It’s simple. It’s cheap. And it’s selling like mad. According to Amazon, the Jensen JTA-230 3 Speed Stereo Turntable with Built-in Speakers was the best-selling home audio product over the holidays, easily trumping more expensive stereo systems.
That includes the Yamaha RX-V677 7.2-channel Wi-Fi Network AV Receiver, which placed second in the holiday ranking. The RX-V677 is a strong-selling, sophisticated receiver that includes support for Apple AirPlay for seamless iOS audio compatibility, not to mention Mac and Windows PC wireless support. That’s been a hit for Yamaha, though the RX-V677, discounted at $370, is out-of-reach for most music fans.
Which introduces the obvious question: who needs an expensive, high-end digital stereo system when you can have a belt-driven, old school turntable for $50? The Jensen is an all-in-one, budget-conscious solution, with three-speed support (33, 45, 78) for any old-school vinyl playback need. It even has a the speaker built-in, for plug-and-play instant gratification.
For those looking for some digital accoutrements, the JTA-230 also has a USB and aux port for attaching devices or more speakers. There’s also a high-end, sophisticated WiFi-enabled multi-channel EQ — just kidding! The JTA has none of that, though it does have a volume knob. Indeed, simplicity is the secret of this success story, and so is the price: for those looking for post-Christmas bargain, the Jensen is now $48.99 on Amazon.
The surprise success story coincides with another banner year for vinyl, with cheaper turntables filling a massive void. According to just-released stats, sales of LPs jumped another 52 percent in the US alone, with a similar story emerging across the pond. But a lot of those sales are for LPs that are never played, because a large percentage of buyers don’t own turntables (and typically can’t afford them).
I like how one day there can be an article about how everyone sucks because they listen to music through laptop speakers and earbuds but somehow a $50 turntable with built in speaker is totally cool lol
idk, the article you’re referencing was about was about a study showing that most people listen to music through computer speakers. Does that mean they suck?
Well, I’m another Anonymous, but yes: $50 turntables and computer speakers definitely suck like it’s nobody’s business.
The subtext in your articles is easier to read than you think.
“Ha! ~.~”
Here’s the article, it’s from Dec. 21st:
55% of Americans Prefer Their Music through Computer Speakers
Where did you come up with that BS headline? Nothing in the Amazon press release suggests that “millions” of this device were sold. Common sense suggests that could not possibly be the case. No turntable on the market is selling millions and to suggest otherwise is just silly.
Why do you care? Are you a turntable / Amazon researcher? Or just sour grapes?
I do know that Barnes and Noble were selling mid-priced
And they sold out.
I care about accuracy, which is often in short supply regarding DMN’s headlines. Perhaps you did not see the original headline before it was changed. The original headline said “millions” were sold which is complete BS.
Yeah, I saw that too.
Millions my ass.