Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver

Customer Reviews (16)

1. 

   Bryan – October 27, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I’ve been in the turntable game for about ten years now. I just turned 40 and only wanted to get into it once my father did when he was late into his life. I was more into CDs and had collected over 3,000 by the time I was ready for the streaming life. But ten years ago, after getting a few records gifted to me, I purchased a record player that inspired a collection that has grown into almost 300.

   I’m selective with my record choices because up until now, I’ve had a Pro-Ject Essential turntable that was 100% manual. It was a delight to set up and dial in. I love the fact that it’s all analog. I guess I’m a purist at heart. But now, as a busy adult with kids, it’s been tough using the Pro-Ject because it isn’t a press play and enjoy activity. I have to get a record out, place it on the mat, move the tone-arm over, press down the lever, and it’ll play. This Victrola Carbon is so much easier to get a record playing – even my kids can do it.

   I’ve loved this thing since the day it was delivered. It’s effortless to set up. No “dialing in” is necessary. There’s no manual drop weight with strings or fishing wire, which can be a pain to get perfect.

   Victrola do have links to video set-ups, which I found before receiving the unit on YouTube. Give that a quick watch and you’ll be ready to go when you unbox it. You can have this thing set up in less than 5 minutes. That’s fantastic. This is one of those quality turntables that is very approachable for first-timers while, at the same time, being a treat for veterans of the vinyl world.

   Many traditionalists frown upon Bluetooth and vinyl, but honestly, as a self-proclaimed “traditionalist,” I can admit that Bluetooth is here to stay for the foreseeable future and can be very convenient – especially for teens and kids who don’t get the “analog purity.” For example, I have a Sonos system spread throughout the house and implemented into my central AVR receiver and speakers in the living room. I love to play music throughout the day consistently. Typically, I’d be streaming through the Sonos app, but at least a few times a day (especially at dinner), I’ll play a record instead. Since this Victrola is so easy to turn on and play, I listen to records more than before and can connect via Bluetooth or analog, depending on how many speakers I want the music to play through. I don’t have to rely on just my Sonos speakers or any analog speakers. I can play records and listen to them in the backyard with a Bluetooth capable speaker. The versatility is what shines through here. Why not have the option for Bluetooth, even if you don’t use it? Someone in the house may.

   A newcomer to vinyl may ask “What makes this $600?” Before I get into that, understand that this price point is still considered an “inexpensive” turntable. Most higher tiers are well over 1K and get up to 6K+. And while I can’t compare it to one of those, I can tell you that this device’s components are excellent quality. In fact, with my Pro-Ject, I had to upgrade the platter, the cartridge (which is the component that holds the needle), as well as plenty of accessories. With everything I put into that thing, in the end, the Pro-Ject costs around $800+. It’s still an outstanding turntable, but more than $200 more than this Victrola and is 100% manual with no Bluetooth capabilities.

   Any vinyl purist will tell you that most of a turntable’s sound comes from the needle. The Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge with this unit is an excellent upgrade from the standard black cartridge. Others are better (like the Blue for example), but the red will sound perfect for 95% of us! And I love it. The sound is punchy and detailed, and I’ve yet to notice any downgrades in sound from my upgraded Pro-ject – in fact, I feel like the soundstage of the Victrola is more diverse than the Pro-Ject. I don’t feel it necessary to upgrade the cartridge any higher than the red that comes with it, but it’s an option for those of you who want to upgrade or transfer a blue cartridge that you may already own.

   You’ll enjoy this one if you’re a newbie or a veteran. Purists may resist modern turntables, but I can tell you, I’m glad I gave in. The design of this thing is pure class. And the modern look is fantastic.
   I’ve gotten my sister to want one just by seeing this in person!

   It seems every speaker now has Bluetooth included, so future-proof yourself and go with the Victrola. You will be satisfied with the value you get, while at the same time, being impressed with the sound.

2. 

   Grouticus – October 28, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I have been an avid vinyl fan and audiophile for decades and always had a place in my heart for vintage 70’s and early 80’s turntables. I always had an interest in later model turntables and never thought I would find one that could replace the high-end vintage ones I had used in the past. However, something recently caught my eye; the new Victrola Carbon turntable that offers everything I would want in a new turntable plus many added useful features for the tech enthusiast in me.

