Ah, vinyl, how devoted hi-fi lovers adore you – and I humbly embrace myself in that blend. I coated the re-release of Audio-technica’s iconic, 40-year-old red Sound Burger again in January, alongside its activate the CES 2023 stage.
And as with all icons of a sure age, we have been informed we might have to attend for its arrival. We needed to set our alarms. And as we speak’s the day! The Sound Burger is accessible in black and white from as we speak (Could 31, 2023) solely on Audio-Technica’s website, priced at $199/ £199 / €229 / round AU$379 – solely, for those who’re studying this now, chances are you’ll already be too late in some territories.
We must always have recognized contemplating this little bit of package offered out in days when it initially got here again to market final November, however you’d assume its insane reputation is likely to be waning by now. Under no circumstances – in truth fairly the alternative.
AT re-issued the Sound Burger vinyl spinner to mark its sixtieth anniversary and it is not the primary piece of up to date historical past to be a smash hit: Naim is on the same Fiftieth-anniversary nostalgia journey, updating its 1973 power amp alongside a trio of hi-fi separates paying homage to their Seventies authentic iterations.
However simply as Audio-Technica was completely floored by the response to its authentic limited-edition re-release of the product, (now known as the AT-SB727 and I admit, coveted by me once I noticed it) I’ve to agree: who knew there was such continued demand for it lengthy into 2023?
Acknowledging the loud refrain of followers who’re nonetheless hungry for tasty Sound Burgers, the corporate has no less than introduced that the product can even grow to be accessible in a yellow end (pictured, above) later this summer season – so for those who missed out this time, there’s nonetheless an opportunity!
Opinion: they’re retro-stylin’ and excellent for condensed dwelling preparations
Gary Boss, Director of Advertising at Audio-Technica US, has stated that whereas this re-issue “is not going to characteristic the sixtieth anniversary numbered badge, shade, and packaging of the limited-edition model, it is going to be extra extensively accessible. We hope Sound Burger followers can be simply as enthusiastic about this new mannequin and that it’s going to encourage the following technology of analog fanatics.”
And clearly, they’re.
So is it one of the best inexpensive deck in the marketplace? Effectively, for this cash I would steer you in direction of the corporate’s personal AT-LP60XBT, one of many best turntables in the marketplace on the cash – however I would additionally put in a superb phrase for the Victrola Stream Carbon with Sonos compatibility. Nevertheless, the Sound Burger is an inexpensive entry-level machine and it is nearly actually the good of the bunch.
For these new to vinyl, it is a gateway to a deeper understanding of analog music too – and due to its new Bluetooth connectivity (Bluetooth in an early 80s product? Sure! It simply connects to Bluetooth headphones or audio system for as much as 12 hours of wi-fi document listening) and compact, light-weight design, the Sound Burger is the proper companion for condensed dwelling preparations. If you may get maintain of 1, that’s.
It gives a belt-driven system that performs 33-1/3 and 45 RPM information. To attain each portability and stability, the tonearm employs a dynamic stability system wherein stylus stress is utilized by way of a spring. As well as, a “high-precision DC motor” guarantees to keep up secure rotation. Equipment embrace a forty five RPM adapter, RCA audio cable (3.5 mm male to twin RCA male), and USB cable for charging (USB Sort-A / USB Sort-C).
The stylus on the Sound Burger might be changed with the ATN3600L (offered individually, for round $24 / £20 / AU$40) too, so it is a factor constructed to final.
One ultimate phrase of warning to anybody impatient to get their deck: keep in mind these cute little vans that might ‘drive’ round your document enjoying music? Sure, you’ll be able to nonetheless buy those. However I would not.
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