Korg Handytraxx Tube Portable Record Player [PRE-ORDER]

In a world dominated by digital music, Korg introduces the handytraxx tube, a record player designed for those captivated by the timeless allure of analog records.

At a time when many people listen to music on their smartphones through wireless earbuds, the handytraxx tube bridges the gap between modern convenience and analogue fascination, a love that transcends eras and tastes.

With built-in stereo speakers, a portable design, and battery operation, the handytraxx tube delivers a rich, warm sound experience wherever you go. Each component has been meticulously crafted to prioritise sound quality, including an aluminium die-cast platter* for precise and stable rotation, a balanced tone arm featuring an MM cartridge, and a phono amp powered by Korg’s innovative Nutube next-generation vacuum tube.

Unlike the average turntable, the handytraxx tube maximises sound quality with the warmth of a triode vacuum tube and incorporates unique features, while remaining remarkably compact.

• * Rotating turntable parts

Rediscover the charm of vinyl

Have you ever leafed through those old records that you put away in the corner of your room, gazing at the nostalgic jackets and liner notes and wishing that you could hear the sounds of those records again, if only you had a record player as part of your audio system?

Whether you’re dusting off a cherished collection of classics or exploring new releases, the handytraxx tube brings the joy of vinyl records to life. Designed for seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike, this all-in-one player combines nostalgia with innovation. You can play your favourite records without needing separate amps or speakers, offering a seamless listening experience straight out of the box.

Although the media on which music is played in recent years has moved from CDs to streaming, more people are discovering, or rediscovering, the charm of vinyl records. We are seeing not only revival and remastered versions but also new releases on vinyl, with these records being sold in record stores alongside used records. Vinyl record sales outperformed CDs in the US for the first time since 1987. Just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in 2022, to the tune of $1.2bn (£.99bn). Only 33 million CDs were sold, amounting to $483m. It was the 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales.

Listen with outstanding sound

The handytraxx tube goes beyond standard turntables to deliver an elevated listening experience with a compact form. Its aluminium die-cast platter ensures precise and stable rotation, enabling accurate and consistent playback of your favourite records. To achieve superior rotational stability, the player uses a belt-drive system complemented by specially developed software that constantly monitors pitch and speed, maintaining optimal performance.

Key elements that influence sound quality, such as the needle and cartridge, have been meticulously designed. The tone arm features a universal type with a replaceable headshell, allowing users to experiment with different cartridges and sound profiles. The adjustable counterweight ensures precise needle pressure, accommodating cartridges with a recommended pressure of 4 grams or lower. Shipped with a pre-installed JICO J44A 7* MM-type cartridge, the handytraxx tube offers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking performance right out of the box. Users can also enjoy the flexibility of upgrading to other MM or ceramic cartridges for customised sound.

The handytraxx tube provides customisable bass and treble controls with carefully designed frequency bands, letting users easily create their desired sound. These controls maximise the tonal richness of analogue records, enhancing the unique characteristics of each track. The built-in stereo speakers are designed to deliver a flat response with optimal volume, ensuring clear and balanced audio for an immersive listening experience anywhere. This thoughtful combination of features makes the handytraxx tube a standout choice for enjoying analogue records.

• The J44A 7 is a popular MM cartridge made by renowned manufacturer JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) that produces a dynamic and powerful bass sound with a solid core. The accompanying record stylus N44-7 IMP SD uses a synthetic solid diamond tip. The cantilever allows you to experience outstanding tracking performance.

Phono equalizer with next-generation tube performance

At the heart of the handytraxx tube is its integrated phono amplifier, featuring Korg’s innovative Nutube vacuum tube technology. This next-generation design not only enriches the audio with warm harmonics but also adds a lifelike depth and clarity to every record. Vacuum tubes, once a staple in high-quality audio, are becoming increasingly rare and expensive due to the decline in supporting technologies. Recognising this, Korg developed the Nutube vacuum tube to bring a modern solution to the timeless appeal of vacuum tube sound.

The phono equalizer within the handytraxx tube plays an indispensable role in achieving exceptional sound quality. Designed to bring out the original sound of your records, it adds pleasant harmonics characteristic of vacuum tubes for a rich, immersive sonic experience.

The TUBE control allows you to fine-tune the harmonics, letting you find the perfect tonal balance to suit your listening preferences. Built directly into the handytraxx tube, this phono amplifier ensures both convenience and performance, with the option to connect to a typical stereo system via line output or use dedicated phono output jacks for audio enthusiasts who prefer their own external equalizers. This versatility caters to both casual listeners and devoted vinyl aficionados.

Take vinyl anywhere

Portability is a key feature of the handytraxx tube. With a footprint similar to an A3 sheet of paper and a weight of just 3kg/6.5lbs without batteries, it’s designed to accompany you wherever your music takes you. It can be powered by an AC adapter or six AA batteries, making it versatile and convenient for use at home or on the go. The included dust cover provides protection and ensures the player is always ready for use, whether it’s set up permanently in your room or taken on your travels.

The unit includes stereo speakers (with an on/off switch) and a headphone jack, so you can enjoy listening to records even when it’s late at night.

Convert vinyl to digital

The handytraxx tube enables you to preserve your favourite records in digital format. By connecting the player to a computer with a USB cable, you can use audio recording software, such as Audacity, to digitise your vinyl collection. This feature lets you enjoy the warmth of vinyl even when you’re on the move, transferring your digitised tracks to portable audio players for easy access.

• Note: Software for recording is not included, but freeware and commercially available software is easily available for this purpose.

Celebrating Hi-Fi audio excellence: JICO collaboration model “handytraxx tube J”

Celebrating Hi-Fi audio excellence, the handytraxx tube includes a special collaboration with JICO, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality analogue audio products. The pre-installed JICO J44A 7 cartridge delivers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking. For those seeking an even richer Hi-Fi experience, the exclusive “Tube J” model features JICO’s state-of-the-art Clipper cartridge, offering unparalleled playback quality.

JICO is a manufacturer of high-quality record styluses, cartridges, and other analog-related products using the outstanding technology for which Japan is famous. Their meticulously designed products maximize the appeal of analog sound sources and have been highly acclaimed by record lovers in 120 countries over the past 50 years. With its precise and exacting manufacturing processes and thorough quality control, the company embodies timeless and inherited “craftsmanship”.