   Out of the box, the Victrola Carbon was very simple to set up following the provided instructions and QR code that links to convenient product videos. The turntable itself is aesthetically sleek and well made. You can see at a glance the quality craftsmanship based on the woven carbon fiber tonearm which complements the other high-quality materials Victrola used including the included gold-plated RCA outputs, metal turntable components, metal platter and slip mat. The turntable also uses an Audio Technica Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge which is very precise and provides clear dynamic sound. They also include a much-needed dust cover to protect your investment. Near the counterweight you will need to install during set up, you are able to switch between 33 RPM and 45 RPM using the included adapter which conveniently has a place for storage near the switch. There are also adjustments near the tonearm for the

   As we all know, looks aren’t everything. Therefore, we’ll get to what really matters… the sound. The one thing about vinyl that brings back some nostalgia for most is the raw, yet amazing, sound it provides, hence why I’ve always deferred to the sound of vintage turntables. After using the new Victrola Carbon for the first few days, my entire attitude has changed. It not only incorporates the great sound you would expect from a high-end turntable, it also offers users the opportunity to enjoy great sound while also incorporating the latest technology including aptC Adaptive and HD Audio via Bluetooth to your stereo or headphones which my wife definitely prefers considering the volume levels I like to listen to music at.

   I hate to admit it, but I am quite taken back at how impressed I am with the new Victrola Carbon after finally taking the leap from vintage to the latest technology. I would recommend the Carbon to others in the market after being as hesitant as I was for the past several years until finally pulling the trigger on this beauty. I have no regrets and did not hesitate to list my vintage turntable for sale for someone else to enjoy. Unfortunately, I have no room to set it up in our house ☹.

3. 

   NAMO – October 29, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   INTRODUCTION
   The Carbon Hi-Res is a definite step up from Victrola’s entry-level models. Components have been significantly upgraded from Victrola’s lower tier line. Upgraded items include: a metal platter, carbon fiber tone arm, and an Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge. Coming from my Victrola T1, the Carbon is a night and day difference in terms of construction and craftsmanship. Everything feels more substantial and premium.

   USE
   The premium look and feel don’t stop at the surface. The Carbon is a marked improvement to my Victrola T1. The inclusion of the AptX Bluetooth audio codec is a huge improvement over the standard Bluetooth audio of the T1. The Carbon supports all 3 forms of Qualcomm’s AptX audio codec: APTX ADAPTIVE, APTX HD, APTX SBC. For those unfamiliar, AptX allows for higher transmission rates over the Bluetooth audio protocol. Higher transmission rates equate to more detailed and dynamic audio reproduction. AptX HD utilizes a 24-bit sampling depth, even higher than that of CD.

   However, it should be noted that to get the highest (Bluetooth) audio quality via the AptX HD protocol, you must have a set of headphones that are also compatible. Ordinary headphones get you basic Bluetooth compatibility, but full HD support requires specific hardware. The added clarity and dynamic range of HD is well worth the investment & comes close to rivaling a direct, hardwired connection. Add into the shear convenience of being wireless, the negligible difference in audio fidelity is well worth the tradeoff.

   Should you want to hook the Carbon up to your existing audio gear, Victrola has you covered as well. A slide switch toggles the unit between phono output and line level output. You get the option of using an external phono preamp or using Victrola’s built-in pre-amp. Having the either option is a welcome and very much appreciated addition, thereby adding the premium feel and design of the product.

   NEGATIVES
   I have 2 gripes. The first. The instruction manual and quick start guide are basic and quite generic. I fully admit that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but Victrola could do a much better job of explaining the pairing process of the player to headphones. After some trial and error, it all boils down to turning the player on, waiting for the ring around the power button to start flashing blue, then put your headphones, speakers, etc. into pairing mode. The Carbon will automatically find and establish a connection. I never thought it would be so simple but, it is simple and works well. I just wish Victrola would spell it out. It would have saved me some time troubleshooting.

   Second. The packaging of the magnetic cartridge needs to be improved. Mine arrived in a basic, sealed, plastic baggy. It offered little to no protection from damage during shipment. While there was a protective cap over the needle, there was nothing to protect the rest. With that, mine arrived with 1 of the 4 pick-up wires disconnected. Luckily, I spotted it prior to assembly and with a small set of specialty pliers and magnifying glass, was able to reassemble.

   CONCLUSIONS
   Records are much clearer and far more dynamic sounding on my Carbon vs my T1. Honestly, I’m not sure if it the AptX inclusion or the Ortofon cartridge. Either way, my vinyl sounds considerably better than it ever has. While my T1 was decent, the Carbon has addressed the areas where my T1 had left me wanting. With that, I consider the Carbon a worthy upgrade over its siblings.

   RECOMMENDED

4. 

   gadgeTT – October 29, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   This record player’s modern aesthetic will fit into most homes. While it still has a wired output to your amp/receiver of choice, it also has high-resolution Bluetooth to listen directly via wireless headphones. For a fully-manual record player, this one is simple to use and sounds great.

   Pros:
   * Modern aesthetic.
   * Easy to set up.
   * Sounds great.
   * Good wireless codecs and range.

   Cons:
   * Minimal dust cover doesn’t protect while playing records.
   * Fully manual turntable.
   * No volume control so BT headphones must have them.
   * No transport controls – might expect the play/pause to at least mute the audio.
   * No UI for pairing so no way to remove prior pairing or switch headphones.

