Overview
Playing music through pleasantly devised equipments that ascertain comprehensive performance and sublime quality may somewhere topple as a âhard-to-findâ system. However, Music Hallâs slick USB-1 turntable and Mini Speakers from AktiMate bring forth supreme execution with smoothness and style facet being sustained from all angles. The pair of desktop speakers and a turntable enables music enthusiasts to groove to their tunes without having to go through detailed setup sessions. Enclosed in a glossy black framework, the exquisite turntable features a die-cast aluminum platter and an integrated phono pre-amplifier. Users can conveniently adjoin it with AktiMate Mini Speakersâ line input to commence a euphonious journey.
Price and availability
Music Hallâs turntable has been priced at around $250 and prances ahead with an efficient Audio Technica AT3600L moving-magnet phono cartridge. AktiMate Mini Speakers, on the other hand, are available now for a price tag of $700 a pair.
Whatâs great?
Since playing LPs calls for an inclusive hi-fi system, Mini Speakers from AktiMate and USB-1 turntable from Music Hall vow to deliver magnificence in performance with minimum efforts. The impeccable sound quality can be experienced by seamlessly connecting the USB-1 turntable through its analog outputs directly to the high-end AktiMate speakers. Users are also endowed with the ability to dock their Apple iPod to the speakers from AktiMate and digitally dig their favorite music files. Designed by Epos, the renowned speaker manufacturer, the speakers occupies little space through a compact framework that measures around 11.75- x 7.25- x 8.25-inches. The speakerâs natural sound, solid design and connectivity options further enhance the overall user experience.
Whatâs not so great?
Though Music Hallâs low-priced turntable aims at rendering good performance, users may somewhere look disappointed with the software that comes with the equipment. Besides coming across as âbadâ in the playback, it unfortunately offers no adjust or EQ. Also, some may even be disheartened with the stock cartridge that it forays with. The AktiMate Mini speakers, on the other hand, dash hopes with no integrated support for USB or streaming playback â neither physically nor via Wi-Fi. The system also slips on incorporating any display and radio function.
Things to watch out for
Enshrouded in intriguing tinges, the two-way Mini speakers boasts of its 40-watt per channel amplifier and distinctive bass driver that sports a familiar satin finish. The inexpensive amplifier and speaker combo grace the décor with neat, well fitted trim rings and good quality stands. The lightweight speakers feature the potent loudness capability and excellent finish. Users may look forward to experiencing room-filling sound and built-in amplification at a relatively modest price. Charging the iPod device via the integrated iPod-dock topples as another comfort factor. Not to forget, the 5.25-inch polypropylene woofer and 1-inch metal dome tweeter.
Music Hallâs USB-1 turntable catches attention for its extremely quiet belt drive 2-speed turntable and the ability to encode MP3s and transfer them to the userâs iPod device using the iTunes. Featuring a high gloss finish that enhances the appeal, the device also looks exciting for real anti-skating control for increased stereo imaging and static balanced S-shaped tone-arm w/detachable head-shell. Users may even appreciate the turntableâs embedded audacity software and USB output for transmogrifying vinyl to desktop or Mac.
Verdict
The Music Hall USB-1 turntable quite a lot emerges to be a winner for its incredible sonic performance and pocket-friendly price point. For its rich and lively sound and noteworthy pacing, we definitely give this compact turntable a straight-away nod. AktiMate Mini speakers, whereas, impresses with a sober yet sturdy build and praiseworthy sound quality. However, users who are extremely conscious of shelling out this much may glance over other options available out there at the same time. Though some features such as USB playback and network streaming are missing, users can still snap it up and combine it with Miniâs bigger sibling âMaxiâ â which encompasses features that have witnessed absence in Miniâs room.
Word around the web
AktiMate shares,
The AktiMate Mini is ideal for use as your television speakers – they are fully shielded, so placement alongside a monitor presents no problem. A voltage selector switch permits a change of voltage should you wish to travel to a part of the world using different mains voltages. The volume control on the front panel allows ease of operation – a control which, with a simple press, takes the system into standby.
