Welcome to the 32nd edition of Record Roundup, my ongoing coverage of records, record players, turntables and related products. Today, I’m featuring another retro throwback in the form of a new take on the classic boombox and two new all-in-one stereo options–all three of which feature “one” in their name.
Hands On With the Andover Audio SpinBase MAX 2
Before getting to the new stuff, one of the highlights of my summer was spending time spinning records on a turntable connected to (and sitting atop) the SpinBase MAX 2 from Andover Audio. This speaker system contains six drivers with 100W of power, pumping out convincing 270-degree audio. All without worrying about the record skipping or distortion creeping in, thanks to Andover Audio’s patented IsoGroove technology.
Want to learn more about this space-saving audio system aimed directly at record lovers? You can read about my experience with the SpinBase MAX 2 here.
We Are Rewind GB-001 Boombox
My very first audio system consisted of a Technics SA-C05L boombox (with detachable speakers, 60W of power, 7-band EQ, a cassette deck with Dolby and a PHONO input), hooked up to a Panasonic turntable. The only thing I don’t miss about that boombox (which I still have stashed in the basement) was the cost and weight of loading it up with D-cell batteries when going portable. I seem to recall it took either eight or 10 of them.
We Are Rewind is offering a modern take on the classic 80s boombox in the GB-001. It’s a cool matte black instead of silver, but includes a high end cassette deck and a 3.5mm input you could connect to most turntables, plus Bluetooth. The stereo speakers (each equipped with a woofer and a tweeter) output a combined total of 104 watts and you can go portable with its built-in rechargeable battery. Other nods to retro goodness include backlit VU meters, lots of knobs and a folding handle.
The company is preparing to take preorders on the GB-001 and has a proven track record for delivering new takes on retro cassette players.
Andover-One Premier System
When I reviewed the Model One from Andover Audio in 2020, I called it “the ultimate all-in-one turntable music system.”
The furniture-grade walnut, the customized Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB turntable, the six speaker system with 200W of power–this was a truly aspirational all-in-one system that made records sound fantastic.
I’ll have to take back that “ultimate” designation, because Andover Audio just turned its flagship all-in-one up to 11. The Andover-One Premier System stacks an Andover-One record player atop an Andover-One upper stand for built-in record storage, with an Andover-One subwoofer on the bottom. The entire stack is in matching furniture-grade walnut, providing a high performance and elegant audio system built around a record player, that takes up minimal floorspace.
You also get the Andover-One Premier System system at 15% off the price of buying the components separately.
QlearSoul ONE-S
Finally (and the third “one” of the day), here is advance notice of an upcoming feature on the QlearSoul ONE-S. After going hands on with the SoulBox S1 component system, QlearSoul sent me its ONE-S to try out. This is a compact all-in-one system with a walnut or black finish cabinet, aluminum trim and fabric speaker mesh. Key features include a four speaker system, Bluetooth and a 2-speed turntable with an Audio Technica AT-3600L cartridge.
Keep an eye on this space in September for a look at the QlearSoul ONE-S.
Missed the previous Record Roundup? You can read Issue 3 here.