   Setup:

   The whole unpacking experience was pretty good with recyclable materials and cloth-like bags on the various parts rather than the typical clear plastic bags. In fact, there was minimal use of styrofoam or other non-recyclable materials. The basic setup instructions are printed on the top-most cardboard and are more than enough to get completely set up but if you need more, their web site has some helpful videos.

   First is placing the turntable on the base and then stretching the flat belt to reach around the motor’s spindle. This was easy to do given the removable ribbon that was wrapped around the belt. Next is placing the rubber mat on the turntable.

   Now on to the needle and the arm. Slide the needle cartridge onto the arm and rotate the lock to hold it on. I thought that the whole red plastic big was to be removed, but most of it stays on the cartridge and only the small bit covering the needle must be removed. Next slide the counterweight on the end of the arm.

   The last part of the physical setup is placing the 45 spindle adapter onto its home spot and ensuring that all packing material is removed.

   This record player can connect wirelessly to Bluetooth devices like headphones or speakers as well as wired to an amp or similar. I have a whole-home Sonos setup with a Sonos AMP in the den that is connected to a pair of B&W bookshelf speakers. I decided to plug the record player into the Sonos AMP’s line-in jack so I can use it as a source for the whole Sonos system. The provided stereo RCA cable is really nice and was more than long enough to reach to the Sonos AMP’s input jacks. There is a grounding wire on the provided cable which can connect to the grounding screw on the back on the turntable, but my AMP didn’t have anywhere to attach it so I left it unused for now.

   I made sure that the switch on the back of the record player was set to “Line” for my AMP (versus the default setting of “Phono”) and there is also a switch to choose whether the turntable automatically stops spinning when the arm is at the end of the side which was already set for Auto-Stop. That was it for the basic portion of the setup.

   Usage:

   I’m a vinyl novice as it’s been a good 30 years since I last played a record. Using this record player is pretty straightforward, though – there’s a single button on the front to turn it on or off and choose whether the audio goes wired (white) or wireless (blue). To play a record, everything is manual except for the turntable spinning when the arm is over the record and stopped when the arm is back toward its dock (or at the end of a side if the Auto-Stop switch is enabled). After putting a record on the platter, you have to raise the arm, rotate it into place, then lower it down all by hand.

   There is a lever to raise and lower the arm off the record, but then you still have to rotate the arm and place it either on the record or back on its dock. Other record players have automatic arm movements and can even store more records queued up for play, but this unit is fully manual which is OK – less to break ;-).

   Going wired to my Sonos AMP was easy and sounded great both locally through my AMP’s bookshelf speakers and when shared around my home via Sonos. Since this record player also has a Hi-Res BT transmitter, I thought I’d also pair up my old Sennheiser over-the-ear BT headphones. Turn on the headphones and put them in Bluetooth pairing mode, then turn on the record player. The player’s light ring blinks blue while it searches for a device to connect to. I noticed a few other nearby devices showed the Victorola as wanting to pair, but after a bit of a wait, it connected to my headphones automatically and showed a solid blue light for a short while before turning solid white again.

   Listening via Bluetooth headphones was a simple and liberating experience. Once paired, you just turn on the record player and headphones, load up your favorite record and start listening. One concern to be aware of is that the record player has absolutely no controls or settings for Bluetooth aside from turning it on or off. Even the volume must be controlled from the listening device (headphones or BT speaker), and most modern headphones don’t have volume controls. Fortunately, my headphone do have volume buttons, but if your headphones don’t, you’ll be listening to your records at one volume which probably won’t be to your liking. It goes without saying that none of the usual buttons on Bluetooth headphones for track control will work; no play/pause, skip, etc… It would have been nice if the record player could stop and resume the audio with the headphone’s play/pause function, but it’s basically like plugging in a set of wired headphones that are just just head-mounted speakers and nothing else.

   I did get some good wireless distance with my headphones and they sounded great with the record player’s high-res audio codecs. Since this is a single-disc manual turntable, you’ll probably get about 30 minutes of wireless listening before you have to return to the player to switch records anyway so you probably won’t venture too far away.

   You can pair several headphones or BT speakers to this record player, but since there is no user interface on it, you basically just have to turn off one paired device to connect to or pair with another. There’s no ability to switch between paired devices or unpair a device, but it gets the job done.

   The provided minimal dust cover doesn’t store on the unit or protect it when you’re playing a record. It only covers the platter and the arm and must be stored elsewhere while you’re listening. When you’re done listening and have put away your record and docked the arm, it’s a simple matter to turn off the record player with the power button on the front and then place the dust cover back on.

   There is a speed control knob for 45/78 rpm, a settings control for anti-skating, and the provided counterbalance weight can be repositioned. Nothing much to it.

   Conclusion:

   Simplicity, flexibility in listening either wired or wireless, and great sound. All this plus a great modern look bring old-school vinyl to the modern era.

