Victrola – Onyx Hi-Res Turntable – Black

Customer Reviews (15)

1. 

   ebk02 – October 26, 2023

   Rated 3 out of 5

   While there are some nice features with this turntable, I feel it fell quite short – especially for this price range.

   I will say setup was super easy and straight forward – but again, some of the simplicity came at the cost of possible future cartridge upgrades or change.

   First, unbox all the components and put platter on turntable, pull the string and slip the drive belt on motor pulley, place mat on platter. Remove tome arm packing, attach headshell / cartridge and counter weight, placing the counter weight at farthest back mark. Be sure to remove stylus guard – it pulls forward, not down.
   Now plug in cables and it is ready to go.

   First, I tested this with Bluetooth headphones. The Bluetooth feature is nice if you have a powered Bluetooth speaker or similar, but forget using headphones. The sound was harsh, volume is not adjustable, and way too loud.
   Next I tested sound quality, using both pre-amp (line) out, and low level (phono) out. I concentrated on pre-amp out, as many receivers lack the low level phono input. I auditioned with tracks from albums “Jefferson Starship”, “Foreigner”, “Hiroshima”, and “1812 Overture”. The cannons in1812 overture came through with nice “punch”. But on all album tracks, I felt the mid-range was slightly more pronounced. Also, using pre-amp output, the treble seemed a little more recessed than using low level phono output.

   As to the downfalls…..

   The counterweight has two grooves for different tracking forces, but does not show the actual value. According to setup instructions, this sets stylus tracking force to 2 grams. Should someone want to upgrade or change the cartridge in the future, you will need a stylus force gauge to set set proper tracking force. Should have been a numbered threaded counterweight using the “0” tonearm float method, so exact tracking force could be accurately set.

   The cuing lever is damped, and works well, but is very close to the base of the tone arm.
   Although the drive motor is servo controlled, there is no strobe to check – or adjustment to turntable speed.

   And to anyone wanting to save their vinyl digitally to a computer, this lacks a USB output for that purpose.

   Overall, the sound quality is reasonably good, anti-skate works well, and assembly is a breeze. Separation was not the best.
   Although this may work well for some, I feel in this price range, it fails in numerous areas. Consider the intended use and see if it will be a good fit for your needs. Do not expect audiophile performance.

2. 

   gwtbike – October 28, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I’ve been looking to revive my dad’s record collection that’s been sitting in a basement for years and this stylish turntable with modern conveniences helped put them to good use.

   First off the looks – it’s an absolute stunner with a super clean, modern design that blends in perfectly with other modern components. The construction is also fantastic where the player itself is robust and it’s easy to tell that it’s high quality.

   This turntable has both analog outputs (RCA) as well as bluetooth, offering flexible connectivity options but I was particularly interested in bluetooth connectivity with both headphones as well as speakers. Pairing is an easy process of toggling the player into Bluetooth mode with a single press of the control button and then placing your bluetooth headphone/speaker of choice into pairing mode. I tried this with a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, Jabra Elite earbuds, a UE handheld speaker, and others. All worked great.

   It doesn’t have volume adjustment on the turntable itself but you will be able to adjust the volume if your bluetooth headphone or speaker has those controls. Another review I saw mentioned that they could not adjust volume but that was not the case in my testing with numerous devices – I was able to adjust volume on the paired bluetooth device.

   The player will also remember your previously paired devices so all you have to do is turn on the player, turn on your headphones or speaker, and start playing after the initial pairing. However, what I discovered is that if you unplug your player it will forget the previously paired devices and you’ll have to do the pairing process again. A minor thing that likely won’t come up but thought I’d mention it.

   I found the sound quality to be absolutely excellent when used with either bluetooth devices or the analog outputs. As expected, the higher the quality of your speakers the better, where with a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s and Definitive Technology speakers I was able to hear all the subtle nuances that you come to expect. Couldn’t be happier with the sound it delivers.

   Setup was straight forward for the most part where you’ll place the platter down on the turntable, stretch the belt over the motor spindle, place the slipmat on top, insert the cartridge and counterweight and you’re basically ready to go. One note though is that the setup video on their website skips over the step of actually stretching the belt over the motor spindle – it mentions the silk thread used to do this but doesn’t actually demonstrate the procedure so if you’re following the video for exact instructions, that portion isn’t shown however it is shown in the quick start guide pamphlet.

   The tonearm lift lever provides a smooth operation allowing you gently raise/lower the cartridge onto your records but I found it to be positioned a bit too close to the tonearm itself where I found I needed to be careful not to touch the tonearm itself while using the lever.

   The cover for the entire unit while not in use feels out of place for this price tag. It’s a simple, black plastic cover that’s molded to fit over the components but it simply doesn’t match the elegance of the player itself. I actually like the fact that it’s not a hinged lid like what’s found on most players (so that I could place it inside a shelf and still use it) but would have loved something that matched the aesthetic better.

