CES 2015

If your home is filled with an array of Bluetooth speakers, you know the challenge of introducing “new” technology into your system. Since everything old is new again, Ion Audio has just introduced a vinyl turntable with a Bluetooth output so you can wirelessly break out your old LPs and 45s.

These days, few stereo systems have a phono input, so the Air LP converts the output of the turntable into a digital signal and then transmits it via Bluetooth. It also has a USB output so you can convert the sound into a digital file and then store them on your computer. It supports up to 16-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV files. In addition, there are RCA outputs and a headphone jack. It can play and convert 33-⅓, 45 and 78 rpm albums.

“With vinyl album sales on the rise and the increasing popularity of Bluetooth speakers, we wanted to connect the best of both worlds and create a wireless way to enjoy your records. Air LP’s innovative design puts vinyl records on an entirely new wavelength; our customers are going to love this modern update to the traditional turntable” said Wendy Fortin, ION Product Manager.

I was about to say that at least it doesn’t also have a cassette output, but through its ⅛” aux input, you could connect and convert from an external cassette player or reel-to-reel. It will retail for $150 when it becomes available in March.

The Ion Air LP won’t revolutionize the audio world - I doubt it has Burr-Brown’s best quality AD convertors or Shure’s top-of-the-line cartridge, but for someone just jumping onto the vinyl bandwagon, it’s an easy way to get started wirelessly.