Vinyl records are back with a vengeance, enjoying record-setting (sorry) sales figures, the likes of which we’ve not seen in over 20 years. Naturally, gobs of consumer electronics manufacturers are jumping to capitalize on this opportunity — you can buy a turntable from Target and Walmart, for crying out loud. But even if you’re only looking to dabble in vinyl, you should take a moment to consider what you really want out of a turntable. Do you want to rip your records to digital music files? Do you need a built-in phono pre-amp or even built-in speakers? Better yet, how about Bluetooth?
At CES 2015 in Las Vegas last week, we stumbled upon an unexpected treat: Ion’s Air LP Turntable with Bluetooth technology. Now you can take your stacks of wax to the air and stream to any Bluetooth speaker or pair of Bluetooth headphones. Check out the video above to get a load of all the Air LP’s other features (of which there are many, including an auto-stop feature we wish our Audio-Technica LP120-USB had on board).
Of course, the Air LP isn’t intended for audiophiles and music purists. The tonearm isn’t especially stout, the cartridge is nothing to write home about, and we have no idea how steady or loud the table’s direct-drive motor may be. Still, if you’re just looking to have some fun with friends spinning sweet LPs you nabbed at the thrift shop or that estate sale you just couldn’t pass up, the Air LP is loaded with more modern conveniences and straight-up fun potential than most affordable offerings available to day.
The Ion Air LP is expected to come available sometime in March 2015 for an anticipated $100.