   One last thing I wanted to mention is that when you first plug it in, it seems to take a few minutes to “boot up” before you can actually turn on the unit. So give it 2-3 minutes after first plugging it in before pressing the control button to power it on (it turns on immediately with a short press of the control button as long as it remains plugged in).

   Overall I’m very happy with this turntable. The quality is fantastic. I also love the aesthetic with exception to the dust cover. It’s a fantastic blend of old school and new school.

3. 

   Sanman – October 29, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   WOWWWW. I was so excited when I received this turn table. First thing I noticed when I took this out of the box was the packaging. This packaging was state o the art, I almost did not want to take it out. Being old school I have a lot of albums from the past. When I got this turntable the first thing I did was go down in the basement and pull out the albums, I could barely contain myself. The fact that I am going to be able to put my old school albums o this and play them was exciting. But the most impressive thing was I am able to hook this up to my blue tooth and play my music through this, ok thissss is amazing. The quality of sound that comes out when you hook it up, this is second to none. The only complaint that I have is that I am going to have to find a cover to totally encapsulate it becasue it just has a small cover and dust is able to get into it, other wise I can’t say enough about this wonderful machine. if you have a lot of Vinyl and want an old school experience, consider investing in one of these little gems.

4. 

   Rudeney – October 30, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I have a decent collection of old vinyl records that I don’t listen to often enough. In fact, the only turntable I have is an inexpensive “suitcase” style record player that my daughter uses. I do have a very good Technics stereo amplifier and a pair of Klipsch bookshelf monitor speakers in the den that I thought would be perfect for a turntable. I found this Victrola Onyx model and it seemed to be what I was looking for. The first thing I noticed was the weight. I took that as a sign of quality construction, and good for dampening vibrations. Using the Quick Start Guide, setting up the turntable was simple, and I had it playing albums within 15 minutes of opening the box.

   I like that the turntable has an automatic start/stop function. The cueing function of the tonearm works well, though the lever is small and close to the arm’s pivot point so fat fingers can get in the way of operating it without bumping the arm. The spindle adapter for 45 singles is a nicely milled solid metal cylinder instead of a cheap plastic “cap”. The tonearm lock is a neat mechanism. Instead of a simple clip or even a clamp that snaps in place, it’s a round partially open ring the rotates around the arm to secure it in place for storage.

   As for sound quality, I’d not say that it’s “great”, but it is good. It could probably be improved with a better pickup cartridge. I believe that Victrola may ship these turntables with cartridges from different suppliers, but mine came with an Audio-Technica model that is pretty much the lowest grade they make. It’s OK, but definitely not up to the lofty ambitions of this “Hi-Res” turntable. I used the phono-level output setting and let my amp do all the work. AC/DC’s “Back in Black” was my test subject and the unmistakable opening rimshots are sharp and clear. Lead singer Brian Johnson’s voice just sounds so appropriate with a little added vinyl “crackle” and the Victrola did not disappoint in reproducing that loud and clear. I did notice that in some of the most saturated sections, the guitar notes sounded a bit muddy, likely due to the low-end cartridge.

   Just to rule out any issues with my Technics amp and Klipsch speakers, I paired a set of Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra earbuds to the Victrola Onyx. Pairing was easy, and the sound quality was good – obviously more immersive, but with no major improvements that would have me doubting my amp/speaker setup. Also, I tried a few other records like an original pressing of The Bee Gee’s Greatest Hits album. With that genre of music lacking any heavy bass, it was a good test for the high frequency reproduction what was clear, but again, saturation creates muddiness. I really think I might look into upgrading the cartridge.

   Besides the middle-of-the-road sound quality, the other reason I only gave this 4 out of 5 stars is because of the cheesy plastic dust cover. Maybe it’s supposed to make it look more like studio equipment, but a nice clear plastic cover would have been better – especially if it could be left in place while using the turntable. Overall, I do like this Victrola Onyx. The price is probably a bit high for what it offers, but otherwise, it’s sold and well made. I do recommend this.

5. 

   explore42 – October 30, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Overall this Victrola Onyx Hi-Res turntable performs well playing LPs wirelessly. It lacks some features but if you are only interested in playing LPs wirelessly then its worth checking out.

   Pros:
   – Supports aptX Adaptive and HD Audio
   – Built in Bluetooth
   – RCA outputs with ground
   – Able to Connect with Denon receiver, several sound bars and BT speakers
   – Easy set up if you ignore the QR code which is incorrect

   Cons:
   – Difficult to replace cartridge due to the lack of info on the counter weight
   – Does not raise tonearm at the end of a side
   – Pairing had to be close to be successful
   – No indicators on the quality of the connection – HD or otherwise so its difficult to know how much compression is being used
   – No USB connectivity
   – Not compatible with Victrola’s app

   The wireless sound quality is good but not great and I am not sure if its due to the quality of the cartridge or the quality of the Bluetooth connectivity. The build quality of the table feels solid and looks nice. Your ability to adjust the counter weight and anti-skating is limited due to the lack of indicators on the counter weight and this will be an issue if you ever want to change the cartridge. The belt drive motor is quick to start and the platter does stop at the end of a side but the tonearm does not raise up so it stays on the record until you return it. When pairing I found the turntable and the speakers or receiver had to be close. I could not pair devices with the turntable when they were about 10 feet apart. Once they did pair I did not experience any drop outs or issues with connectivity when they were about 15 feet apart. Also this turntable is not compatible with the Victrola app so you have to rely on the led indicator on the front of the table to know whether its pairing or connected. This turntable supports aptX and HD audio over Bluetooth but you have no indicator whether the pairing with the speakers are connected using HD or lower quality audio. Lastly, many turntables these days include USB connectivity but that is not supported on this table.

