Unboxing the Victrola Hawthorne feels like a breath of fresh air, especially for someone who just wants to enjoy their vinyl without a bunch of technical hurdles. You plug it in, set it down, and within minutes, you’re dropping a record on the platter and grooving to your favorite tunes. It’s the kind of setup that makes you wonder why you ever put off getting a turntable in the first place.
This player’s simplicity is its charm. For anyone living in a small space like a dorm or a cozy apartment, the Hawthorne fits right in without demanding too much attention or effort. It’s a plug-and-play experience that means you can start listening the same night you unbox it, which is a huge plus for beginners.
Now, let’s talk about the sound. The built-in speakers are a double-edged sword—they’re super convenient, but they hit their limits pretty quickly. While they get the job done for casual listening, you won’t be getting any earth-shattering bass or crystal-clear highs here. If you crank up the volume, things can get a bit muddy, and you’ll notice the lack of stereo separation.
The suitcase design is cute and functional—it has that retro vibe that makes it visually appealing. The carry handle is a nice touch, making it easy to move around your space or tuck away when you’re done spinning records. However, you might find that the lightweight suitcase cabinet can transmit vibrations, especially if you have it on a less stable surface.
In practice, this means that if you live in a small apartment and have it on a shaky shelf, higher volumes can lead to some unwanted feedback. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you plan to use this in a less-than-ideal setup.
04Connectivity & Features
The Victrola Hawthorne does give you some options beyond the built-in speakers, with an RCA line-out and a headphone jack. This means you can bypass the built-in sound if you decide to upgrade your setup later on, which is a nice lifeline for those who might outgrow the player. Just be aware that the Bluetooth functionality is a bit of a mixed bag—it often works as an input for streaming music to the unit, rather than sending vinyl audio to Bluetooth speakers.
If you’re counting on Bluetooth to stream your vinyl collection to wireless headphones or speakers, make sure you verify that before you buy. It’s a common pitfall, and while it’s great to have the option, it’s not the selling point you might think it is.
For everyday listening, the Hawthorne shines in its simplicity. It’s perfect for those lazy afternoons when you just want to kick back and enjoy some music without fussing over gear. It’s great for playing thrift-store finds or the occasional new release, and as long as you keep your expectations in check, you’ll have a pleasant experience.
However, if you find yourself diving deeper into the world of vinyl, you might quickly outgrow this player. It’s great for casual, low-maintenance listening, but once you start investing in better pressings, you may find the sound quality holding you back.
06Upgrade Path / Who It’s For
The Hawthorne is definitely aimed at beginners or those who don’t want to deal with the complexities of a full-fledged audio setup. If you’re just starting your vinyl journey and need something that doesn’t require a shopping list of accessories, this player fits the bill. It’s ideal for light use and casual listening, but I wouldn’t recommend it as your main deck for valuable records.
If your goal is to enjoy records without getting too serious about it, you’ll likely be fine for a while. But if you start to invest in cleaner pressings and want to elevate your listening experience, you may find yourself looking for something like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK, which offers a more solid long-term path without the compromises of a suitcase design.