5. 

   emiliosic – October 29, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   I was looking for a while to replace an entry level turntable that’s connected to a decent amplifier and tower speakers.
   This makes a world of difference.

   The turntable is very solidly constructed with an aluminum base and aluminum plate. The arm is made of carbon fiber with a straight design, precisely built with a fairly accurate pre-set weight and an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. It plays at 33-1/2 and 45 RPM.
   The cover goes over the plate and arm, it’s not an acrylic shell like on other turntables.

   It uses a belt-drive mechanism (suitable for higher end turntables) with servo motor and implements manual tonearm controls. It stops at the end of the LP but does not lift the arm. I prefer a fully automatic turntable for casual listening, however one might argue that the process of setting the tonearm has its charm. It has anti-skate control.

   The power supply is built into the turntable. It has a removable 110V cable and RCA inputs (with ground feed) that is selectable for either Phono or Line.
   Power supply is AC 100-240V ~ 50HZ/60HZ.
   Quality RCA cables (with ground) are included as well.

   It also has high end Bluetooth connectivity: Using the latest Qualcomm BT chip, it support the latest BT 5.4 standard with Adaptive Apt-X and HD Apt-X. Not every high end headphone supports these non-standard codecs. The SBC codec is also available for the rest. (AAC doesn’t seem to be supported).

   The Ortofon 2M Red is a very decent entry to audiophile quality audio. The 2M line is very good, and considered a reference line and since the cartridge between the ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ lines is the same, one can just replace the Red stylus with a 2m Blue stylus for more open sound. In addition, the headshell is replaceable, and the cartridge is mounted on Verso posts and connects via four cables, so the turntable supports replacing the Ortofon 2M series for Audio Technica AT-VM95E or Ortofon OM Series. Note that the counterweight has marks for either the 2M Red/Blue or the AT cartridge. For other cartridges, one would need to measure the counterweight and adjust it with a force scale.
   Also note that replacing the 2M stylus is the simplest. It comes off by firmly pulling it with no clips and nothing else that could break. The cartridge itself should last for many years.

   As for sound, in my very biased listening session to records including a heavy press of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of The Moon, using Phono out with a modern Hi-Def amplifier, provides very detailed sound with a touch or warmth, and very good stereo separation. On this album, one can clearly hear the hushed voices and metal clings that are hallmarks of this album as well as the brass through the album.
   For Apt-X headphones, used a newer press of U2’s The Best Of 1990-2000, compared with a High-Res stream as a reference, and very pleased with the sound quality.
   Now why would I want to use Bluetooth with a turntable? Wireless convenience. Having the Bluetooth circuitry directly on the turntable bypasses the circuitous path to the pre-amp, completely eliminating the need of phono cables.

   What caught my attention compared to other models is that this already comes with an Ortofon cartridge.
   Overall, this is a very good starter audiophile turntable. By no means this is an entry level. Being able to properly drive Ortofon cartridges, properly weighed tonearm and solid Aluminum/MDF construction with the latest Bluetooth codecs.

6. 

   Jacbo14 – October 30, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   PROS

   + Clean, distortion-free, rich sound quality
   + AptX Adaptive and HD audio for bluetooth
   + Solid construction and good quality materials
   + Dead simple set-up
   + Just the essential features but no excess frills
   + Solid included RCA cable
   + Auto-stop sensor so records stop automatically when finished

   CONS

   – “Dust cover” is not much of a dust cover and looks may not be to everyone’s taste

   SO-SO

   * Not much hand holding when it comes to instructions, so may require some internet browsing to help if new to Vinyl players

   THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

   The Victrola Carbon Hi-Res turntable is a very nice introduction into the world of audiophile vinyl. It really is a no-fills high-resolution turntable which focuses on design, build quality, and sound quality over extra features that do not support the audio experience first and foremost. You get gold-plated RCA outputs, a Ortofon 2M Red moving magnetic cartridge, carbon fiber tonearm, switchable preamp, quick set tonearm counterweight, bluetooth support with AptX Adaptive support, and a nice autostop feature to stop records when they are done.

   The actual sound quality is great, with a very clean, distortion-free sound that offers plenty of detail and low-end presence. I think “clean” is really the best word to describe it, with a level of clearness that offers plenty of texture and detail to a wide variety of genres. I listened to everything from movie soundtracks like the electronic and bass heavy “Tron: Legacy” to the more metal and vocal heavy “Sleep Token”. Everything I put past the turntable sounded great, including older records which have seen heavier usage. Likewise, when using bluetooth, my AptX adaptive compatible phone/headphones sounded great, with nice hi-resolution detail. I generally prefer listening to my records with RCA connected speakers, but having the bluetooth option is a nice touch so you can have flexibility to move around or other rooms (subject to the bluetooth connectivity).