   Setup: The turntable comes well packaged and the setup of the hardware is relatively straight forward. You have to install the platter, connect the belt to the drive motor, install the counter weight and the cartridge. If you follow the video on YouTube the steps are well demonstrated and easy to follow. Once you get the turntable set up you have to pair a Bluetooth wireless speaker or receiver to it. I have found that the pairing needs to be relatively close for the pairing to succeed. Once I figured that out I was able to get the turntable to pair with my Denon receiver to play wirelessly with my home theatre. I was also able to connect to different soundbars and Bluetooth speakers that I own. Each time I had to reset the turntable so that it would pair with the new device. The included dust cover fits nicely and it has a low profile which is nice if you are putting the turntable on a shelf.

   Install issues: The issue with the install was tied to incorrect documentation and me thinking I needed to install an app to get it to work. When you first open the box there is a card that shows the basic set up of the turntable. On the corner of the card there is a QR code that you are supposed to scan to watch a setup video. The problem is when I scanned it the browser showed Victroal.com which doesn’t go anywhere. A simple typo on Victrola’s part so I opened a web page and browsed to Victrola.com. At the very bottom of the Onyx Hi-Res web page there is YouTube video that explains the setup in detail. Note that the Victrola mobile app does not apply to this turntable and if you go down that path you will be wasting even more time – learned from experience!

6. 

   Exander – October 31, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   THIS… Is the Victrola Onyx Hi-Res Turntable and is my first vinyl record player. I have always collected and held onto interesting vinyl albums but never had any opportunity to actually use them for their intended use because I thought it was a convoluted process and needed wires and the likes. The Onyx Hi-Res has bluetooth built into it so once I saw that I was immediately infatuated with the idea, and to be honest there is not many ideas cooler and more relaxing times than having vinyl playing in my house.
   Owning this vinyl turntable has been the tale of two stories, that of it works exactly how it should and another that encompasses youtube videos and a few head scratches to get right. Lets start with getting this bad boy out of the box, it is super easy to assemble and EXTREMELY well packaged… but the directions left some guessing to be made, which will be a recurring theme here. They put intentional thought into the directions, which I am assuming is lackluster due to the fact that they assume everyone knows what to do…I did not!
   Once I had assembled the unit, taken a step back to marvel at my good work and selected my first record to play… I realized that there was no directions for bluetooth, and better yet… the compression used for bluetooth. To turn on bluetooth you just click the power button once and it should flash blue, and then will flash white and solid blue once the connection has been made. Here is the problem… you can’t just pick what it is going to connect to or use the Victrola app, it is just a roulette you play. It also turned my TV’s soundbar from HDMI to Bluetooth and connected to it over the speaker I had right next to it in pairing mode. None the less, it sounded good… but not great! I mean truly such a mechanical experience that really pulled me in and made me feel involved, but was missing some of the mids and packs of the lows. I started with OK Computer from radiohead and had a good experience, but once I had moved over into EDM and put on Odesza, I was cued into where it had some trouble. The pre amp? The Cartridge? I am not sure where it was really missing the punch at, but somewhere it was loosing something.
   While I loved this unit, it is also simply lacking basic features that I have seen on cheaper models such as USB connection, auto raising the tonearm, lack of features on the counterweight and really will be a hassle to change out the cartridge should you choose another brand than provided. I think that when this unit works, it works great… but when it trips and falls you are really left digging yourself out of a ditch.
   As for my conclusion and summary, this is really where you should take advantage of bestbuys return policy because this could be your next great record player, or something that has the features that you need but not in a method that you can use them in. I really did enjoy the Onyx Hi-Res when it was working, and I really love the look and style of it as well. It sounded good hardwired into my speakers, but still just didn’t have quite the punch that I was expecting. As always, Bestbuy has an excellent return policy and even better customer service, so you never have to worry about buying a product that you don’t like… so why not test it out?!

7. 

   Posted1 – October 31, 2023

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Great high-tech old school throw-back tech!

   We got our 18 year-old daughter a record player when she was 12. She loves listening to that Taylor lady who was dating the KC football team’s tight end on records. There is that classic warmth that natural vinyl delivers and she loved the “throw-back” vibe that records offer.

   Fast-forward 6 years and she is now away from home (albeit just 15 miles) and living in a college dorm. She still comes home for the weekends. Her quandry was she wanted to have a record player in the dorm, but didn’t want to haul it back and forth.

