Gone are the days of quiet tech. Now, your sound system can make a serious style statement in your home. At the most recent WOW!house showcase I visited earlier this year, there was even a room dedicated to it — a 'listening library' by design studio Pirajean Lees, created to celebrate the effect music can have on us, as well as the instruments that make it.
And when it comes to those music-makers, none are as relevant right now as record players. A nod to the 70s era that is undoubtedly the big trend right now, turntables feel more deliberate, and somehow more design-forward — even though they're defined by the past. Couple that with beautiful vinyl storage, and you've got the makings of your own listening room.
That's what I like about Gadhouse's newly released Brad Retro MKII Turntables (available exclusively online at Currys). Of course, the riot of colors was what first caught my attention — it elicits an immediate emotional response, just like the sound it produces — but the fact it's portable, USB-C-chargeable, and can connect to Bluetooth only seals the deal. Add in the affordable price point (starting from just £99) and the only real question is: what color are you getting?
As a reimagining of Gadhouse's best-selling model, the Brad Retro MKII Turntable, blends a retro charm with modern convenience, such as an updated motor and belt-drive to ensure a smoother sound.
For true audiophiles, the turntable comes equipped with a custom Gadhouse Ruby stylus, which lets you choose between 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds, accommodating various record types.
While there are an in-built dual speakers for that true analogue experience, the RCA output also means you can also connect external speakers for more high-quality sound in any environment.
If you're particularly familiar with the common vinyl organization mistakes or things people do that risk scratching their records, this turntable comes with adjustable pitch control for that added TLC.
Drawn more to the looks than the actual tech? No judgement here. The Bluetooth connectivity means you can hook up your favorite playlists straight to your record player — no vinyl required.
While you're shopping, have you considered record player storage options? This might not be the most stylish, but with spots to organize your vinyl correctly, it's inconspicuous, leaving your turntable to do the talking.
Want to carve out your own 'listening room' at home? There are plenty of IKEA vinyl storage hacks that will let you design a space, room, or built-in storage that feels custom, cool, and most of all, high-end (minus the usual price tag, of course).
