KORG Handytraxx Tube Portable Record Player

handytraxx tube 

PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER 

Bringing the analog record experience closer to you. 

In a world dominated by digital music,Korg introduces thehandytraxx tube, a record player designed for those captivated by the timeless allure of analog records.  

At a time when many people listen to music on their smartphones through wireless earbuds, thehandytraxx tube bridges the gap between modern convenience and analogue fascination, a love that transcends eras and tastes.  

With built-in stereo speakers, a portable design, and battery operation, thehandytraxx tube delivers a rich, warm sound experience wherever you go. Eachcomponent has been meticulously crafted toprioritise sound quality, including analuminium die-cast platter* for precise and stable rotation, a balanced tone arm featuring an MM cartridge, and a phono amp powered byKorg’s innovativeNutube next-generation vacuum tube.  

Unlike the average turntable, thehandytraxx tubemaximises sound quality with the warmth of a triode vacuum tube and incorporates unique features, whileremaining remarkably compact. 

* Rotating turntable parts 

Rediscover the charm of vinyl 

Have you ever leafed through those old records that you put away in the corner of your room, gazing at the nostalgic jackets and liner notes and wishing that you couldhear the sounds of those records again, if only you had a record player as part of your audio system?  

Whetheryou’re dusting off a cherished collection of classics or exploring new releases, thehandytraxx tube brings the joy of vinyl records to life. Designed for seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike, this all-in-one player combines nostalgia with innovation. You can play yourfavourite records without needing separate amps or speakers, offering a seamless listening experience straight out of the box. 

Although the media on which music is played in recent years has moved from CDs to streaming, more people are discovering, or rediscovering, the charm of vinyl records. We are seeing not only revival and remastered versions but also new releases on vinyl, with these records being sold in record stores alongside used records. Vinyl record sales outperformed CDs in the US for the first time since 1987. Just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in 2022, to the tune of $1.2bn (£.99bn). Only 33 million CDs were sold, amounting to $483m. It was the 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales. 

Listen with outstanding sound 

Thehandytraxx tube goes beyond standard turntables to deliver an elevated listening experience with a compact form. Itsaluminium die-cast platter ensures precise and stable rotation, enablingaccurate and consistent playback of yourfavourite records. To achieve superior rotational stability, the player uses a belt-drive system complemented by specially developed software that constantlymonitors pitch and speed,maintainingoptimal performance. 

Key elements that influence sound quality, such as the needle and cartridge, have been meticulously designed. The tone arm features a universal type with a replaceableheadshell, allowing users to experiment with different cartridges and sound profiles. The adjustable counterweight ensures precise needle pressure, accommodating cartridges with a recommended pressure of 4 grams or lower. Shipped with a pre-installed JICO J44A 7* MM-type cartridge, thehandytraxx tube offers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking performance right out of the box. Users can also enjoy the flexibility of upgrading to other MM or ceramic cartridges forcustomised sound. 

Thehandytraxx tube providescustomisable bass and treble controls with carefully designed frequency bands, letting users easily create their desired sound. These controlsmaximise the tonal richness of analogue records, enhancing the unique characteristics of each track. The built-in stereo speakers are designed to deliver a flat response withoptimal volume, ensuring clear and balanced audio for an immersive listening experience anywhere. This thoughtful combination of features makes thehandytraxx tube a standout choice for enjoying analogue records. 

*J44A 7 

The J44A 7 is a popular MM cartridge made by renowned manufacturer JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) that produces a dynamic and powerful bass sound with a solid core. The accompanying record stylus N44-7 IMP SD uses a synthetic solid diamond tip. The cantilever allows you to experience outstanding tracking performance. 

Phono equalizer with next-generation tube performance 

At the heart of thehandytraxx tube is its integrated phono amplifier, featuringKorg’s innovativeNutube vacuum tube technology. This next-generation design not only enriches the audio with warm harmonics but also adds a lifelike depth and clarity to every record. Vacuum tubes, once a staple in high-quality audio, are becoming increasingly rare and expensive due to the decline in supporting technologies.Recognising this,Korg developed theNutube vacuum tube to bring a modern solution to the timeless appeal of vacuum tube sound. 

Thephono equalizer within thehandytraxx tube plays an indispensable role in achieving exceptional sound quality. Designed to bring out the original sound of your records, it adds pleasant harmonics characteristic of vacuum tubes for a rich, immersive sonic experience. The TUBE control allows you to fine-tune the harmonics, letting you find the perfect tonal balance to suit your listening preferences. Built directly into thehandytraxx tube, this phono amplifier ensures both convenience and performance, with the option to connect to a typical stereo system via line output or usededicated phono output jacks for audio enthusiasts who prefer their own external equalizers. This versatility caters to both casual listeners and devoted vinyl aficionados. 

Take vinyl anywhere 

Portability is a key feature of thehandytraxx tube.With a footprint similar to an A3 sheet of paper and a weight of just 3kg/6.5lbs without batteries, it’s designed to accompany you wherever your music takes you. It can be powered by an AC adapter or six AA batteries, making it versatile and convenient for use at home or on the go. The included dust cover provides protection and ensures the player is always ready for use, whetherit’s set up permanently in your room or taken on your travels. 

The unit includes stereo speakers (with an on/off switch) and a headphone jack, so you can enjoy listening to records even whenit’s late at night.

 Convert vinyl to digital 

Thehandytraxx tube enables you to preserve yourfavourite records in digital format. By connecting the player to a computer with a USB cable, you can use audio recording software, such as Audacity, todigitise your vinyl collection. This feature lets you enjoy the warmth of vinyl even whenyou’re on the move, transferring yourdigitised tracks to portable audio players for easy access. 

Note: Software for recording is not included,but  freeware and commercially available software is easily available for this purpose.  

Note: Audacity is a registered trademark of Dominic Mazzoni http://www.audacityteam.org 

Celebrating Hi-Fi audio excellence: JICO collaboration model “handytraxx tube J” 

Celebrating Hi-Fi audio excellence, thehandytraxx tube includes a special collaboration with JICO, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality analogue audio products. The pre-installed JICO J44A 7 cartridge delivers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking. For thoseseeking an even richer Hi-Fi experience, the exclusive “Tube J” model features JICO’sstate-of-the-art Clipper cartridge, offering unparalleled playback quality. 

*JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) 

JICO is a manufacturer of high-quality record styluses, cartridges, and other analog-related products using the outstanding technology for which Japan is famous. Their meticulously designed products maximize the appeal of analog sound sources and have been highly acclaimed by record lovers in 120 countries over the past 50 years. With its precise and exacting manufacturing processes and thorough quality control, the company embodies timeless and inherited “craftsmanship”. 

Specifications 

Drive System 

Belt drive system (with CPU controlled rotation compensation function) 

Drive Motor 

DC Servo Motor 

Rotation Speed 

33-1/3, 45, 78 RPM 

Platter 

AluminumDie-Cast 

Wow and Flutter 

< 0.15% (WTD) at 3kHz 

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio) 

>60dB (DIN-B) 

Cartridge Type 

MM Type Stereo Cartridge (JICO J44 A7) 

Needle pressure 

1.5 g to 3.0 g 

Effective Length of Tonearm  

190mm 

Output Level 

Phono: 420~750 mV (Gain MAX, TUBE VR MIN)
 

Line:Max+14.75dBu THD 1% 

Headphones:Max70mW (32 ohms) THD 1% 

Speakers:Max2.5W (THD 1%, 4Ω) x2 

PHONO Preamp 

Gain: 38dB 

Equalizer Characteristics: RIAA 

Tone Control 

Bass: 130Hz, ±8dB 

Treble: 5.5kHz, ±8dB 

Tube Control 

Gain: 0 ~ 6dB 

USB Audio 

Output: 2ch, PCM 44.1kHz/48kHz 16-bit, USB 2.0 (Full Speed) 

Power Consumption 

2.35W 

Power Supply 

AC Adapter, Six AA Batteries (Alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries) 

Battery Life 

Approximately 11 hours (Speaker: ON, MAIN VOLUME knob: Center, using alkaline batteries) 

Weight 

2.8kg / 6.17lbs (with Dust Cover, without Batteries) 

External Dimensions 

370 x 280 x118mm
/ 14.57” x 11.02” x 4.65” 

370 x 286.25 x118 mm / 14.57” x 11.27” x 4.65” (includinglid)  

Included Items 

AC Adapter, AC Adapter Replacement Plugs (5 types), Dust Cover, Platter, Belt, Record Mat, EP Adapter,Headshell, Cartridge (pre-installed onheadshell), Counterweight, Platter Securing Cap 

*Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. 

*All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.