   In terms of operation, it doesn’t get any simpler. Set-up is super easy, with an include quickstart on the cardboard in the box that walks you through the necessary steps of setting-up the tonearm, counterweight, cartridge, and connections. The counterweight in particular is very easy to set, as you simply need to tighten one finger grip at a designated line on the tonearm based on the cartridge type. Beyond the quickstart guide, there isn’t a whole lot for instruction however, so for things like anti-skate adjustments or general use of the turntable, you will probably need to do some Googling to make sure you are set-up for the best sound possible, especially if you are new to vinyl. This being said, I personally had no issues getting set-up and running, and I imagine most folks will not have any problems as long as they are willing to do a bit of learning on their own.

   Honestly, my only real complaint with the turntable is the “dust cover”, which really isn’t a dust cover at all. It is a piece of semi-transparent black plastic that fits over the tonearm and platter, and helps cover them from dust and bumping when not in use. However, this does still allow dust to collect on the actual turntable as it does not cover the whole device like a traditional flip up/down cover. Additionally, you can’t cover the turntable when playing, so dust can also collect while in use. While creative looking, I would have certainly preferred a more traditional cover for the turntable.

   Overall, this is a really nice device to start dipping your toes in audiophile vinyl playback. This is a turntable for people who prioritize high resolution audio and solid aesthetics, and if you do, then I think you will be very happy.

7. 

   Buddy – November 1, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   BACKGROUND: I am a 72-year-old guitar playing rock & roller and music enthusiast, who has been collecting and listening to LPs since the early 1960’s. I can even tell you my first LP purchased in 1963: The Beach Boys – Little Duce Coupe. Over the years I have been through an assortment of turntables including a Garrard AT-60, a Garrard RC-210, a Dual 1219, a Technics SP-1300 (should have kept that one!), and now this Victrola Carbon Hi-Res.

   FEATURES: At first glance, this may appear to be a stripped-down turntable, but taking a closer look, it incorporates some updated appointments that warrant detailing.

   FIRST: The inclusion of high-definition Bluetooth Codecs (AptX) connectivity may seem counter productive to the core value of listening to vinyl. Personally, I don’t need it today, I plug this turntable directly into a Denon mini-system. But I can appreciate the inclusion for those who may want to wirelessly send the output to a high-end listening device, be it headphones, or a stand alone “party speaker” on a deck for example. And I just might need this feature tomorrow. Sweet to have options!

   SECOND: The Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, which is not too shabby, and somewhat of a surprise, for what I consider a better than average entry level turntable. And if you are looking for an easy audio upgrade, you could purchase the upscale Ortofon 2M Blue stylus that will directly plug in and is compatible with this cartridge housing.

   THIRD: Auto On/Off that will start the platter and end the spinning using just the cue-lever. Not as cool as my SL-1300 that would retract the tonearm turning itself off. But it will do just fine as an alternative if you fall asleep, or called away, while listening.

   FORTH: Line Level or Phono (or lack of RIAA EQ) switch. Nice feature that eliminates the need for a preamp if your amp does not have the correct EQ input.

   FIFTH: The Carbon Fiber tonearm. Not certain if it something better than an S-Shaped metal tonearm? But hey you have to admit, it is very unique, looks so cool, and does afford you “bragging rights”.

   OK, those were the PROs, now is the one CON: The “dust cover” is one that I had not seen before and I was initially turned off by its appearance. It seemed like an afterthought where the designers just pressed a piece of plastic, and deemed it an acceptable cover.

   Now all very high-end turntables do not have mounted covers. And some include a similar type of limited cover, that because it is not mounted, when records are being played, does not act like a “sail” when up, or cause heat issues when down. Anyway, not having one it is supposed to reduce or eliminate unwanted vibrations or resonate from bass frequencies that shakes up the turntable and tonearm. I’m guessing Victrola is trying to emulate and compete with much higher end turntables. But personally, I am not a fan. Note that some mounted covers can easily lift off their hinges, so that to me would be a much better cover solution.

   BOTTOM LINE: The Victrola Carbon Hi-Res is an excellent entry level turntable with a few advance tricks up it sleeves. Yeah, in a perfect world, I would prefer a removable hinge-based dust-cover, a pitch (plus/minus %) control, and a counter weight that has 0 to 3.0g increments. Hey, that’s me. But I must admit, this was the easiest turntable I have every setup. And finally, listening to an assortment of my eclectic record collection, they never sounded better. Therefore, this earned a solid 4-Stars.

8. 

