ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Victrola Concord turntable system is offered for $299 within the colours Pure, Walnut, and Black.
- This technique features a full-size turntable, two bookshelf audio system, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all nice parts for learners.
- At its $300 worth level ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), folks keen to spend this sort of cash could also be prepared for a extra superior system.
For those who’ve ever thought-about “moving into audio,” put together to spend a few hundred (if not hundreds) {dollars} in your gear, whether or not it’s headphones, amps, digital-to-analog converters, or bodily media like CDs, cassette tapes, and vinyl data.
One factor that all the time rings true, irrespective of your most well-liked audio medium, is that you’re going to encounter recommendation that completely dumps in your favourite gadgets. It is a ceremony of passage. If vinyl is your jam, and also you need a simple, easy, fully-kitted turntable system to start constructing your assortment, the Victrola Concord is a pleasant place to start out.
Additionally: Every part you want for a vinyl setup: One of the best turntables, audio system, and extra
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 document 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 parts characterised by minimalism, a mixture of wood, plastic, and steel supplies, and pure wood-colored tones.
Additionally: One of the best audio system for vinyl in 2025: Skilled beneficial
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 suitable audio system.
The turntable is bigger than the model’s compact all-in-one turntables, however even when you’re low on area, a small stand can maintain the turntable, bookshelf audio system, and some data and include them in a small portion of a room.
For digital followers, the Concord is supplied with Bluetooth connectivity to stream music out of your system to the Concord. Moreover, Victrola’s VinylStream know-how permits the reverse: you’ll be able to stream your data 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 important 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 a good way to get pleasure from vinyl, and you’ll swap out Victrola’s packaged audio system in case you have one other pair you favor. I haven’t got something destructive to say about Victrola’s included audio system; the ATN3600L cartridge guarantees easy, balanced listening, and it interprets nicely by way of the audio system.
Behind the fabric 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.
Additionally: I am taking my favourite transportable vinyl participant on all my summer season journeys
The ATN3600L cartridge is comparatively low-cost and well-received, making it a stable choice for entry or mid-level vinyl fanatics on a funds. It is easy and reasonably priced to switch, and in good situations, it may possibly present round 400 hours of playback.
The audio system get very loud, loud sufficient that I may hear the music all through my complete home. Even at loud volumes, the audio system weren’t overwhelmed by the elevated bass. When you’ve got a small get together or gathering at your home, the Concord is usually 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’ll be able to maintain down the facility/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 Concord is a trendy, easy-to-navigate turntable system that blends mid-century analog parts with up-to-date digital streaming options. It is a stable choice for individuals who aren’t prepared or in a position to 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 method is improbable for enjoying the soundtrack to your social gatherings.
I’ll notice 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. For those who’re prepared for one thing extra superior at this worth level, you might choose one thing just like the Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT
