Due to the overwhelming response for the limited edition SB2022, Audio-Technica has released the AT-SB727 to make the once vintage Sound Burger available to anyone who wants to purchase it for its retail price of S$288.
Unboxing
Apart from the AT-SB727, you also get the following:
- USB-A to USB-C cable (1.5m)
- RCA audio cable (1.2m)
- 45 RPM adapter (not pictured)
Design and build quality
The AT-SB727 looks almost identical to the original that was launched in the 1980s, except that Audio-Technica didn’t include some sort of carry bag. With the AT-SB727, there are three colours to choose from – (1) black, (2), yellow, and (3) white. The unit I have is the white model.
The overall build of the AT-SB727 is made from plastic, the round feet located on the bottom of the turntable are made of felt-like material. The feet seem to be more for vibration dampening than to keep the AT-SB727 sturdy on the surface as the turntable can slide about if the surface is smooth. The battery, located at the bottom, in the AT-SB727 is also removable which makes it more easily replaceable in the future.
The AT-SB727 comes with quite some parts that you’d have to remove when playing music. First, you have the tonearm fixing screw to remove in order to move the tonearm (you can probably keep it removed if you do not intend to move the AT-SB727 around). Second, the 45 RPM adapter if you play LP records. Lastly, the protector on the cartridge stylus tip. It would be nice if the AT-SB727 had some compartment to store these loose parts.
Connectivity
Your records can have its audio output in two ways – (1) wired via 3.5mm AUX, or (2) Bluetooth 5.2. You are limited to a strict wired or wireless setup as there is no button to switch per se. If you have a cable plugged into the 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth is disabled.
Connecting to a Bluetooth speaker requires you to put both your Bluetooth speaker and the AT-SB727 in pairing mode. After which, both devices should make a connection automatically. The way to tell that a connection has been made is either via prompts on the Bluetooth speaker or the LED light on the AT-SB727 stop blinking.
As there are no volume controls on the AT-SB727, the volume of your music coming from either your wired or Bluetooth speaker is strictly dependent on the speaker. Speakers typically have onboard volume control, but if you are using headphones they might not have it. If you are going via the wired route, you might want to consider hooking the AT-SB727 up to an amplifier (which maybe why Audio-Technica included a RCA audio cable instead).
Listening experience
The AT-SB727 supports playback of both 45 RPM and LP records. I only have LP records with me, so my experience will be based on that. As the AT-SB727 is small turntable, the steps needed to play an LP is a little more than a large turnable. First, you open the lid and swing the tonearm out. Second, place the record on, and close the lid. Lastly, you can finally power on the AT-SB727, and swing the tonearm back on the edge of your LP for music to start playing.
Listening to Bee Gees Timeless LP was an enjoyable experience. Vocals were delivered cleanly and the overall audio just had a comfortable warmth to it, while a Spotify stream of the same song delivered a little more brightness. But let’s face it – if you heavily prioritise on audio quality I’d think you’d already own a turntable to play the LPs you have. I don’t anyone who intends to get a AT-SB727 will be carrying it around along with the large vinyl records.
Battery life
The AT-SB727 is rated to last 12 hours on a full charge, and coincidentally enough it takes a whopping 12 hours to charge the battery back fully. The AT-SB727 charges via USB-C. If you don’t intend to bring the AT-SB727 out of your house, you could probably just leave it plugged in.
Conclusion
Turntables typically take up quite some space whether is it on your desk or on a sideboard. The AT-SB727 becomes a space saving device to play your vinyl records that you may have collected in the past. I also see the AT-SB727 as some sort of display item as a “furniture” for you house due to its vintage design.