When it comes to the music space, we’re constantly battling between new school and old. The latest generations love streaming. The older generations swear by physical media. What no one debates, however, is that you get the richest, purest sound with vinyl. It’s for this reason that Millennials, Gen-Zers, and Gen Alpha have become fascinated with the retro media, marking a resurgence for this “vintage” tech. Products like the Victrola Journey Glow record player brilliantly combine the best of both worlds as a record player and Bluetooth speaker. It throws in plenty more cool features for good measure.
The turntable fits neatly into a suitcase design. But the big deal: it’s also Bluetooth enabled, which means you can use it as a speaker to stream tunes from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Leverage Vinylstream to stream vinyl to other Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Adding more “cool” appeal are integrated multicolour lights to set the mood. It’s the perfect gift for casual listeners and budding vinyl enthusiasts.
Design and set-up
Instantly when you take the Victrola Journey Glow out of the box, the Bluetooth suitcase turntable strikes you as trendy and cool. The turntable surface is housed within a compact suitcase with a lid. This keeps it protected from dust and makes it easy to transport. It closes securely with latches on either side. It’s lightweight and easy to carry. I wish, however, that it had a built-in carry handle at the top or side. The design makes it ideal for the bedroom, small apartment, even a dorm.
Turn it on and the multicolour lighting with 10 unique light modes illuminates. This includes light patterns that pulse in tune to the beat of the music. Combining retro cool with modern flair, it will appeal to those who grew up with vinyl and new vinyl enthusiasts, alike.
Set-up is super simple: plug it in, turn it on, familiarize yourself with the controls, and enjoy. Before you move the needle to a record, make sure to choose the proper speed (33 1/3rpm, 45rpm, and 78rpm) by moving the switch. Don’t forget to remove the plastic cover over the tip of the needle. Switch to Bluetooth mode and it enters pairing mode to be recognized by your mobile device.
Usability and controls
To say this unit is easy to use would be an understatement. The controls are retro-type switches and knobs, leaving nothing to the imagination. It’s worth noting, however, that I did need to use the flashlight on my phone to distinguish among the vinyl speeds: I wish these were more prominently marked.
Otherwise, controls and button layout are self-explanatory. There’s one clearly marked knob for turning it on and off and controlling volume level. Use the function knob to switch among Bluetooth, phono, Line In, and Bluetooth Out. I love that the headphone jack is conveniently located on the front for easy access. Line Out and power adapter ports are on the back, and the GLOWRGB button is on the front for controlling the cool front lighting effects. Above the record speed switch is a switch to turn auto stop on or off. I’d recommend keeping it on so a record doesn’t keep spinning if it’s finished and you get distracted.
If you ever need assistance, the manual is short and sweet. Flip through it in minutes to know everything you need to know about how to operate this simple audio device. One thing to keep in mind is that the stylus on the needle will need to be replaced after every 300 hours or so of listening.
Sound quality and performance
I went in with basic expectations for playback. The main benefit with this unit is that you have two core playback options: retro vinyl and modern Bluetooth streaming. It doesn’t require a connection to external speakers since it has built-in stereo speakers. But if you want to enhance audio, connect an external amplifier or speakers via RCA Line Out. There’s also Vinylstream (explained below) and a headphone jack for private listening.
Playing a record
I tossed on a Simon & Garfunkel record and was instantly transported back to my childhood, playing my dad’s records in the basement. There’s something beautifully imperfect about the sound of vinyl that can’t be replicated through any other means. As a basic record player for background music, the Victrola Journey Glow delivers. You can’t crank it especially high so don’t expect to use it for roaring parties. But for ambiance during a dinner party or while you work, cook dinner, or relax, it’s perfect.
Using it as a Bluetooth speaker
Switching to Bluetooth, I played songs from Apple Music, SiriusXM, and Spotify from my phone. Sound was acceptable for background listening, but this isn’t a hifi system by any means. Once you connect a device, use that to control volume: the knob caps out at a pretty low volume when you turn it to max. For a teenager or younger Millennial who is becoming acquainted with vinyl for the first time (retro tech is “in,” after all), it will do just fine.
What is Vinylstream?
Vinylstream is Victrola’s name for Bluetooth Out. It allows you to wirelessly send the audio from a record to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. Once you switch to this mode, it starts to search for Bluetooth devices. The LED light will flash blue to confirm. Turn on the Bluetooth speaker or headphones to which you want to connect, put them in pairing mode, and the record player should instantly locate them and connect.
I tried this with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones I recently reviewed and it worked like a charm. Sound isn’t as pleasant through the headphones as it is through the record player itself. But the crackle of the needle hitting the record is an interesting experience through headphones. If nothing else, it’s a convenient option for those in shared spaces who want to listen privately.
Cool lighting effects add ambiance
Another neat feature of this record player is the fun lighting, which you can adjust using the GLOWRGB button. Turn the glow effect on and off with this button. Double press to switch among light modes, like multicolour, solid colour, and pulsing to the music. There are six solid colour and music pulse colour modes. One of the pulse options is multicolour where it cycles through a rainbow of colours. There are six modes as well, including transition, racetrack, strobe, snake, whitefall, and chase. Find the one that suits your mood or the type of music to which you’re listening.
Who will love the Victrola Journey Glow record player?
I’d recommend the Victrola Journey Glow record player for someone younger who is just getting into vinyl. It’s a great starter turntable. It’s also ideal for casual listening for people of any age, especially those who miss the lustre of records but still want to be able to stream tunes, too. I could easily see both my 21-year-old niece in university and my retired parents equally loving this record player.
Kids will especially love the built-in lights and lighting effects. The lightweight suitcase style makes it easy to bring along to friends’ houses or dorms for listening together. Older users, meanwhile, will appreciate the familiarity of being able to play records. But they will also appreciate how incredibly easy it is to connect a Bluetooth device as well. Use Vinylstream and play your favourite records from your favourite Bluetooth speakers, too.
Anyone who lives in a small space, like a dorm or apartment, will love this stylish vinyl player for beginners. It adds an air of elegance to a room. You get to experience the throwback love of vinyl with modern technology and a trendy design. The cool lighting glow is icing on the cake to create the perfect vibe. This is one of the best entry level record players for beginners who want to enjoy both the old and the new.
Check out the Victrola Journey Glow Bluetooth record player at Best Buy Canada.
