ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Victrola Concord turntable system is accessible for $299 within the colours Pure, Walnut, and Black.
- This method features a full-size turntable, two bookshelf audio system, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all nice parts for novices.
- At its $300 worth level ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), individuals keen to spend this sort of cash could also be prepared for a extra superior system.
If you happen to’ve ever thought-about “stepping into audio,” put together to spend a pair hundred (if not thousand) {dollars} in your gear, whether or not or not it’s headphones, amps, digital-to-analog converters, or bodily media like CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyl information.
Additionally: Everything you need for a vinyl setup: The best turntables, speakers, and more
One factor that at all times rings true, irrespective of your most well-liked audio medium, is that you’re going to encounter recommendation that absolutely dumps in your favourite gadgets. It is a ceremony of passage. If vinyl is your jam, and also you need a straightforward, easy, fully-kitted turntable system to start constructing your assortment, the Victrola Harmony is a pleasant place to begin.
You needn’t attempt to discover a classic system that wants some fixing up at a flea market 4 hours away. It is OK to need an easy-to-use report participant with digital options and a cool design. Typically, tech is simply enjoyable, and the Concord is very enjoyable. Here is why.
Starting with design, the Concord system blends basic design with fashionable digital options. It has textbook mid-century design components characterised by minimalism, a mixture of wood, plastic, and steel supplies, and pure wood-colored tones.
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The turntable system features a full-sized turntable with matching bookshelf audio system. The cartridge is an Audio-Technica ATN3600L, and it has a plastic mud cowl. There are RCA ports for connecting to different audio system and a 3.5mm jack for headphones or different appropriate audio system.
The turntable is bigger than the model’s compact all-in-one turntables, however even should you’re low on area, a small stand can maintain the turntable, bookshelf audio system, and some information and include them in a small portion of a room.
For digital followers, the Concord is provided with Bluetooth connectivity to stream music out of your gadget to the Concord. Moreover, Victrola’s VinylStream know-how permits the reverse: you may stream your information from the Concord to your Bluetooth audio system or headphones.
I arrange the Concord in my workplace and spun the best album of all time, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It sounded nice; there’s a vital improve in sound with Victrola’s exterior audio system in comparison with its all-in-one or suitcase turntables with built-in audio system.
Listening in stereo with devoted left/proper audio system is an effective way to get pleasure from vinyl, and you’ll swap out Victrola’s packaged audio system in case you have one other pair you like. I haven’t got something damaging to say about Victrola’s included audio system; the ATN3600L cartridge guarantees easy, balanced listening, and it interprets effectively via the audio system.
Behind the material that covers the audio system’ grille, Victrola says every speaker has a devoted subwoofer, tweeter, and a port within the again for enhanced low-frequency response.
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The ATN3600L cartridge is comparatively low cost and well-received, making it a strong choice for entry or mid-level vinyl lovers on a funds. It is simple and inexpensive to interchange, and in excellent situations, it could actually present round 400 hours of playback.
The audio system get very loud, loud sufficient that I might hear the music all through my total home. Even at loud volumes, the audio system weren’t overwhelmed by the elevated bass. If in case you have a small celebration or gathering at your home, the Concord could be a assertion piece and an entertainer, making certain everybody in the home can hear the music.
The Concord’s digital options are very simple to make use of. You possibly can maintain down the ability/quantity knob to toggle between vinyl, VinylStream, Bluetooth, and aux modes, and it was simple to pair with my iPhone.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The Victrola Harmony is a trendy, easy-to-navigate turntable system that blends mid-century analog components with up-to-date digital streaming options. It is a strong choice for individuals who aren’t prepared or capable of make investments closely in a extra complete system. It does not take a lot to get the Concord going, and its mid-century design makes for a pleasant piece of decor.
With bookshelf audio system as small however mighty because the Concord’s, coupled with the turntable’s Bluetooth capabilities, this technique is implausible for enjoying the soundtrack to your social gatherings.
I’ll observe that when the Concord debuted in Jan. at CES 2025, the going worth was $199, which is a wonderful worth for the package deal. Now, at launch, the Concord retails for $299. If you happen to’re prepared for one thing extra superior at this worth level, you might want one thing just like the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT
