Korg has unveiled a trio of Handytraxx portable record players for various uses, from disk jockeys wanting to scratch out new mixes to collectors who want to archive their vinyl records. All models weigh between 5.1 and 6.2 pounds (2.3 and 2.8 kg) and are powered for up to 11 hours of runtime on six AA batteries for all day use away from home. The footprint of these players measures 14.6 x 11.0 inches (370 x 280 mm), with the height of the Play measuring 3.3 in. (84 mm) and the others 4.6 in. (118 mm).
The Handytraxx Tube is appropriate for most record buyers. Designed for warm, accurate sound reproduction, the Tube utilizes a Nutube triode vacuum tube in its phono amp. A J44A 7 MM-type cartridge from JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) with a synthetic diamond tip and a CPU-controlled, belt-driven aluminum platter ensure the richness of performances is heard with minimal distortion. Wow and flutter are under 0.15% at 3 kHz, and the signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 60 dB.
Sound is output through the built-in stereo speakers, headphones, or USB audio out (2-channel, 16-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz PCM). Analog controls allow fine adjustment of the tube amp and tone (bass, treble).
The Handytraxx 1bit is similar to the Tube, but adds the ability to archive records to high-resolution 5.6 MHz DSD and 192 kHz, 24-bit PCM audio files. This allows collectors to preserve their collections better by eliminating the vinyl groove wear that occurs each play. These digital files can be played on the 1bit or any other digital audio player (DAP).
Disc jockeys who don’t mind scratchy records will love the Handytraxx Play. This model ditches the tube amp to free up space for DJ controls, including a digital audio looper that can capture and playback sections of the record in real-time, a variable speed control, three adjustable sound filters, and a smooth fader for all-day fun. The tonearm is custom designed to stay in the desired groove during scratching.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
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