At IFA 2022, Japanese audio specialist Audio-Technica unveiled two new affordable turntables with Bluetooth connectivity.
Priced at €280/€329, the new AT-LP3XBT is the successor to the brand's very popular AT-LP3 turntable.
The turntable can be connected wirelessly to wireless speakers or headphones via Bluetooth 5.2, and the turntable supports Qualcomm's aptX High-Resolution Audio codec.
As well as being packaged in Audio-Technica's trusty AT-VM95C stylus cartridge, there's also a built-in switchable phono/line preamp, a hydraulically damped tone arm, and a removable hinged dust cover.
Available starting today, the AT-LP3XBT comes in black and white color options.
The AT-LPW50BTRW, priced at a slightly more expensive €419.99 / €499, takes it to another level in the new range.
With the same connectivity as its smaller sibling, the extra outlay gets you a "high-performance" black AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet cartridge, as well as a more luxurious rosewood veneer base made of anti-corrosion MDF. 30 mm thick resonance. .
There's also a carbon fiber straight arm with adjustable tracking force, with the motor featuring a speed sensor system to maintain precise platter rotation, plus a matching matte silver AT-HS4.
Like the AT-LP3XBT, the AT-LPW50BTRW is now available at retail stores.
Review: These new decks may drive audiophiles crazy, but they offer the best of both worlds
Turntables with built-in analog-to-digital converters and Bluetooth connectivity have become common in recent years, with everyone from Pro-Ject to Elipson now offering wireless-ready turntables.
Purists will no doubt argue that a wireless recording platform negates the point of playing analog vinyl in the XNUMXst century.
While that's an understandable argument, they wouldn't understand what a turntable set like these two new Audio-Technica steel wheels offers: flexibility and comfort.
Both new turntables give the user the option to set up with a conventional wired system for all that analog richness, but also give you the ability to stream directly to Bluetooth headphones and smart speakers scattered around your home.
While this can lead to a possible drop in fidelity due to compression when used wirelessly, with both turntables boasting Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and high-bandwidth Qualcomm aptX support, only audiophiles will enjoy them.
IFA 2022 is Europe's biggest tech trade show, and TechRadar is in Berlin to bring you the latest news and announcements, plus our first hands-on impressions of the new TVs, wearables, audio devices, and other gadgets on display.