   Along came this Victrola Onyx Hi-Res Turntable to save the day! She ended up moving the older one to the dorm and leaving this one here. She LOVES this player. The sound-quality is excellent! The sound is rich, warm and smooth. Lows are low but not muddled. Mid’s a clean and clear and highs are crisp and clean without being harsh.

   This is also a handsome unit and can convey class and quality just as well in a teenagers bedroom as it would in a high-end audiophiles module HiFi environment.

   End of the day, I would reccomend it to a friend!

8. 

   TechO – November 1, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I vivid remember the late 80s’ day when I finally boxed up my records in favor of the new ultimate music format – CDs. So, nearly a quarter of the way into the 21st century it’s a surreal moment owning not just a turntable again, but a Victrola branded one – the Hi Res Onyx (I’ll just call it Onyx going forward) along with my old records. I guess I was bit by nostalgia and curiosity. My hope here was this combination would cook up some fun, but its only half-baked. The Onyx is enjoyable, but it’s got a few quirks I don’t like too.

   In a large way the Onyx is exactly what an entry “enthusiast” level turntable should be – striking aesthetics, a mix of modern features like Bluetooth 5.3 plus traditional RCA phono jacks, and enjoyable sound reproduction. Unfortunately though, Victrola missed the mark on some of smaller details that to me dimmish it next to its similarly priced peers. For example, the tonearm counterweight is awkward to set, and the tonearm itself has a loose and imprecise feel when laying down on a record. Then there is the Onyx’s dust cover which inexplicably doesn’t protect all the turntable’s parts from dust.

   The Onyx itself is handsome with clean lines and blends with any room’s decor. The only distraction is the bold white “VICTROLA” branding on the plinth’s front. Subtlety is powerful too, no need to scream the brand in my family room. The plinth is MDF (AKA fiberboard), but it feels and looks like solid wood with a good heft. In turntables of the Onyx’s price range MDF and plastic are common plinth materials. I think MDF is the more solid and visually appealing of the two. The rubber absorb vibration but can’t be individually adjusted for leveling.

   The top of the plinth continues the sleek and professional design in matte black. The platter is sturdy aluminum with a grippy silicone slipmat. On the right side rests the aluminum tonearm. Controls include a 33/45 speed switch, cue lever, and anti-skate knob. The platter does not incorporate a strobe for speed confirmation. Also, while the Onyx is marketed as a semi-automatic turntable and the platter stops at the end of a record, the tonearm does not return to its home rest itself. On the backside you’ll find gold plated RCA outputs with ground and line/amp and auto stop off switches.

   A single button on the front of the plinth doubles as power and to toggle between Bluetooth and the RCA outs. It’s a little confusing deciphering the various flashing light meanings at first, but easy to conquer. Personally, I’d prefer a visual “RCA/Bluetooth” switch, if for any other reason, I’m not the only one using this turntable and I don’t want to educate every user. Bluetooth deactivates when the RCA outs are active and vice versa.

   Set up once out of the box is uncomplicated, except for the aforementioned tonearm counterweight balancing. In fact, it probably takes more time to unpack the box than to set the Onyx up.

   Step 1. Place the platter on the spindle, install the belt, place slip mat on platter.

   Step 2. Twist on the headshell with pre-installed and well-respected Audio Technica AT-VM95E needle to the tonearm and install the tonearm counterweight.

   Step 3. Plug in the RCA cables and/or pair to your Bluetooth speaker or headphones, remove the needle cover, pop on a record and start the party.

   OK, I had one setup hitch — the counterweight is an odd duck. A normal counterweight has weight notations on it to dial in what the needle requires – every needle model is different. The Onyx’s counterweight, on the other hand, has no such markings. Instead, there’s two engraved lines on the tonearm itself. The Onyx’s instructions direct the user to place the counterweight at the groove at the end of the tonearm. But it an imprecise exercise since you are relying on a tiny marking and there is no tactile feedback if you hit the right groove. I had to fiddle with it to get it right.

   Another problem this creates is if you ever want to use a different brand or model needle it’s impossible to dial in the correct counterweight without additional calibration tools. To be fair, the manual does list a couple other excellent Ortofon brand needles with their correct respective calibration lines, but that is if you installed them today. By the time you change needles these models could be updated or discontinued and that info becomes obsolete.

   The other design problem I have with the Onyx is the supplied dust cover. For decades and decades dust covers have been simple plastic lids, attached or removable, that protected the entire plinth. The Onyx’s cover though not only doesn’t cover the entire plinth, it also has big gapes at the front and back of the tonearm to give safe harbor to dust and debris. Dust is the mortal enemy of turntables, needles, and records so this is not an inconsequential thing to me. I can only guess why Victrola did this. Maybe a bean counter advised them a smaller cover would increase the profit margin. It’s too bad they didn’t have another advisor to note saving pennies on a part design that may in turn alienate potential buyers is not actual savings. Not matter, it’s failed attempt to be different.

