Latest news with #AT3600L
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Majority Stylo turntable review: Classic vinyl meets modern streaming
Vinyl is back, and in a big way. I'm constantly amazed at how busy my local record shops are, no matter when I stop by. Whether you're rediscovering dusty favourites or starting fresh, modern turntables like the Majority Stylo blend old-school charm with new-school convenience, including Bluetooth streaming. Design and build The Majority Stylo certainly looks the part, featuring an all-black, minimalist aesthetic that gives it a sleek and modern appearance. It has a matt black MDF plinth that is clean and understated. The aluminium die-cast platter adds a bit of weight and stability, and the carbon fibre tonearm is a surprising touch at this price point. It feels more premium than expected, though the overall construction is light. This isn't a tank of a turntable, but it's solid enough for regular use. There are a few plastic elements that remind you it's an entry-level model, but nothing that feels flimsy or likely to break with careful handling. Features The Stylo is packed with features that make it appealing to newcomers and casual listeners. The built-in phono preamp allows you to connect it directly to powered speakers or systems without the need for a dedicated phono stage. There's also a pitch control slider for minor speed tweaks, which is useful for correcting minor playback issues. Of course, the big feature here is Bluetooth connectivity. It streams wirelessly to any compatible speaker, headphones, or hi-fi system, with no cables needed. That kind of freedom is a huge win, especially in small spaces or clean setups where you want fewer wires on show. You also receive a pre-installed Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, which provides reliable tracking and a smooth, balanced sound. It's not high-end audiophile gear, but it's more than enough to bring your records to life. One area where the Stylo could use improvement is the pre-amp. While it's great to have, it's a little underpowered. You'll get better results running it through a separate amp or powered speakers with some extra grunt. Another downside is the lack of an autostop function. The platter continues to spin at the end of a record, which means you'll need to be nearby to avoid unnecessary stylus wear. Real-world use I tested the Stylo with Majority's own D100 bookshelf speakers, using both Bluetooth and a direct line-in connection. The Bluetooth pairing was fast and hassle-free. It worked right out of the box, and within seconds, I had warm, rich vinyl playing wirelessly. This is precisely the kind of plug-and-play simplicity newcomers need. The D100 speakers proved an excellent match. Their clarity and balanced response brought out the best in the Stylo's sound. There was none of the harshness you sometimes get with budget Bluetooth setups. Vinyl purists might still prefer a direct wired connection, and I tried that too. Unsurprisingly, the wired route gave a little more punch and detail, especially at higher volumes. Bluetooth doesn't match the fidelity of a clean analogue signal, but the trade-off for convenience is more than fair, especially in everyday listening scenarios. I found myself reaching for the wireless option more often, simply because of its convenience. Verdict The Majority Stylo is a versatile turntable that nails the basics, sounds excellent, and keeps things simple. With solid audio performance, good build quality, and an accessible price, it's easy to recommend. €249
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Majority Folio turntable review: A stylish all-in-one vinyl solution with modern extras
There's something charming about vinyl that digital can't replicate. That warmth, the tactile nature of dropping the needle—it's an experience. The Majority Folio Turntable combines analogue nostalgia with modern conveniences like USB recording, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in stereo speakers. After spending a week with it, here's my verdict from the perspective of a tech reviewer who appreciates both convenience and audio fidelity. Design and build quality I'm not sure everyone will appreciate the wooden-style casing and clean retro-modern design, but the turntable looks great in my setup. The top features what I can only describe as a flat piece of untreated plywood. It feels well-built for its price point, and while it's not hefty at 3.7 kg, it's sturdy enough not to feel flimsy when in use. At 41.2 x 32.2 x 14.2 cm, it doesn't dominate your space, making it perfect for small flats or living rooms. Usability Everything you need is included: a power adaptor, a rubber slip mat, and even a 45RPM adaptor. The platter and tonearm assembly are ready to go, and the included Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge is pre-installed, which is a real bonus. The controls are intuitive and clearly labelled, and features like auto stop protect your stylus and vinyl from wear over time. When the player finishes the last track, it automatically stops the motor from spinning the turntable. Majority recommend changing the needle cartridge after 1,000 hours of use, so anything to reduce wear is welcome. Thankfully, the AT3600L is user-replaceable. USB recording is straightforward, too. Just insert a memory stick (up to 120GB) into the USB-A port while in PH mode. Then, press the REC button to start recording and press the SPLIT button between tracks to create separate tracks. This will create MP3 files directly onto the memory stick. It's not plug-and-play in the strictest sense, but nothing a few minutes with the manual won't solve. Features This isn't just a basic record player. The Bluetooth in and out functions are genuinely useful. I was able to stream music from my phone to the built-in speakers and also send vinyl audio wirelessly to a Bluetooth speaker for a more immersive experience. There's also an RCA output if you'd prefer to hook the Folio up to an external sound system, alongside a headphone jack for private listening and a 3.5mm AUX-in port for wired devices. The connectivity options are generous and practical for a unit at this price point. Sound quality and ports The built-in stereo speakers do a respectable job for casual listening, but nothing more. They offer a decent soundstage and clarity, especially with records in good condition. Naturally, they won't rival a full hi-fi setup, but they're more than adequate for background listening. Serious audiophiles will want to use the RCA for external amplification, but it's nice that you're not forced to. Verdict The Majority Folio Turntable is a thoughtfully designed all-in-one solution for anyone looking to enjoy vinyl without the fuss of a separate hi-fi setup. It looks good, sounds decent, and includes just the right blend of analogue charm and digital practicality. It's not aimed at purists, but it offers superb value for casual listeners or newcomers to vinyl. RRP €165
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mixx packages a Bluetooth turntable with wireless speakers for $300
Mixx Audio, a relative newcomer to the budget audio category, has an intriguing new package for those who want to dip their toes into the world of vinyl — without spending a fortune or foregoing the convenience of wireless digital audio. The Mixx Analog System 5 combines a Bluetooth-capable turntable with a pair of Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, for $300. The system comes in either black or white color options and you can grab it right now on Amazon. Buy at Amazon The turntable sits on a wooden plinth and the angled aluminum tonearm comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge. It uses a belt drive and can run at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, with a dedicated pitch control feature. A 45 RPM adapter is also included for playing singles. On the rear of the deck are several connectivity options. You can choose between a line level or phono output from the stereo RCA jacks, or you switch to a Bluetooth output. The included wireless 2-way speakers have a claimed 50-watt output, and in addition to their Bluetooth connection (which can be used with the turntable or any other Bluetooth source), they have line-in, optical, coaxial, and USB playback ports. The speakers have adjustable bass and treble, a come with a remote control. Mixx hasn't indicated which Bluetooth codecs are supported or whether the speakers are capable of simultaneous multipoint connections. Earlier in February, Mixx announced a $99 suitcase record player featuring built-in speakers and bi-directional Bluetooth transmission, letting you play vinyl wirelessly or use the record player as a Bluetooth speaker.
