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Ah, CES 2023 is a strange and surprising beast. Here I expected invisible headphones, glass speakers, bezel-less smartwatches, and intelligent in-car audio sensations, and what I actually got was the reissue of a 40-year-old, cheap analog turntable from Audio-Technica.
And it’s a piece of kit that apparently sold out within days when it hit the market again last November…
It’s not the first piece of updated history to become a huge success at CES either: Naim is on a nostalgic 50th anniversary trip, updating a 1975 power amp, JBL is releasing a CD player and turntable (they it with Bluetooth connectivity), and Focal used the massive Las Vegas expo to showcase a range of stunning passive stereo speakers.
Audio-Technica says it was extremely impressed with the response to the limited edition release of the Sound Burger portable turntable last November. I agree – who knew there was such a demand for it? But now that I see it, I want one too.
The backstory is that to commemorate 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 release would generate such an overwhelming response.
That limited edition AT-SB2022 £200 (about $350) retro red Sound Burger sold out worldwide in days – faster than anyone expected.
Inspired by the response and in recognition of the loud chorus of fans who couldn’t purchase their limited edition model (but were still hungry for Sound Burgers), the company has announced that the product will return in Spring 2023.
Analysis: The vinyl resurgence continues apace, and Audio-Technica’s hit Sound Burger proves it
“The response to the 60th anniversary model of the Sound Burger portable turntable has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Gary Boss, Director of Marketing, Audio-Technica US. featuring the 60th anniversary numbered badge, color and packaging of the limited-edition version, it will be more widely available. We hope Sound Burger fans will be just as excited about this new model and that it will inspire the next generation of analogue enthusiasts.”
Love at first hearing, then? While it may not offer the warmth and sonic power of some of the best turntables on the market, the Sound Burger is an affordable entry-level machine, both in terms of features and price.
For those new to vinyl records, it’s also a gateway to a deeper understanding of analogue music – and the new Bluetooth connection and compact, lightweight design make the Sound Burger the perfect partner for parties, picnics or compact living spaces.
Bluetooth, you say? Yes, it easily connects to Bluetooth headphones or speakers for up to 12 hours of wireless listening.
The Sound Burger offers a belt-driven system that plays 33-1/3 and 45 rpm records. To achieve both portability and stability, the tonearm uses a dynamic balance system where stylus pressure is applied via a spring. In addition, a “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 cable for charging (USB Type-A / USB Type-C).
The stylus on the Sound Burger can also be replaced with the ATN3600L (sold separately), so it’s built to last.
Though I’m still not sure how much this is new alimited edition will cost, I’ll be honest: if I could take home one item from the top audio tech CES, it would be this…