   Also of note, the Onyx does not have a companion phone/tablet app. The Victrola app on the iOS and Android app store, respectively, is only for the “streaming” model for Sonos. I don’t think every device needs an app but for a standalone Bluetooth turntable it would be useful for visual confirmation when pairing and also for equalization options when using Bluetooth.

   THE SOUND TESTS: WIRED vs BLUETOOTH plus CD vs LP.

   OK, but how does it sound? Actually, pretty good, which is why the above design issues are so frustrating to me. For my sound audition I listened solely with the Technics A800 headphones for consistency. I did not want different speakers to color my impressions. And for wired audio, the Onyx was connected to the Technics C600 with the RCA cable included with the Onyx. Both offer excellent sound reproduction and can only put the Onyx in a good light. I kept the volume consistent at mid-level except for a brief low level test.

   With Bluetooth (5.3) being the headline feature of the Onyx I first wanted to compare its onboard BT sound to sound being processed on an external stereo receiver. As always, format wars are abundant, and it’s no different here with the Onyx’s HD supporting Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive and the A800’s incorporating Sony’s LDAC. So, the “meeting in the middle” standard used here for wireless is AAC. That may be a factor in the audio quality difference between wired and Bluetooth here.

   For Bluetooth vs Wired test I listened to tracks from Bruce Springsteen’s Live 1975-1985 album, US version. Live albums are always challenging and this one has a wide range of Springsteen’s songs, from raucous to somber. I started with the upbeat Cadillac Ranch over Bluetooth. My expectations were mixed at this point so soon after the needle hit the vinyl a smile hit my face. All the instruments and vocals were clear and recognizable and the excitement of this track very present. (I’m not going to get into the weeds with specific frequencies since the Onyx isn’t geared toward those that would care).

   Then I switched over to wired and woah! In a flash I realized my ears betrayed me. Compared to wired audio, the Bluetooth now sounded as if I was looking though a filmy window but didn’t notice it until the sun hit it at an angle. The Bluetooth did sound good, certainly enjoyable. But the wired version was notably cleaner. There was more definition and punch, though still retaining a low-key vinyl sound.

   Following this I played the melancholy folk-ish Nebraska and more upbeat Reason to Believe. The side-by-side results were similar but perhaps a bit less noticeable since these songs have less instrumentation. There was no doubt about Bruce’s bright harmonica in Nebraska or his playful voice in Reason to Believe. My conclusion: while wired is definitely the better listen, I could certainly enjoy Bluetooth when moving around the house or even sitting far from the Onyx. At no time did I ever think “this doesn’t sound right.”

   Onto Vinyl vs CD. Here I used Blondie’s debut album Blondie. My LP copy is the initial Chrysalis Records label pressing and the CD is the 2002 remaster. This is kind of a silly test if only because while it’s the same album it’s not the same mastering. Still, since it’s been a while since I’ve listed to an LP I thought the comparison would help me note the sonic differences between the two formats.

   The results were not surprising; each had a unique sound quality that was made apparently listening side-by-side. Blondie on the Onyx felt like listening at a small club with its more subdued, less bright acoustics — vinyl’s calling card. This was especially with Rip Her to Shreds. On the other hand, the CD version, and this might just be the remastering, sounded punchier with all the frequencies, especially bass more noticeable on songs like X-Offender where it’s already prominent. It was definitely a more chaotic, processed sound. Either way the vocals were even and accurate to every song played. Of the two versions, I think if I’m alone on headphones, or just background music, I’d pick the LP on the Onyx. If I was having a party I’d go with the CD.

   CONCLUSION

   So that’s a quick summary of my thoughts on the Hi-Res Onyx turntable. Its aesthetics and sound is very good for a starter “enthusiast” turntable. The odd counterweight design and dust cover unfortunately are it’s Achilles Heel. The bottom line is Victrola is a fledgling brand in this space yet the Onyx’s “value for money” proposition is no better than offerings of more established turntable brands in this price range. And that’s before considering the need to buy a proper dust cover or the potential problems the counterweight design poses to future needle replacements.

9. 

   DFN80 – November 1, 2023

   Rated 4 out of 5

   The Victrola Onyx turntable is a nice way for most people to dip back into vinyl record playing, whether out of nostalgia, a sense of the warmth of the sound, or simply the physicality of intentionally playing *an album* of songs. With a nod to modern convenience, the Onyx turntable has more than just analog RCA audio jacks, but also features the latest in Bluetooth connectivity.

   I was honestly surprised by the heft of the device—it feels substantial and well-made. It arrives well-packaged in its box with fairly straightforward, if minimal, set up instructions. The counterweight was probably the hardest part of the setup, as the directions said to get it aligned to one of two grooved lines on the arm that are fairly close together. Otherwise, it’s up and running in fairly short order.

   I connected via Bluetooth to my Sony receiver, as my setup didn’t have any room for it be near enough for any RCA cables. It was surprisingly easy to get paired, although you don’t really have much control over it–I suppose it’ll pair with whatever is broadcasting its availability. That’d be a nice feature to have to make it easier to switch between speaker and say, headphones.