   TheTruthRealDeal – November 2, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   The Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver allows me the capability to enjoy the nostalgic sound of vinyl records with wireless Bluetooth speakers and headphones or conventionally wired with a switchable preamp if necessary. The first noticeable trait was its weight. The Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver though not huge has a good amount of weight to its structure to play music without bumps or instability. The assembly of the Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver is a simple task and requires assembly in a specific order of detail. After I finished assembling my Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver, I was able to listen to my old 45 singles and 33 albums. Pairing with Bluetooth is basic and once paired I could get back to listening to music that the digital technocrats took away from music; the great sound of clarity with singing and playing instruments. The sound is more realistic than digital music and even vibrates the soul better than digital sounding music. The quality of the Bluetooth streaming is equal to my wired speaker system sounds. I can hear crisp treble and tenor along with the appropriate bass beats. It is hard for me to find any differences of produced sound from the Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver through Bluetooth or wired cables. Either way connected to speakers or Bluetooth capable headphones, the Victrola – Carbon Hi-Res Turntable – Black/Silver will produce a great vinyl sound.

9. 

   Kelby – November 3, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   —– SUMMARY —–

   Verdict:
   The Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable is a top-tier product that successfully combines impeccable design with exceptional features. Whether you’re an audiophile or simply a music enthusiast, this turntable will significantly enhance your vinyl listening experience. Its versatility, including Bluetooth connectivity, and the practicality of the auto-stop sensor make it a standout choice in the turntable market. I recommend the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable to anyone in search of a vinyl playback solution that seamlessly blends form and function.

   Pros:
   – Sleek, modern design
   – High-quality sound
   – Bluetooth connectivity
   – Auto-stop sensor
   – Easy to set up and use

   Cons:
   – None that I can think of

   —– DETAILS —–

   Design:
   The Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable is a beauty, with a sleek, modern two-toned black and silver body and a striking metal front plate. It’s sure to turn heads and look great in any contemporary home. The carbon fiber tonearm is not only easy on the eyes, but it’s also practical with its lightweight construction that enables precise tracking of your vinyl.

   Features:
   The Ortofon 2M Red cartridge really brings out the best in your vinyl records, delivering detailed, balanced sound with a warm, rich tone that audiophiles will love. Thanks to its versatile design, this turntable can be used with a wide range of speaker systems, so you can enjoy your music however you like. This turntable will make your records sound great, no matter what kind of speakers you use. Whether you’ve got active speakers (also known as powered speakers), a Bluetooth speaker, or headphones, you’re in for a treat.

   Even if the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable only supported wired connections to speakers, I’d still recommend it. But the inclusion of Bluetooth technology with aptX Adaptive support is what really makes it stand out. This means you can stream your favorite vinyl records wirelessly to any Bluetooth or aptX-enabled speakers or headphones without sacrificing sound quality. I’ve tried both speakers and headphones, and the connection is stable and easy to set up. You’ll never have to worry about your music cutting out or lagging. Plus, you can listen to your records anywhere in your house. If you’re going to go wired, the gold-plated RCA outs will give you the best sound possible.

   Another feature I appreciate is the auto-stop sensor, which stops the platter when the record ends. This handy feature not only prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the stylus but also adds an extra level of convenience to the listening experience.

   —– WHAT’S IN THE BOX —–

   1 x Victrola Hi-Res Carbon Turntable
   1x Dust Cover
   1x 45 RPM Adapter
   1x 6′ RCA Cable with Ground

10. 

    Bootleg89 – November 5, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    For some reason i cannot stop acquiring turntables. I am obsessed. I find something different in each one that lets me justify purchasing it. This Vicrola record player features a belt drive system, premium cartridge and stylus, Bluetooth, and a carbon fiber arm. I had to get it.
    This record player comes well packed and is super easy to assemble. The instructions are on the box lid when you lift it up. The belt is taped onto the platter with a ribbon that helps you attach it to the motor. You attach the cartridge to the arm, screw on the weight and you are ready to go. The weight only needs minor adjusting to be perfectly balanced. But this may take some time if you are not experienced.
    There is a single button on the front of the unit. It turns on the unit, cycles through line and Bluetooth, and turns off the unit. In Bluetooth mode it immediately goes into pairing mode. I connected it to my Pioneet Elite receiver. I put on a jazz record and was taken away into musical bliss. I then played some classic rock and loved it.
    The only negative i can think of is the dust cover is not attached. It looks really nice when it’s on, but you remove it to play a record and have to find someplace to put it. I don’t have a lot of space in my living room, so this is a bit of a chore for me.
    Overall, i really love this record player. I am using right now as i write this review. It’s easy to setup, easy to use, and sounds amazing!

11. 

