Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge The speakers included with this system are each equipped with a 2-inch silk dome tweeter for crisp high notes with 4.5-inch fiberglass cones covering the mid-range and bass. Included bookshelf speakers QlearSoul describes the SoulBox S1 as 'an entry-level audiophile system designed for ultimate versatility.' To that end, the SoulBox S1 fills the role of a turntable connected to a pair of bookshelf speakers allowing users to listen to their records in true stereo sound. Its Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge has a reputation as a solid all-round performer and its stylus can be upgraded should you want to take the sound of records up a notch. For that matter, if you happen to buy a component stereo system later on, you can use this as a pure turntable that feeds into that system, thanks to its switchable pre-amp and RCA output jacks. Option to use this as a standalone turntable. With the SoulBox S1's built-in Bluetooth connectivity, you can go digital and wirelessly stream music from your favorite platform from your phone, tablet, or PC–enjoying the tracks in stereo. The bottom line is the QlearSoul SoulBox S1 provides a budget-friendly entry to records, with true stereo sound and support for Bluetooth wireless music streaming. All in a package that's compact, easy to set up and wrapped in a warm, wood-look finish. Disclosure: QlearSoul provided a SoulBox S1 for evaluation purposes but had no input into this article.
The Verge
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Verge
Miniot returns with a sleeker Wheel 3 vertical turntable
The original Wheel vertical turntable was a bust, the Wheel 2 redemption, and now the small mom and pop team at Miniot is back for a victory lap with the Wheel 3. It can play your record collection upright on its stand, laid flat on a table, or hung on a wall. Inside the handmade Wheel 3 turntable you'll find a new optical stylus that the company says 'blows away anything you've heard before!' It also features a new 'bespoke, high-end' amplifier and redesigned linear tonearm that moves up-and-down the spinning record instead of side-to-side like the Wheel 2 I reviewed back in 2023. The volume and playback slider is still embedded in the rim at the top near the dimmable display, giving you precise digital control over your analog music. The new slimmed-down design also looks more cohesive, if colder. It's made from two parts: a solid composite on the back married to a polished aluminum unibody front. A Wheel 3 Special Edition will feature a solid wooden back for fans of Miniot's organic roots. The Wheel 3 can be preordered now for $3,350 / €2,900 with deliveries expected in 10 weeks.