   I own a few records I’ve collected for either nostalgia or as part of collecting, along with a substantial inherited collection of classic country albums that were my father’s. I pulled out a few of those for sentimentality, and their age and wear I don’t hold against the Onyx at all, as the records were full of hisses and pops. But it was a nice connection back to my dad’s music. Moving on to newer, more pristine sources, I listened to Elton John’s Live in Moscow 1979 album and I was very pleased with how full and spacious the album sounded on vinyl. Recorded with just piano accompaniment and Ray Cooper’s percussion, Cooper’s timpani thundered during “Funeral for a Friend” as Elton pounded out chords before heading into the more intricate piano work of “Tonight.” I borrowed my daughter’s Taylor Swift album and I can’t say that I noticed anything much different to my ears; Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas album, however, served up a heap of sentimental feeling as he and the Andrews Sisters weaved through jazzy arrangements of traditional favorites like “Jingle Bells.” Yes, there were little pops or tiny imperfections that distinguish it from the pristine experience of digital audio, but as I said, there’s a lot to be said for the intentionality of playing a record and physically choosing what to hear.

   The only real criticisms I have would be that the tone arm could more easily marked, that the Bluetooth pairing experience allow more control over it, and the dust cover’s design. I think I’d have preferred a dust cover that acted more as a lid, although this design allows for areas with less vertical clearance.

   Still, overall, for anyone like me who is curious to step back into the vinyl experience, I think this turntable will satisfy easily. Despite a few design choices that aren’t really dealbreakers, it’s a very nice piece of audio equipment to dig out an album and sit back and enjoy listening.

10. 

    InspectorGadget – November 4, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    It’s a pretty nice turntable. At first I didn’t think I liked it much but once I got it setup and tried it out I kind of like it now. I’ve had several turntables over the years since I was a kid (that was before cd’s). Back then it was either vinyl records or cassettes though I also had a few 8 track tapes. Obviously vinyl was my first choice since tapes had much lower sound quality but you couldn’t play vinyl in your car.

    So I do still have a better (?) turntable than this one but it’s getting older now and doesn’t have bluetooth but it does have usb which this one doesn’t. I couldn’t get it to connect to the bluetooth on my good receiver though but it probably just wasn’t close enough. Sounds pretty good wired though. Should work with bluetooth speakers but I haven’t tried that yet. Wired has better sound anyway.

    Has a decent cartridge the audio technica AT-VM95E not the Ortofon red listed under features on Best Buy’s website. They should try to get their info more accurate. The Ortofon is on the more expensive model. Still it’s a fairly good cartridge though you may want to get a better one.

    Speaking of changing cartridges they can be different weights and the counterweight has no markings for the weight. If you’re picky like me and want to prolong the life of your vinyls and stylus you should invest in a stylus force gauge to adjust it. I already had two of them, an old mechanical style one and a newer digital one that both seem pretty accurate. They’re not that expensive and should help.

    At first I really didn’t like the dust cover. You can’t use it while the records are playing but most dust covers introduce hum and noise anyway especially at higher volume levels so I guess it’s better than no dust cover. You may want to keep the box or something to cover it. If you have an old turntable its cover may work.

    I like that it starts automatically when you put the stylus over the record (you do have to power it on first). It also stops at the end which should help the stylus last a bit longer. Nice looking and pretty hefty weight. Good quality rca cable included.

    The cue lever needs to be longer. You also can’t adjust the speed just 45 or 33 but not a big deal. Seems to track well. I set the counterweight at 2 grams with my tracking force gauges which is the recommended amount for this cartridge. It was at about 3 when I followed the instructions which is not bad but I prefer it a bit lighter.

11. 

    Caladbolg – November 5, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Victrola marries the tactile satisfaction of vinyl with the convenience of modern wireless connectivity, delivering a turntable that’s as high in quality as it is in aesthetic appeal.

    The brand’s diverse lineup ensures there’s a Victrola turntable for every vinyl enthusiast, whether you’re after a superior build or a unit with a unique flair. Each model is designed to meet the specific itch that comes with vinyl collection cravings.

    Setting up the turntable is a breeze, and its solid construction reassures you of its lasting value. The counterweight and the Audio Technica cartridge are engineered with precision, providing a supremely smooth operation when using the tonearm lift lever.

    The turntable’s Bluetooth V5.4 connectivity is a standout feature, allowing for high-quality audio streaming with a range of codecs. This wireless option adds a layer of convenience for those who appreciate the blend of classic and contemporary technologies.

    Another thoughtful addition is the auto-stop feature, which halts the platter at the end of a record. This not only adds to the convenience but also helps to preserve the life of the stylus by preventing unnecessary wear.

    While some might have reservations about the dust cover, I find its design to be a breath of fresh air. The custom metal cover is a clever departure from the easily-scratched plastic covers of yore, promising durability and a sleek look that complements the unit’s overall design. Its unconventional mechanism does not detract from its functionality but rather enhances it, aligning perfectly with the turntable’s blend of tradition and innovation.

