Back in the 1960’s, when making electronics look like anything but electronics was all the rage (take these Empire Grenadier 6000 speakers for example), cramming a turntable into something resembling an over-sized suitcase was de rigueur for manufacturers like Magnavox. But such a design approach was not long for this world … or so we thought. Now that vinyl is making a big comeback, so too are many of the retro turntable designs from the format’s heyday. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense — what’s more hipster than a record player masquerading as a suitcase?
Pyle and Crosley have already tossed their hats into this ring in this department, and now a new option is available from Electrohome in the form of the Archer Suitcase Record Player (model: EANOS300).
The Archer (for short) packs two full-range speakers, each housed in all-wood cabinets within the case, and powered by a lightweight digital amplifier. In addition to spinning wax, the suitcase of sound offers both a USB input and 3.5 mm aux input for music playback from a smartphone, tablet, or pretty much anything else with an analog audio output.
The table itself spins at 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM and accommodates 7, 10, and 12-inch records, so no matter how dated your vinyl might be, you’re covered. You’ll have to manually place the diamond-tipped ceramic stylus in the groove, but when the record ends, the tone arm will lift and return to its resting place automatically.
We’re going to go out on a limb here and surmise the Archer’s sound quality is probably not especially great, but then again, you should always manage your performance expectations from a portable turntable coming in at $100. Hey, novelty has its place — especially these days — and hauling around a case locked and loaded to rock your favorite records wherever you roam definitely has some appeal.
So if toting a turntable around like a musical secret agent is your bag (hey, it is called the Archer, after all) this little device may be right up your alley.
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