Welcome to what is most likely the final edition of Record Roundup for 2025. On tap for today are RSD Black Friday 2025, a new turntable from Kanto, plus new all-in-one systems from Andover Audio and QlearSoul.
Record Store Day Black Friday 2025
Friday November 27 is Black Friday in the U.S., along with other countries that celebrate the post-Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza. Record Store Day has a series of releases for Black Friday, so don’t forget to check out your local record shop. At the top of my list is the RSD 2025 exclusive Rhino release The Beat at the BBC, a collection of The English Beat’s BBC Radio appearances from 1979-1982 (a double album on clear vinyl).
QlearSoul HiFire X
Audio brand QlearSoul has been laser focused on the retro appeal of record players. The company’s newest offering takes vinyl nostalgia to a new level. The HiFire X is an all-in-one with a pair of bookshelf speakers driven by 100W of power. But what makes this system push more buttons than ever is its design–wood finish speakers and case, with a brushed aluminum front panel, big control knobs and a pair of backlit VU meters. If (like me) you’ve been lusting after vintage Pioneer receivers, you’ll know the look instantly.
I’ll be going hands on with the $429.98 QlearSoul HiFire X over the next few weeks and I’ll let you know just how well those VU meters scratch the retro itch.
Kanto Obi3 Turntable
I’ve had experience in testing the powered speakers from Canada’s Kanto Audio and they sound as good as they look on a desktop. The company carried over its approach of value, minimalist design and interesting colors to its first turntable, the Obi3 (available in black, white or green). Priced at $199, the Obi3 is bound to make an impression in the entry level turntable market. Especially in that green paint job.
For more details about the Kanto Obi3, be sure to read Mark Sparrow’s feature.
Andover Audio Launches SpinPlay Record Player
The team at Andover Audio continues to expand its presence in the turntable market. Over the past decade, the company has released a series of products including the audiophile favorite Andover One all-in-one system, the SpinBase series of speaker systems that sit beneath a turntable, SpinDeck turntables, plus powered speakers and subwoofers. Along with complementary furniture and accessories.
New to the lineup is the SpinPlay Record Player. This is a mashup of sorts, combining a turntable and the 270-degree audio of the SpinBase speakers in a compact all-in-one system. The SpinPlay’s turntable is equipped with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and factory-set counterweight. Audio is provided by a double-amplified, four-driver array for a simulated wide soundstage, while Andover Audio’s patented IsoGroove® vibration-elimination technology ensures even loud volumes don’t interfere with the record being played. A single, oversized control knob dominates the front panel (a remote is also included) and a leather-textured fabric grill in black or white wraps around the system, which is equipped with a durable hard cover.
It’s an all-in-one and technically you could close the lid, unplug the power cable and lug it over to a friend’s place, but it does still offer flexible connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AUX, Line, subwoofer and headphone connections. The new SpinPlay Record Player is available now for $729.
Hands on With Fosi Audio’s New Luna3 Turntable
Finally, I spent much of October spinning vinyl on Fosi Audio’s first entry into the turntable market. The Luna3–with its “glowing” orange acrylic platter mat and matching orange hardware–made an impression.
Missed the last Record Roundup? You can catch up with September 2025’s edition here.
