Toshiba has announced an interesting new record player called the Aurex AX-RP10. It’s a device designed for vinyl lovers who want a mix of classic analog sound and modern wireless features.
This small turntable is a great choice for people who want to take their vinyl records outside their homes to the beach, a picnic in the park, or a smaller living space where a full-sized turntable isn’t practical. It’s wireless, so it’s meant to be used as a radio would be, so if you’re into records, this is a huge step.
One of the best features is that the AX-RP10 is really easy to carry around. It’s not small enough to fit in your pocket like a portable music player, but with measurements of about 160 x 74 x 300 mm and a weight of 1.2 kg, it’s much more portable than a regular turntable. Despite its small size, it still works well with standard 12-inch records. While it is portable, it’s incredibly noticeable, so there’s no way to be discreet with a record inside.
Toshiba even includes a shoulder bag to make transporting it even easier. Compared to the popular Audio-Technica Sound Burger, which is much smaller, the AX-RP10 strikes a balance between size and performance. The Sound Burger’s tiny design means it can’t play full-sized records as well, so the AX-RP10 is a better option for people who want good sound quality without giving up portability.
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The AX-RP10 runs on a built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery, which gives up to 10 hours of continuous playtime. It plays both 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records, so it works with most vinyl formats. It uses a reliable MM-type cartridge to make sure the sound is clear and accurate. There are no built-in speakers, but it has a standard headphone jack to connect wired headphones or external speakers.
If you prefer wireless listening, the AX-RP10 has Bluetooth 5.4, which works with SBC and LC3 audio codecs, connecting you to wireless headphones or speakers up to 10 meters away. However, using Bluetooth means the sound gets compressed slightly, which might bother people who want the purest audio quality.
Its 109mm platter is made of die-cast aluminum alloy and uses a belt-driven system to reduce vibrations and keep the speed steady. Toshiba says the wow-and-flutter (basically just a measure of speed consistency) is under 0.2 percent, and the signal-to-noise ratio is over 60dB, meaning the sound quality is quite good.
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The tonearm is statically balanced and has an automatic stop feature and an external arm lifter to help protect records from unnecessary wear. There’s also a slot on top where you can display the record sleeve while playing, which is both useful and adds a nice visual touch to the experience.
The AX-RP10 is clearly meant for people who like vinyl and want both portability and good sound. While the Bluetooth feature might not impress audiophiles who want completely uncompressed sound, it’s a handy option for casual listening. It will never beat real turntable playing, but it’s great for those on the go.
Pricing for the AX-RP10 hasn’t been announced yet, but a release is expected in April.