12. 

    Duluthian – November 5, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Hadn’t really given any thought to getting a record player until some friends recently gave us a large record collection before they moved. Now, I am loving the return to my youth 🙂 This Victrola turntable is very easy to use and a great way to revive your old record collection. The design and build is very nice and it feels like it will work for many years. Overall, it is very simple to use with only a small handful of controls (even changing the needle cartridge is easy). You can hook it to a stereo as in days past. However, you can also run it thru your favorite Bluetooth device such as a speaker or headphones (I suspect in this day & age this is how most will use it). It only took a few minutes from unboxing to have it connected and running. Instantly, everything I remembered about using records came back to me. Yes, the occasional skipping and crackling is still there 🙂 But so is the delightful tones only a record (not something streamed) can provide. The sound doesn’t give the modern “perfection” of the digital age. But that’s also much of the draw to using a turntable. Still, the sound quality is really outstanding compared to what I recall from the old record days. Must admit I am not a big fan of the cover for it. Instead of a domed cover than can be left on while the turntable is in use, it is more of a form fitted solid plastic that can not be left on when in use. But really, it is just a minor issue. Records have been making a bit of a comeback. If you feel like getting a record player but do not want to spend a fortune while still getting great quality, this is the turntable for you.

13. 

    Frank Omelu – November 11, 2023

    Rated 5 out of 5

    The Victrola – Onyx Hi-Res Turntable is not just a record player but a gateway to an immersive auditory experience. Marrying the nostalgic charm of vinyl with cutting-edge technology, this turntable has become a staple in my audio setup. Below is a comprehensive review of its features and performance.

    Seamless Connectivity: Wireless Bliss

    aptX Adaptive and HD Audio

    The Victrola Onyx offers impeccable wireless sound quality with built-in hi-res Bluetooth Audio Transmission. The aptX Adaptive and HD Audio capabilities preserve audio fidelity, delivering a rich and detailed soundstage. Compatibility with all Bluetooth devices, whether old or new, means you’re never tethered to one spot.

    Wired Listening: The Golden Touch

    Gold-plated RCA Outs

    The gold-plated RCA outputs are a testament to Victrola’s commitment to quality. For purists who prefer a wired connection, these provide a stable connection and enhance sound quality, minimizing signal loss and interference.

    Build and Design: Aesthetic and Durable

    High-Quality Materials

    The low-resonance veneered MDF plinth, adorned with premium metal components and platter, offers both visual appeal and acoustic benefits. It is sturdy, reducing vibrations that could interfere with sound quality, ensuring that each note is as intended.

    Precision Engineering: Premium Tonearm and Cartridge

    The aluminum tonearm is engineered for precision and stability. Coupled with a custom-designed removable headshell and an adjustable counterweight, setting up becomes an effortless task, making it accessible even for novices.

    Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge

    This cartridge is a standout feature, known for its dynamic sound and warmth. It captures the essence of each recording, offering a listening experience that is both authentic and profound.

    User Experience: Intuitive and Protective

    Victrola Onyx is designed with the user in mind. Front-facing controls are conveniently placed, and the switchable preamp accommodates different setups. The auto-stop sensor is a thoughtful addition, preventing unnecessary stylus wear and preserving your cherished vinyl records.

    Conclusion: A Symphony of Features

    In my time with the Victrola – Onyx Hi-Res Turntable, the sound has consistently been crisp, and the connection to Bluetooth speakers is seamless. It delivers high-fidelity sound regardless of the format. This turntable strikes the perfect chord for those who cherish the vinyl experience but desire modern features. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to the vinyl scene, the Victrola Onyx is a sound investment in every sense.

14. 

    DonnieZ – November 15, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Listening to music is typically something we do passively – in the car, while working, or maybe while exercising. Listening to music on vinyl is truly a listening experience, at least for me. There’s something about the physical medium, watching it spin on the turntable and hearing all of the details and potential imperfections in a record that lends to a more active listening experience. I was delighted to select the Victrola Onyx Hi-Res turntable for these reasons.

    Immediately, I noticed the heft of the box – this is much heavier than I expected for a turntable. The package includes the turntable itself, dust cover, cartridge, 45 adapter, platter, slipmat, a small datasheet, power cable, and a grounded line-out cable. One nice feature of this turntable is the built-in phono preamp – so if your receiver doesn’t have a set of phono inputs, or if you want to go from the turntable into another source – for example, into your computer to do digital transfers – you can enable the built-in preamp and get line level outputs. You can also disable the built-in preamp and use your own if you have a higher-end preamp.

