There’s nothing wrong with wanting an affordable turntable. For those just getting into the hobby of playing vinyl, a functional record player can get the job done as long as your speaker setup is decent. Plus, you’ll be shelling out enough money just building up your record collection itself. Victrola is one of those brands that makes quality phonographs for a fair price. You may have seen its products at your local big-box chain and the like. However, the company has unveiled its most high-end model yet, with complete compatibility with Sonos speakers.
The brand’s first fully-wireless record player, the new Stream Carbon Turntable is a big jump — about $500 — from Victrola’s second-highest standalone option (the V1 Soundbar Turntable). Except this time around, the speakers are sold separately. Once you’ve got your premium Sonos speakers, the phonograph will pair wirelessly via the Victrola Stream app to either your entire Sonos system or just one unit. Powered by a 2-speed belt-drive capable of either 33s or 45s, the turntable also comes with an RCA output for those who have non-Sonos speakers.
Equipped with a removable machined aluminum headshell and an adjustable counterweight, the carbon fiber tonearm moves with a top-shelf Ortofon 2M Red cartridge for playback versatility no matter what you’re listening to, with unbelievable sonic accuracy and a 5.5mV output. The plinth underneath is made from a veneered MDF that’s constructed for low resonance and is topped with a die-case aluminum platter and an in-house silicone slipmat.
Pairing your turntable with the proper speakers can be an exercise in trial and error. Victrola now cuts out the middleman, literally, with the new Stream Carbon Turntable. You can pre-order the unit now for $800 with shipments expected for the end of October.
