Sound Burger portable record player returns from the ’80s with Bluetooth, USB-C
Enlarge / Audio-Technica's 2022 Sound Burger. (credit: Audio-Technica)
Vinyl is far from dead. Just ask your most nostalgic audiophile friend, old-school uncle, or even Taylor Swift. And for those who prefer their vinyl with some modern-day comforts, there's the revival of the Sound Burger, Audio-Technica's portable record player.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America's Mid-Year 2022 report (PDF), vinyl is continuing a trend initiated in 2020, when vinyl revenue surpassed CD revenue-a state of affairs we haven't seen since 1986, according to the RIAA [PDF]. The RIAA reported that vinyl revenue grew 22 percent in the first half of this year to $570 million, outpacing CDs ($200 million) and representing physical music's largest revenue share.
Japanese audio brand Audio-Technica has seemingly taken note of this trend and has decided to rerelease its Sound Burger portable record player. The product is one of several that the company is releasing to celebrate its 60th birthday. Based on a plate on the player's side, the company is producing just 7,000 units.