With vinyl making a comeback, the most obvious question on the minds of most vinyl enthusiasts is which turntable to purchase. That could explain why you are here. 1byone is a brand that has been producing turntables for over a century. It boasts high-quality turntables that merge classic mechanics and materials with tech features. Having said that, I review the 1byone turntable to help determine whether it’s worth your attention.
1byone Turntable Overview
The 1byone turntable is an all-in-one unit that seeks to provide a truly pure sound experience. It comes with several features, including built-in speakers, an aux-in port, a die-cast aluminum platter, a belt-drive system, and a built-in phono amplifier. The turntable can play 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records and supports wireless music streaming through its Bluetooth feature.
You can acquire the unit for $189.97 on Amazon if you want a taste of the vinyl experience. Reviews from customers on platforms like Amazon are generally positive, a sign that they are satisfied with the turntable’s functionality. Most love its good sound quality, ease of use, solid construction, and stylish appearance. However, a few users cite dissatisfaction with sound production and Bluetooth connectivity.
Technical Specifications
The turntable has these features:
- 2-speed (33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
- Magnet-type Cartridge
- Adjustable Counterweight
- Audio-Technica Stylus
- Bluetooth connection
- Built-in speakers
- Die-cast aluminum platter
- Built-in phono preamp
- Aux-in port
I find most of the turntable’s features desirable. I am more than impressed with the stylus from Audio-Technica. The company is reputed for producing high-quality products, which gives me confidence in the needle’s ability to track records correctly. The die-cast aluminum is also a nice feature as it offers stability and helps reduce resonance in 1byone. I am sure you will appreciate the Bluetooth, too. With it, you are able to stream your vinyl collection wirelessly without having to deal with cords, which can be messy at times.
However, I feel the 2-speed option is a limiting feature; this may be a deal breaker for users who may also want to play 78rpm records. I also can’t ignore concerns about the ineffectiveness of internal speakers, so they warrant consideration.
1byone Turntable Drive Mechanism
The 1byone turntable applies the belt-drive mechanism. This is where a belt attached to the motor pulley drives the platter. The indirect mechanism decreases motor noise and vibrations, resulting in smoother rotation and possibly better sound quality. Some audiophiles like this setup as it’s mostly associated with consistent speed. However, I prefer the direct drive mechanism as it has a faster start-up time than the belt-drive system, where delays can be experienced.
Is 1byone Turntable Automatic or Manual?
This unit is fully manual with no automatic features whatsoever. You are required to manually lift the tonearm, move it to the record, and gently lower it onto the record surface. At the same time, you must manually lift the tonearm and return it to rest after the record finishes playing. Other turntables automate this cueing process, so the user doesn’t have to move the tonearm by hand. While this may sound convenient, I strongly feel it denies audiophiles the immersive vinyl experience where they can have a more hands-on approach to the playback process.
Usability and Portability of 1byone Turntable
Generally, 1byone is an easy-to-use turntable, although newbies might experience a few challenges in balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force. Other than that, everything else is pretty straightforward and hassle-free. The belt comes preset; you just have to ensure there are no twists and attach it to the motor pulley. Also, the ports (for output) and controls for basic functions like speed selection and power on/off are intuitive and clearly labeled.
Looking at the design, I don’t think this turntable is portable. It’s quite heavy at 13.2 lbs (or 6 kg) and doesn’t include built-in handles or battery operation. You are better off using it in a home audio setup rather than moving around with it.
1byone Turntable Design & Build
I must say the turntable is a work of art, and I love it. The initial thing you notice is the chic wood appearance and the vintage styling. Combine this with the contemporary features, and you have an almost irresistible unit. The turntable features a grille at the front, housing stereo speakers adorned with the prominent 1byone logo. Its compact and minimalist surface has a few intuitive controls, while the tonearm sits elegantly at the edge, ready for vinyl playback. You have a detachable dust cover and rubber feet to stabilize the unit. The power, phono, line, and RCA ports are at the back.
