Victrola VPT-800 Automatic Turntable Review

Let’s keep this simple: at less than $200US, there’s simply no better turntable out there at this price point and from a proven manufacturer. There’s simply so much to like about the Victrola VPT-800 automatic turntable, it’s hard for any budding vinyl enthusiast to say ‘no’  to it.

The most obvious and highly advertised selling point of the VPT-800 is its repeat function that works like a champ on a traditional 33 1/3 RPM record. This is a fully automatic player, so it intelligently begins and resets a record seamlessly…super cool to watch in action.

VINYLSTREAM, Victrola’s proprietary Bluetooth streaming technology claims to maintain musical integrity while outputting to compatible devices. Victrola has a stated relationship with Sonos…which I tested via streaming the VPT-800 to a Sonos Move. Depth was strong (thanks to Sonos audio processing), and noticeably better than a built in speaker ‘suitcase’ unit (see: Udreamer review)  in capturing musical nuance. For the curious, yes: the VPT-800 via Sonos sounds like vinyl while streaming.

Important disclaimer: I did experience some odd Bluetooth dropouts that required re-sync from but feet away. Fudging with manual play on the VPT-800 was seemingly(?) the culprit. I will assess traditional bookshelf speaker play via a Klipsch The Three (with an RCA in) at a later date (as not available at time of review).

The VPT-800 has a switchable pre-amp, platter pad, and also an Audio Technica 3600LA head. The AT 3600LA is no joke, ~$50+ alone. Note: if you haven’t used a record player with a high quality needle…you’ll notice the difference immediately. Everything just sounds so much smooooooother.

Related, once you’ve gone automatic, you’re never going back. Having the wand reset upon record completion + easy flip + press to start the subsequent side =  a convenience beyond words. This also ensures practically zero chance of scratching a record along the way.

Other VPT-800 features include a wand manual override (to raise and lower to select songs), also a one button press between Bluetooth and RCA mode.

My complaints are minimal. I would like a little more oomph to build, to include the main power and mode swap button. Second and maybe it’s normal, but the platter connect to the motor via rubber band is a little peculiar…and I worry about band integrity over time. Third and being so light, the VPT-800 must be completely level at all times or skipping will occur.

Finally, the provided RCA cables are pretty meh.  As I wait for the Klipsch, I bought better  Primedia ones to greet it upon arrival (on their way from Amazon).

Final Thoughts

This review was written listening to ‘Bat out Hell 2’ LP, and man, it sounds so much better than its Apple Music digital equivalent on a Studio Monitor (no speaker slouch). Thus and if you’re even considering a move to vinyl, the Victrola VPT-800 is a great place to start. $200US is a steal for its functionality, AT3600LA needle, and general build quality. Just have a proper bookshelf or Sonos-esque speaker (if you’re riding Bluetooth via VINYLSTREAM) for the best experience.

Unboxing Photos