    CactusJax – November 6, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Victrola Carbon High-Res Turntable is a manual, 2 speed turntable that connects with traditional RCA cables (plus a ground) and with Bluetooth. The carbon in the title refers to the tonearm material. The carbon fiber tonearm will pick up and transmit less environmental vibration than the standard metal one. The assembly was quick and easy. I thought there was a problem with tonearm balance, skating and Bluetooth pairing until after a number of tries I noticed that the stylus had come off with the stylus cover. After reinstalling the stylus, resetting the skating control to 0 and moving the tonearm weight to the suggested mark, it worked perfectly! Being a turntable, there are very few controls. There are 2 switches on the backside, one for the type of input being used and the other either stops the platter from rotating at the end of the record or allows rotation to continue. On top is a speed selector allowing you to choose 33 1/3 or 45 RPM. On the front is one button, push once for power on, a second time for Bluetooth pairing and a long push to turn off. I have read many opinions over the years regarding digital formats vs vinyl. Some say vinyl is indeed high-resolution audio, others say it’s just not so. Some say it’s the most accessible High-Res option. One of my sons asked me if taking an analog vinyl LP and sending it to a receiver through Bluetooth makes it a digital format or not? I really can’t settle those questions. What I can say is that with this turntable I get that full and open analog sound that I associate with vinyl and an audiophile system. Listening to the same songs in High-Res digital formats followed by vinyl on this turntable I really can’t tell a difference in the detail but there is that analog fullness that is missing from so many digital files. I have only played newer discs since having this turntable. I have not noticed any hiss or a single pop. These are so noticeably absent that I wonder whether there is some kind of filter installed. Perhaps I just got lucky selecting discs to hear. I really like the Bluetooth connectivity with this turntable. I can take it from my receiver to the patio and connect it to a stand-alone Bluetooth speaker. Perhaps the living room with headphones.

12. 

    BIGASN – November 6, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    A very welcome addition to my home. I won’t get into the appeal and nostalgia of turntables, because if you’ve made it this far in your search, you probably already know what the deal is. Overall, they’re fairly simple devices but there’s a few features that are indicative of a quality record player and the Victrola Carbon Hi-Res has them covered. It starts with a solid and hefty base with adjustable rubber feet to stay level and reduce the chance of vibrations affecting playback. A dead silent motor spins a metal platter draped with a silicone Victrola pad. The carbon fiber tonearm keeps the Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge in place with delicate and perfectly weighted precision. The LP’s track well and the 2M Red offers crisp highs and detailed vocals.

    In terms of controls, there’s a lever to lift and lower the tonearm, a speed selection knob, a switch for phono or line output, auto off, and a single round power/bluetooth button on the front of the base. That’s right, bluetooth. This baby can wirelessly connect to your bluetooth speakers or headphones and even offers a high resolution AptX codec (yay sound quality). Bluetooth range is good and it didn’t miss a beat with headphones 25’ and 2 rooms away. What really caught me by surprise though was how good it sounds wirelessly.

    There was a noticeable lack of bass when playing through the phono connection on my stereo receiver. I tried switching it to line and that didn’t help. I thought it might be an LP thing and that’s just how records sound, but connecting the Carbon Hi-Res to headphones changed all of that. The bass was strong and the sound was full. It was honestly a very nice surprise. I think the issue might be more about my stereo receiver and speakers, but I will note that I have to turn the volume up a lot higher compared to other devices.

    If you’re in the market for a high quality turntable, definitely check out the Victrola Carbon Hi-Res. It has a solid base, carbon fiber tonearm, Ortofon 2M cartridge, and high resolution AptX bluetooth connection which really helps bring out the details.

    PROS
    – Sounds crisp with good detail
    – Tracks well without skipping
    – Carbon fiber tonearm
    – Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge
    – Heavy and solid base
    – Completely silent motor
    – Metal platter with silicone pad
    – AptX bluetooth (high resolution)
    – Bluetooth sounds remarkably good
    – Bluetooth range seems good (25’ and 2 rooms away)
    – Easy setup
    – Comes with RCA phono cables
    – Has both phono and line outputs
    – Looks great
    – Easy to use

    CONS
    – Output seems low (have to turn receiver volume higher than usual)
    – Can’t tell if bluetooth connection is AptX or not

13. 

    hahanson – November 12, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Victrola Carbon Hi-Res Turntable is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy high-quality vinyl sound with modern features that supports Bluetooth speakers that aren’t Sonos. The turntable boasts Bluetooth 5.4, Bluetooth LE Audio, and aptX Adaptive support. This means that you can easily connect your turntable to any Bluetooth-enabled devices and enjoy your favorite vinyl records wirelessly.

    One of the features that really stood out to me was the quality of the parts. For example, the plinth (base) is made from low-resonance veneered MDF that not only looks good but it also ensures vibrations don’t cause your records to slip or skip. Premium metal is used in the turntable components and platter, and the “Carbon” version uses a carbon-fiber tonearm. These features help to reduce vibrations and provide a stable platform for your vinyl records. The turntable also has a switchable pre-amp with traditional analog RCA outputs. This allows you to connect the turntable to your existing component audio system or powered speakers.