Connectivity & Sound Performance of 1byone Turntable:
This turntable provides versatile connectivity options suitable for different audio setups. It includes RCA output jacks that enable you to connect it to external speakers or amplifiers for improved sound quality. You also have the option of using Bluetooth connectivity if you don’t want to deal with wires. By turning it on, you are able to stream music through your digital devices wirelessly.
Here is the most vital part of the review—sound. What good is in a turntable if it doesn’t sound nice? In this case, I must say that 1byone has done a good job with the sound part; it’s simply awesome. Some users term it as crisp and clear with no bass distortion, which is great at this price point. Some more expensive models don’t sound nearly as great as this unit. Unfortunately, the internal speakers may be a letdown, especially when they fail to generate adequate sound from the unit. I would hook it up to external speakers for better sound.
Main Technology Perks of 1byone Turntable
1byone has some notable technology perks. For one, it includes a high-quality stylus from Audio-Technica, ensuring precise tracking and good sound reproduction. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can stream your vinyl music wirelessly to compatible headphones or speakers and enjoy the flexibility and convenience of audio playback. The incorporation of a die-cast aluminum platter is another technological advantage. It’s meant to improve the turntable’s stability and minimize resonance to enhance sound quality and performance.
Pricing
As an entry turntable, this unit is fairly priced at $189.97. Even though cheaper models exist, you will quickly realize their qualities are sub-par and cannot match 1byone’s features, which are far much better.
How to Setup & Use 1byone Turntable?
You can set up the turntable within several minutes, and here are the steps to guide you through the process:
- Select a flat and stable surface to mount the turntable.
- Turn the platter over to check whether the belt is correctly positioned. It should be looped at the center of the circle.
- Place the platter on the spindle and ensure it sits there properly.
- Spin the platter by hand until one of its openings aligns with the motor pulley, and place the belt on the motor pulley. Do this gently to avoid twisting the belt.
- Rotate the platter clockwise to reset the auto mechanism and ensure the belt rides seamlessly along the drive rim.
- Put the slip mat on the platter with the mat’s bone logo facing up.
- Place the counterweight at the back of the tonearm with the dial facing forward.
- Carefully remove the cover protecting the stylus by pulling it forward.
- Unlock the tonearm by removing the tie-wrap, lower the lift lever, and position the cartridge in the space between the tonearm rest and platter.
- Balance the tonearm by rotating the counterweight. Then, return it to rest, and don’t interfere with the counterweight position.
- Gently rotate the tracking force dial until the zero aligns with the black center line on the tonearm’s rear.
- Rotate the counterweight and tracking force dial together counterclockwise to adjust the tracking force based on the instructions of the cartridge manufacturer.
- Connect the power adapter to the unit, and press and hold the ‘start’ button for 3 seconds to turn it on.
- Put the record on the platter and select the speed.
- Release the tonearm from its rest position and place it over the record.
- Tune the volume of the unit as necessary and listen to your music.
You can take several measures to optimize your experience with this turntable. For starters, don’t place it next to items like speakers, as vibrations generated might cause the needle to skip and interfere with the proper tracking of grooves. Next, keep the stylus clean by brushing it regularly to remove dirt and debris. This ensures it works smoothly and produces good sound. Last but not least, the tonearm should be correctly balanced and the cartridge aligned correctly. A well-calibrated unit can produce better sound and protect your records from unnecessary wear.
Overall Impression About 1byone Turntable?
I would say that the 1byone turntable is a nice unit that’s sure to get the attention of any vinyl enthusiast at first glance. It looks great and elegant, so it can enhance the appearance of any space. Moreover, the unit delivers good sound, as promised by the vendor.
Pros
Below are the advantages the turntable provides:
- It’s easy to use
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
- Well-constructed
- Decent sound quality
Cons
The drawbacks of the unit include:
- Low sound output from internal speakers.
Who Is It For?
1byone is a good choice for newbies and some audiophiles. However, vinyl fans who desire deeper details from their music may have to look for high-end turntables.
Final Verdict
As I come to the end of this review, my conclusion is that the 1byone is a nice turntable to have. It is well-constructed and has a vintage feel that will make you fall in love. The sound produced is just great and will make you appreciate vinyl even more. Although the unit has built-in speakers, I would recommend you invest in external ones for an even better listening experience.
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