Entered CNET Catalog: 06/25/2005
SKU: pt01
Manufacturer: Numark Industries
Product summary
The good: Exceptionally lightweight and portable; runs on batteries or AC power; built-in speaker; plays 33rpm, 45rpm, and 78rpm records; includes pitch control, two headphone jacks, and an RCA audio output; solid value.
The bad: Tone arm is delicate; unit could benefit from integrated power.
The bottom line: If you listen to vinyl on the go or just want an affordable and versatile turntable, check out Numark's very likable PT-01.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/30/2006
The Numark PT-01 and the more expensive Vestax Handy Trax are targeted at those who relish the idea of listening to wax at a record store on their own gear. However, the PT-01 is affordable enough for anybody interested in records, and it's portable enough to shuttle between the living room, picnics, the office, the studio, wherever. The built-in mono speaker isn't loud, but it's sufficient for intimate gatherings. Attached to powered speakers and a hi-fi stereo system, the PT-01 sounded excellent. While their sound doesn't match the deftness, solidness, and audio quality of our much heavier Technics, the Numark reminds you why vinyl is still audio king. (Is the better sound quality offered by turntables worth dealing with their old-fashioned quirks? Make Some Noise.)
The player can spin at 33rpm, 45rpm, and 78rpm and includes an adapter for 45s. The delicate tone arm features auto start/stop and a replaceable stylus; of course, you can also lock it down during transport. The small 7-inch platter includes a felt mat and can accommodate 12-inch records; felt "buttons" in four corners away from the platter protect larger records from abrasion. The platter is pretty stable--you can even scratch on it--but the 12-inch record protrudes a few inches past the unit's footprint. You'll find the controller knobs in the lower-right corner. Here you can adjust volume, tone (remember tone?), and RPM, as well as alter pitch by plus or minus 10 percent. Throw another PT-01, battery-powered speakers, and a mixer into the fray and you have yourself a battery-operated party.
Nestled down the back right of the unit are cool output options: 1/4- and 1/8-inch headphone outs, as well as a master stereo RCA out. You'll also find the AC port and the power switch. Underneath the device is a battery compartment that accepts six D cells; they'll add considerably to the unit's weight, but in general, the Numark remains light. We'll update this review with our own battery tests, though Numark hasn't published any claims.
The beauty of the Numark PT-01 is its portability. It has a rugged built-in handle and a cover that locks securely. Though lightweight, the plastic casing is durable and will withstand minor bumps. At 12 by 12 by 3.9 inches, it's narrow enough to fit into record boxes or crates. We only wish that there was a compartment or a mechanism to store the AC adapter; at times, it's an unwelcome straggler.
The Numark PT-01 is a winner as portable turntables go. Though some are beckoned by the Vestax brand, we like the PT-01 better than the Handy Trax for its overall look, feel, and of course, price.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7out of 7 user reviews
Simple system. Tone arm and cartridge are really poor.
Pros: A great gift to receive. A system to get digital files from vinyl is a great idea and this system is pretty easy to use. The audio input for tape decks means it can be used to make digital files from tapes, which is a bonus I haven't used yet.
Cons: Crude tone arm system and cartridge produce poor sound compared to my 35-year old DUAL TT & Shure cartridge. High friction in the tone arm pivot makes hard to balance, and tracking force is high. No dust cover.
Updated on Apr 15, 2010This review relates to the Numark USB TT. Sorry I posted it in wrong place, but now I can't move or remove it.
out of 7 user reviews
This product does well what it was made to do.
Pros: Portability, outputs
Cons: Monitor could be louder
out of 7 user reviews
Good idea, terribly manufactured
Pros: Vinyl to digital. Line inputs.
Cons: Pitch fluctuation issue must be addressed by Numark. IF it isn't this item is simply landfill material.
out of 7 user reviews
Perfect for the DJ who digs in crates
Pros: portable, rugged, small
Cons: volume is a little too low
What this turntable is PERFECT for is listening to records before you buy them.
Yes, many of the vinyl shops I go to have listening stations, but how many times have I been in a thrift store, at a yard sale or junk shop and seen a stack of records and wondered "Hmmm, I wonder if those are any good. I might be missing out on a track I've searched for for years, but how can I be sure.."
And how many times have I bought a record anyway and then taken it home and found out that it's not what I thought it'd be.
Well, with this baby all those problems are a thing of the past. No more guessing. Just bring this along with batteries inside and you'll never miss out on a great track again. Plus it's small enough to fit in my backpack!!
The only small issue I have with it is that the volume isn't too loud, but that's a small problem compared to how much it has liberated my record hunting.
DJ's and sample searchers know that this machine rocks. All others are looking in the wrong place and should stop dissing!!
out of 7 user reviews
plastic junk
Pros: portability
Cons: cheapo ceramic cartridge
out of 7 user reviews
Great for any vinyl junkie like me
Pros: Price, portable, runs on batteries
Cons: Fragile (price for being light weight)
out of 7 user reviews
My review on this
Pros: Portable? Who needs that though and it plays 79 rpm
Cons: Belt drive, low toque,
Well, I'll start my mini review.
Who needs this? I can't honestly think one reason why I would want this as a DJ.
It's belt drive for a start, no one wants this piece of crap as it's impossible to beat-match with, since being belt-driven.
This product is also relatively low torque as it's a budget numark product, (you do get what you pay for!!) don't get me wrong; numark is gaining their way onto higher torque models of good build quality but not up there with the bigger brands like technics.
The review done buy the guy on video told me nothing so I thought I'd just drop in my little review.
I give it a 3/10
-MF
