Record Roundup — my feature that covers all-things vinyl — hits lucky number 13. Just in time for Record Store Day 2022, which is back to a single-day event after being split into multiple days during the pandemic. Also in this edition is a limited edition, 50th anniversary model of the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable. I also have updates on two turntables that have recently been the subject of Forbes reviews.
If you’ve missed previous editions of Record Roundup, you can find February’s version here.
Technics’ colorful, 50th anniversary SL-1200 series turntable.
Any music fans who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s will instantly recognize the Technics SL-1200 series turntables. The first of these was released in 1972. With the continued resurgence of vinyl as the physical music format of choice, it was probably inevitable that a 50th anniversary edition would be released.
That would be the Technics SL-1200M7L. This version of Technics’ popular direct drive turntable is equipped with an anodized gold-tinted tone arm, a special slipmat with the Technics logo in gold lettering, a special edition badge with engraved serial number, and a 50th anniversary sticker. In addition, seven different colors will be offered: black, red, blue, white, green, yellow, and beige.
Panasonic says 12,000 units will be available globally, with
a $1099.99 price tag.
Crosley’s C100BT turntable mixes retro vibes with the option of Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
Speaking of the Technics SL-1200 series, Crosley has a new turntable that bears a more than passing resemblance.
In March, I reviewed the Crosley C100BT, a belt-drive turntable with an S-shaped tone arm, strobe light, and pitch control. It has a switchable preamplifier, but also offers the wireless convenience of Bluetooth connectivity. It’s equipped with an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge along with an aluminum platter, plus adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, making it a much more solid entry than the company’s entry-level record players.
The Crosley is a little more affordable than anything in the SL-1200 series, coming in at just under $280.
Blu streaming music system bundle from Como Audio.
Also reviewed in March was the Blu Streaming Music System from Boston’s Como Audio. This two-channel stereo system is an excellent option for space-constrained music fans. It consists of a pair of speakers, each equipped with a 3-inch long throw 4-layer voice coil woofer, a 3/4-inch soft dome tweeter, and a tuned bass port. There’s a total of 30W per channel of power from the Class D amplifier. The speaker are made of MDF and clad in furniture-grade walnut. It sounds very good, especially for a system that retails for less than some (mono) Bluetooth speakers.
While the Blu system excels at streaming Bluetooth music, it gets really special when you add Como Audio’s Turntable Analog. The $799 bundle is an affordable way to enjoy your records with true stereo sound, premium audio, a retro look, with minimal space requirements, and without spending a fortune.
Consider this your last warning that biggest day on the calendar of record collectors is Saturday, April 23. This year’s event is a single day, however reality is still finding a way to intrude on the celebrations. Supply chain disruptions have hit every facet of our lives and records have been no exception. With demand going through the roff, record pressing plants have been unable to keep up.
So the actual Record Store Day (RSD) will be on April 23. Many of the RSD limited edition releases will be available in shops on that day. For those releases that got caught up in the backlog, there will be a second RSD drop date of June 18. The official Record Store Day website has a comprehensive list of the U.S. releases for 2022.
Need a new turntable? Crosley is giving away C100BT turntables to celebrate Record Store Day 2022. Check out the press release to find out the indecent record stores participating in the giveaway, as well as the way to win one of two Crosley C100BT’s to be given away online.
