Ah, CES 2023 is a surprisingly weird beast. Here I was expecting invisible headphones, glass speakers, screen-free smartwatches, and smart in-car audio sensibilities, and what I actually got was Audio-Technica’s inexpensive 40-year-old analog turntable reissue.
It is a collection of tools that apparently sold out in the days when it was back on the market last November…
It’s not the first bit of updated history to be a smash hit at CES either: Naim is on a 50th-anniversary nostalgia trip, updating a 1975 power amplifier, JBL topped off a CD player and turntable (albeit with Bluetooth connectivity), and used a Focal gallery Mega Las Vegas showcasing an amazing array of passive stereo speakers.
Audio-Technica says it was completely amazed by the response to its limited edition Sound Burger portable turntable last November. I have to agree – who knew there was such a demand for it? But now I see it, I also want one.
The back story is that, to celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary, Audio-Technica released a limited-edition Sound Burger portable turntable last November—four decades after its original debut. But the company never imagined the overwhelming response the release would generate.
This limited edition AT-SB2022 £200 (about $350) retro red soundburger sold out in a matter of days all over the world – faster than anyone expected.
Inspired by the response and recognition of the boisterous chorus of fans who couldn’t afford their limited-edition model (but are still hungry for Sound Burgers), the company has announced that the product will return in spring 2023.
Analysis: Vinyl pop continues apace, Audio-Technica’s hit burger proves to be a hit
“Response to the limited-edition model of the Sound Burger 60th Anniversary portable turntable has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Gary Buss, Director of Marketing, Audio-Technica US, adding, “While the new model coming in the spring will be nothing short of remarkable, The numbered 60th Anniversary, limited edition color and packaging will be more widely available. We hope Sound Burger fans will be equally excited about this new model and that it will inspire the next generation of analog enthusiasts.”
Love of hearing first, then? Well, while it may not provide the warmth and sonic finesse of some of the best turntables on the market, Sound Burger he An affordable entry-level device in terms of features and price.
For those new to vinyl records, it’s a gateway to a deeper knowledge of analog music, too—and with new Bluetooth connectivity and a compact, lightweight design, the Sound Burger is the perfect partner for parties, picnics, or intense living spaces.
Bluetooth, you say? Yes, it can easily connect to Bluetooth headphones or speakers for up to 12 hours of wireless recording listening.
Sound Burger offers a belt-driven system that plays 33-1/3 and 45rpm records. To achieve both portability and stability, the shaft uses a dynamic balance system in which pen pressure is applied via a spring. In addition, the “High Precision DC Motor” promises to maintain stable rotation. Accessories include a 45 RPM adapter, an RCA audio cable (3.5mm male to dual RCA male), and a USB charging cable (USB Type-A / USB Type-C).
The stylus on the Sound Burger can also be replaced with the ATN3600L (sold separately) as well, so it’s something that’s built to last.
Although I’m still not sure how much this is new United nationsIt’s going to cost a limited edition, I’ll be honest: If I could take home one item of CES’s best audio tech, it would be this…