    The setup wasn’t as easy as I had anticipated. Since this unit is belt-driven, I was looking for a belt. I tore the packaging apart, thinking I may have missed it. I looked at the included datasheet with a link to the Victrola website for a proper instruction manual. Googling the model number of the turntable brought me to an excellent setup video from Victrola that showed the belt was already attached to the platter, affixed to a small piece of ribbon that you can use to pull the belt around the motor spindle. Once I figured this out, the rest of the setup was a breeze, and I was ready to go in minutes. Installation of the slipmat, cartridge, and counterweight was very intuitive – but check the included datasheet to ensure you have the counterweight appropriately installed on the rear of the tonearm.

    I paired this with my Airpods Max for the initial listening experience. Pairing with a Bluetooth audio device is interesting – there’s no screen or other interaction than the solo button on the front of the turntable. Press the button once to put it in pairing mode, and it seems that the turntable simply finds the nearest Bluetooth audio device in pairing mode and connects to that. Pairing was complete within a few seconds, and I was ready to listen.

    The first album I grabbed was an old copy of Jimmy Buffett’s Havana Daydreamin. This record is in average shape – played, not scratched, and has a few fingerprints around the edges. As soon as the needle hit the outer groove, the sound started coming through on the Airpods Max, and I was in heaven. The audio quality was great – and hearing those occasional clicks and pops from dust and static on the album took me back to my early childhood listening to records with adults. The sound quality via Bluetooth was excellent, but I would have liked a bit more volume – the Airpods with the volume turned all the way up provided a comfortable listening level. Still, a bit more would be nice when you really wanted to immerse yourself in the sound.

    I tried a second record, and this time, I grabbed something brand new, never played – Garth Brooks’s The Chase. I’m reasonably sure this album doesn’t have any special mastering; it’s not 180G vinyl, it’s a solid everyday printing – and it sounded fantastic. Vinyl really brings out the detail in music in a very hard-to-describe way – but it’s beautiful. Minor bumps to the surface the turntable was sitting on did not cause any skipping that I could notice. The speed of play is very consistent, and I did not detect any warble.

    I’ve been playing more and more albums with this turntable, and its sound quality is excellent. It also looks great in your audio stack. The included dust cover is unique – it’s not the typical “plastic box top” that folds down over the unit. It’s an entirely removable piece of plastic that covers the tonearm while simultaneously sitting on the platter/slipmat—an interesting design, yet fully functional.

    This unit isn’t perfect, though. The placement of the tonearm lifter switch is right next to the tonearm. I have larger fingers, and I found myself often moving the tonearm halfway through the record when attempting to lower the tonearm using the switch. Moving the switch over an inch would have made a world of difference here. Also, a bit of automatic action would have been nice – lowering the tonearm automatically on the start of the record, or at least semi-automatic, where the tonearm returns to the home position when it reaches the center of the record. When the tonearm has reached the end of the record, the turntable simply shuts off, and the stylus remains engaged with the record. Another quirk is when using Bluetooth as the audio destination, and you can hear when the sound level gets low enough between tracks that the sound turns off altogether.

    I also would have liked to have seen a direct drive option for a slightly higher price – belts tend to stretch over time and affect the sound quality as the turntable speed isn’t consistent. Belts also break, putting you out of service.

    Overall, this turntable brings some modern features like a sleek design and Bluetooth streaming to a purist feature set as far as turntables go. This turntable is an excellent choice if you want to enter the world of vinyl but don’t have a big audio stack to pair it with – the addition of Bluetooth streaming significantly lowers the bar of entry.

15. 

    D FENS – December 4, 2023

    Rated 4 out of 5

    My first observation of the Victrola Onyx Hi-Res Turntable while unpacking it was that the packaging was very good, but it wasn’t the main source of the weight. The turntable deck is solid and hefty. That was a good sign right away. Coupled with the rubber feet, it was clear that it wouldn’t be jumpy and the tone arm could be adjusted to just the right weight on the vinyl.

    After full unpacking and quick assembly, there isn’t an actual hood/cover for the player. It’s a molded plastic piece that aligns on the center post and then bends over the tone arm to cover it. The tone arm hides in something of a tunnel. While I appreciate the modern visual the cover creates, and protection it provides for the platter, I feel it doesn’t provide the protection from dust and the like. I’ll definitely be keeping the needle cover on the end of the tone arm.

    Setting up, the tone arm is a little vague to get the right balance. The directions are clear enough, but the tone arm lacks graduations. Nevertheless, I got it balanced and moved on.

    The Bluetooth is easy, but depending on the device you are using (like headphones or a sound bar), it seems like it wants to pick up the closest device. I used a set of Bose Quiet Comfort headphones with the noise cancellation off. “Hi-Res” in the name of the turntable is accurate, as the sound reproduction from the Onyx is very good. I’m not a full-on audiophile, but I can discern clear from muddy pretty well.

    Connecting the turntable via RCA to my “big system” with Denon receiver and Klipsch speakers produced similar sound quality to a couple different turntables that are significantly more expensive. I’m sure with a higher-end needle it would be even closer.

    Considering this has Bluetooth, I think it will get more use than my other two turntables. I can place this somewhere convenient and completely bypass using the A/V system or other amplifier. I’ll use a lot less power that way, too. ; – )

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