Akai Professional Introduces New BT-500 Turntable
Music production equipment manufacturer Akai Professional has introduced a new belt-drive turntable. The BT-500 offers audiophiles high-quality sound and a range modern features, including wireless Bluetooth streaming, making it the ideal system for the modern mobile DJ who still loves to ‘spin wax’ at home!
Responding to the growing demand for high-performance turntables caused by the resurgence of the vinyl market, Akai Professional has launched a new belt-drive turntable called the BT-500, designed with a stylish walnut finish and plenty of modern features.
By combining modern digital technology and convenience features, the BT-500 becomes a wireless streaming turntable that can send the turntable’s signal to any compatible Bluetooth speaker, while its built-in switchable phono pre-amp means it can also be used with a traditional stereo or connected directly to powered speakers. Mobile DJs who also want to convert their analogue records into digital files can do so by using the on-board software and connecting the system to their computer via the USB port.
The BT-500 offers users two speeds (331/3 and 45 RPM), a 1/8” headphone jack, and gold-plated RCA jacks, as well as being shipped with 45RPM adaptor, USB cable, audio cable and AC adaptor included.
“We’re very excited about the BT-500 turntable and its absolutely unique combination of amazing analogue performance and modern digital technology,” said Dan Gill, Product Manager for Akai Professional. “This is a turntable like no other—a traditional audiophile’s dream coupled with incredible cutting-edge digital capability and convenience, all in one unit.”
While the digital technology and practical features of the BT-500 are appealing for the modern music fan, Akai has also ensured that the turntable offers quality performance, thanks to its quiet belt-drive system, heavy die-cast aluminium platter (for a better signal-to-noise ratio) and low-mass straight tonearm with precision damped cueing. The BT-500 is also fitted with a high-quality pre-mounted magnetic cartridge, as well as adjustable feet and a levelling bubble (for achieving optimum sound through level installation).
The Akai Professional BT-500 will be available from spring 2016 at an SSP of £279.99.