Victrola Soundstage Review: A Simple Way to Play Vinyl

One of the biggest hurdles for new vinyl collectors is determining the best way to listen to their records, which has historically driven the popularity of all-in-one record players. Unfortunately, many of these systems suffer from lackluster audio quality. Victrola is aiming to bridge this gap with the Soundstage, a dedicated speaker designed to sit directly beneath your turntable, offering a more convenient and space-efficient alternative to traditional hi-fi setups.

At $330, the Soundstage is priced higher than typical all-in-one units, but it justifies the cost with a suite of modern features, including Bluetooth connectivity, USB-C, and optical audio inputs. First unveiled at CES, this speaker is designed to provide a cleaner, more robust sound experience for those who want to avoid the complexity of separate components.

Design and Construction

The Soundstage features an understated aesthetic, available in either black or walnut brown. Its design is functional, with a front-facing grille housing the drivers and a down-firing woofer on the bottom. This configuration is intentional, as it helps isolate low-end frequencies from the turntable, effectively reducing vibrations that can cause distortion. The unit also includes a basic remote for volume and input control, and a subtle LED display on the front grille indicates the current input source.

Sound and Performance

Setting up the Soundstage is straightforward. When paired with a compatible turntable like the Victrola Wave, the process is as simple as connecting the RCA cables and powering the unit. While it may not offer the wide stereo separation found in high-end bookshelf speakers, the Soundstage provides a significant sonic upgrade over standard all-in-one record players. During testing with classic records, the speaker proved capable of filling a room with clear, balanced sound, particularly in the mid-range and high-end frequencies.

One notable omission is the lack of a built-in phono preamp. This means that if your turntable does not have a built-in preamp, you will need to purchase an external one, which may complicate the “all-in-one” appeal for some users. Additionally, the speaker includes Auracast technology, allowing for wireless streaming to and from other compatible devices, adding a layer of versatility beyond just vinyl playback.

Verdict

Ultimately, the Victrola Soundstage is an excellent, user-friendly solution for those looking to improve their vinyl setup without sacrificing significant floor or shelf space. While the price point and the lack of a built-in preamp are factors to consider, the speaker’s ability to minimize vibration and its inclusion of modern connectivity options make it a compelling choice for casual listeners and space-conscious audiophiles alike.