OVERVIEW
The importance of having a quality portable turntable is obvious for anyone who has ever seriously looked for or collected records. It's the key element for record buying trips (especially at flea markets and that record warehouse in the sky); plus it's the missing piece of equipment that frees your records to go wherever you want. Listen before you buy, and play them anywhere -what could be better? For years, collectors have been hoarding children's portables and hard to find Japanese models; now Vestax has finally made a high grade portable available to the general public.

OUR OPINION
The Handy Trax is a well thought-out machine, designed with input from collectors and djs. As a result, it is easy to use, surprisingly durable, and has a host of sensible features. For most, the top feature will be the powerful, full sounding stereo headphone output. It's plenty loud enough and sound quality will not have you second guessing what the record "really sounds like." Headphones get an A+. You can also plug the Handy Trax into your receiver or stereo system with its standard RCA outs, so it's possible to double as a home unit. Listening on the built-in speaker is definitely a last resort, but even that is good enough to fill up a small space like a bedroom. Other functions include a strong pitch control knob and effective tone control (just low/high, but it's enough to remove scratchy hiss). The Handy Trax also features a 3.5mm input which allows you to play another source through the turntable's speaker. It is powered either by an included, detachable power plug or six "D" batteries.

The Handy Trax gets the job done and it comes with just about every feature that djs and collectors have asked for. If you need to justify such a luxury purchase, just think of the number of bad records you won't buy with this thing in your possession. It'll pay for itself in no time and make your collection better while you're at it. And aside from the obvious, the possibilities are endless- this gives you bedside listening flexibility, stoopside action in the warm weather and trips to the park. For now, it's as close to an ipod as the record world is going to get.

- built-in speaker
- plays 33, 45 and 78 RPM (78 stylus not included)
- basic pitch control
- basic tone control
- standard RCA output
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 3.5mm input
- runs on 6 "C" batteries or an AC adaptor (included)
- includes cartridge, protective cover
- size: 14.25 x 10.5 x 3.75
- weight: 4 lbs

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by mgmnt