I want a portable record player for sampling. I already have a proper setup with a full-size turntable and amplifier, but I always end up using my Vestax Handytrax because it’s just so convenient and portable. However, it sounds terrible—probably the worst-sounding record player ever made (though I love it). I really don’t like playing any nicer records on it because of the needle.
I love it for its portability, its ability to run on batteries, the option to sample at 78 RPM, and the ability to tweak the EQ a little.
I’ve read a lot about how great the AT Sound Burger sounds, especially considering its price and size. But I’m more drawn to the classic design of the Anabas GP-N3R (or the Stocky Record Mate, which I think is essentially the same model under a different brand in other countries).
Does anyone know which one sounds better, or are they roughly the same? I don’t care about Bluetooth.
I am not familiar with the handytrax tonearm, but have installed a Jesse Dean designs tonearm to my Numark PT01 scratch. Using it with an Ortofon OM cart, it sounds much better than the stock ceramic needle… But if you value a good sound and value your records, I wouldn’t use this stuff at all tbh. Portablist decks are not designed with good sonics in mind, and experience playing back a full size 12 inch record with them will always be a bit meh
I understand this, and I’m not looking for the highest-fidelity sound, as it’s not the only thing I value in this case. I’m looking for the best possible sound from a portable record player in the $200–400 price range. It might not give me the best sound overall, but maybe good enough for me to use for sampling. I’m convinced that any of the options will be better than my HandyTrax.
