The sound from the built-in speakers is where the 1byone starts to show its limitations. While it delivers music just fine for casual listening, the overall presentation feels narrow and boxed in. If you’re in a cozy bedroom enjoying some low-volume jazz or acoustic records, it can work, but crank it up in a larger living room, and you’ll quickly notice the lack of width and depth.
One thing that stands out is the modest bass response. It’s decent for casual use, but you won’t feel that punchy low end that makes your heart race or the soundstage that wraps around you. The cabinet vibration from having the speakers and turntable in the same chassis definitely contributes to a muddier sound, which is something separate speakers typically avoid.
I appreciate the clean, tidy design of the 1byone; it feels less disposable than many of the suitcase-style players out there. The belt-drive layout gives it a solid, home-friendly vibe, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to fit a turntable into a small space. Plus, the included dust cover is a nice touch for keeping things protected from day-to-day grime.
Setting up the 1byone is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by the world of hi-fi. The signal chain is already handled for you, so you don’t need to know what a phono preamp does before your first record spins. I’ve seen too many people get bogged down by complicated setups, and this unit eliminates that hurdle entirely.
Even the addition of a 3.5mm aux input adds a little extra flexibility for casual playback. If you just want to throw on a record after a long day or connect your phone for some tunes, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this system is.
04Connectivity & Features
The built-in Bluetooth is a nice bonus for those casual moments when you want to stream music without the hassle of digging out records. However, it can be a little tricky if you’re not familiar with how the send/receive function works, which might confuse some buyers. That said, if you plan to use it primarily for vinyl, the RCA output is where the real value lies.
Having that RCA output means you’re not completely locked into the built-in speakers. You can upgrade to a pair of powered bookshelf speakers later on, which is crucial for anyone who thinks they might want to expand their system down the line. It’s a feature I’d keep my eye on if I were considering this as a long-term setup.
05Upgrade Path / Who It's For
If you’re looking for a tidy first setup for a small space, the 1byone makes a lot of sense. It’s perfect for someone who wants to dip their toes into vinyl without diving headfirst into the complexities of audio gear. However, I can see some users outgrowing it pretty quickly once they start reading about upgrades like stylus options and better phono stages.
This unit is a great stepping stone, but if you’re the type of person who gets excited about gear and wants to explore deeper into the vinyl rabbit hole, you might find yourself eyeing a more robust turntable and speaker combo sooner than later. If that sounds like you, it might be worth skipping this middle step altogether.
