What We Like
- Impressive build quality and design.
- Truly portable and loaded with great features.
- Amazing performance for a portable setup.
What We Don't Like
- No software support from the manufacturer.
When it comes to portable turntables, Vestax Handy Trax is a name that will always pop up. Without exaggerating anything, it is among the best models you can grab for less than $500. Let’s find out why.
Design
For the most part, portable, all-in-one turntables are something you usually find in the affordable price range. These turntables are usually jacks of all trades, masters of none. With Vestax Handy Trax, that changes completely. This Polish turntable comes in a sleek chassis that is both well made and well thought out.
When closed, it is super compact. You have a choice between a black one as well as a white one, with the latter being arguably a more attractive option. They have installed all of the controls on the top panel, where they are easy to reach and quite intuitive to use. Slightly above them, you will see the subtle speaker grille that hides the built-in mono speaker.
In terms of portability, it is extremely hard to beat Vestax Handy Trax. It folds up into a super tiny package that is easily carried no matter how far you need to go.
Features
The main features of this turntable are its rock solid drive system, a compact platter that and the dynamically balanced tone arm. These three components are rock solid. Vestax went so far as to include pitch control and tone control, which definitely puts it among the more versatile models out there. Being able to play 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records without any kind of adapters means that you have full freedom on the go.
Vestax Handy Trax features a USB port used for charging the built-in battery. This power autonomy makes it actually viable in terms of portable vinyl listening. Right next to the USB port, on the side panel, you will also see a volume dial that controls the output of the built-in speaker.
All things considered, Vestax Handy Trax comes with features you definitely don’t find that often in portable models.
Performance
Performance by far the best thing about this turntable. Tracking is near perfect, sound is pure and has depth, while the tonearm has no issues playing just about anything you throw at it. You can enjoy various styles of music with the provided stylus/cartridge combination and get good results. Vestax Handy Trax was definitely meant to be used on the go.
For diggers who are always on the hunt for those rare records, it is almost an invaluable tool. You will rarely find a turntable that packs this type of heat and mobility. Sure, it anything but cheap, however, the value it offers is worth every penny you invest in it. On top of that, you can use it as a home turntable as well.
There are standard analog line-out ports as well as a headphone out port, which makes the device compatible with whatever speaker configuration you have.
The Rumble:
Vestax Handy Trax is one of the lesser known gems of the market. This is what a truly portable turntable should look like, and it is awesome. If you need good sound on the go, look no further.