    The Victrola Carbon Hi-Res Turntable is easy to set up and use. It has an auto-stop sensor that prevents stylus wear and a custom-designed, removable dust cover. If there’s one complaint about this entire setup, it’s probably the plastic dust cover that fits over the platter and the tonearm. According to Victrola, it’s designed to keep the platter and tonearm safe when the turntable isn’t in use, but it doesn’t seem particularly well designed at keeping the dust off either. It helps, but it’s open enough that some dust still gets under there. A dark cover that encloses the entire plinth. It’s a small disappointment in an otherwise excellent design.

    Overall, the Victrola Carbon Hi-Res Turntable is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy high-quality vinyl music. The turntable has a sleek and modern design that will look great in any home, it’s supports wireless audio, it’s easy to use, has a sleek design, and provides excellent sound quality. I highly recommend it!

14. 

    ferrari – November 12, 2023

    Rated 3 out of 5

    No novice here – I’ve had 50+ years of experience working with vinyl and turntables; my collection numbers in the thousands. I accepted this unit for review as I wanted to set up a turntable for casual listening in a room other than my audio/video center.
    Upon unboxing, I did the assembly of the platter and began running tests on the unit. You can see some of these in the accompanying photos. After aligning the counterweight, I used an electronic gauge to check the stylus force; after a minute adjustment it was within the recommended setting with a reading of 1.76 grams.
    Following this, I used my stroboscope to measure the speed accuracy of the unit both at 33 & 45 rpm. I found the speed to be slightly fast, albeit within acceptable tolerance. In my experience, I’ve found that new machinery and especially belts, need some “break in” time to settle down to their normal operation levels.
    I was disappointed in what I couldn’t do. The absolute first thing you do when setting up a turntable is to level the unit. The Carbon has no leveling mechanism. At the very least there should be adjustable legs at the bottom that screw in/out, much like you would do to your appliances. As my shelf was slightly off, I was forced to use shims to get the platter to level. The other device that is missing on this turntable is VTA or vertical tracking angle for the tonearm. To explain it simply, this is ensuring the tonearm itself is level. Depending whether it’s too high or too low at the stylus, the tone will tend to go from bass to treble.
    After completing the wiring connections, I was ready to play a record. On the first try, the stylus skated across the record, on every revolution of the platter, it would wander further towards the center. There is an anti-skate control on the Carbon; however it had no effect on solving the issue. After a battery of checks and procedures, I determined that the unit had a defective platter. If I slowly spun the platter by hand, I could see that the level of it would go up & down, thereby giving a “kick” to the stylus.
    I called Victrola tech service the following day. After a 5 minute wait on the phone, I described the issue I was having; and without a problem they agreed to send me a replacement platter. I had the new platter within 10 days, and it did indeed solve the problem. So, kudos to Victrola for having a responsive tech department.
    The unit does come with an Ortofon Red cartridge, which is an excellent choice for a turntable in this price range. The Carbon tonearm is also a nice touch, and the unit overall has a smart appearance. But my problem is that at this price level, these additions don’t make up for the lack of a basic level adjustment or ability to make adjustments to the tonearm; these are functions that are crucial to any turntable from the mid-range. I would highly recommend they be included in any future model upgrades.

15. 

    kayjay104 – November 12, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Victrola Carbon Hi-Res turntable is a great way to have a modern turntable at an affordable price. I must admit I am a novice when it comes to turntables however I believe Victrola has put together an excellent mid-range bluetooth capable turntable.

    Setup is quite simple when is comes to this turntable. I would recommend watching the Victrola setup video which can be found on Victrola.com or Bestbuy.com. The video is an excellent setup guide which should leave you with minimal questions if any. The platter is the first thing you place on the spindle and remove the piece of tape while using the silk thread to put the belt on the spindle. You then place the head shell on the tonearm and rotate the spindle in order to tighten it in place. The weight is then placed on the tone arm and tightened in place. You then place the silicon mat on the platter and you are ready to go. You have 2 ways to enjoy your music and those are wired or wireless via bluetooth. When you turn on the record player it defaults to wired mode which allows you to transmit audio via the gold plated RCA cables. If you press the button a second time then it places the turntable into pairing mode allowing you to pair with headphones or speakers. I would recommend pairing with an Apt X enabled speaker because it does make a difference in sound quality. Ideally the best option would be to used a wired connection however in the age of wireless it may be difficult for everyone to do so. The Ortofom red cartridge provides great sound quality that for my ears sounds great. One reason why I love the bluetooth capability is because sometimes my wife may not want to listen to what I’m listening too or the kids maybe sleeping so it gives you the option to listen to your vinyl without disturbing the whole house.

    Overall Victrola has put together a turntable made of high quality materials that would look great in any setting. For anyone worried about running wires to an amp or powered speaker the option of bluetooth using the ApX codecs ensures a high quality listening experience over bluetooth

16. 

    StevenM – December 29, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I bought this turntable to replace my 53-year-old turntable. The turntable is running great and sound great. Thanks