Victrola VPRO-3100 Pro USB turntable review & test

This video is not sponsored by Victrola / Innovative Technology. I paid for the turntable with my own money.
Additional notes:
* The same design is being sold outside the USA as the JVC AL-F58S, Audizio RP310, ProCaster LP-101, and JB Hi-Fi Flea Market 2 (FMTT2). So if you're interested in this turntable but it's not available in your country, see if those other models are.
* The software on the included CD is Audacity for Windows (Vista and newer) and Mac OS (10.6 and newer). You can download it from www.audacityteam.org/ if your computer doesn't have an optical drive.
* To my ears, the USB and analog line-level outputs sounded the same.
* I also pointed out to Victrola two mistakes in the instruction manual: they show using a screwdriver to remove the stylus (not necessary and may cause damage; as I show in the video, it can be easily removed by hand), and claim the stylus should last for 50 hours of playing time in normal use (according to Audio-Technica it's actually good for 400 hours).
* The motor is mounted on three rubber grommets instead of only two in the AT-LP60-style turntables, which should help to reduce wow & flutter (less chance for the motor to wobble on its mounts).
#vinyl #turntable #RetroTech

[@wilkes85]

It's always nice to see turntables like this being released. For a while the only two options were "complete junk" and "ultra mega high end".

[@Aimede]

wilkes85 it's another iteration of the hanpin design of the 90's with a different arm design, but for its value it is fairly correct

[@xaenon]

wilkes85 You, sir, get it. I've already seen a ton of hate directed at this - all based on the fact that it's not some fiddly, ultra-snooty high end turntable. For the price, I think it's very nicely featured.

[@vwestlife]

Aimede, this turntable does not appear to share any parts with the Hanpin (AT-LP60-style) turntables. But there is an almost identical JVC turntable being sold outside of the U.S.: www.mistergooddeal.com/nav/achat/hifi_video/elements_separes/platine_disque/jvc_al-f58s.html

[@Aimede]

VWestlife oh, a chance I didn't bet it was 😁. The controls and the general design and the inners was hinting me it was a Hanpin declination.

[@Aimede]

xaenon no hate for this, my parents had a little Aiwa on that design that still works (might need a new belt though) and have not crunched yet their records. 😁

[@rjonzun5828]

You are awesome! Great job identifying the design flaws and contacting the manufacturer. I was impressed with their reply as well.

[@joannaatkins822]

A simply marvellous review, thank you for making it! I find your reviews very beginner friendly and educational whilst still covering the important aspects for advanced enthusiasts. You have an approachable manner and an attention to detail that mark you as a high quality reviewer. It's a surprise you don't have more people subscribed!

[@jamespoole7490]

I’ve got this turntable pleased to say that the issue with the lid closed is fixed now.

[@MrSputtel]

Thank you for providing reviews for midrange and entry level products. It's good to have people who won't dismiss these products immediately and tell you that you need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy vinyl records.

[@paulyh4531]

Wow customer service is usually dead now days good they replied , good video 👍👍

[@gabesyt4863]

And you can tell it's a real person and not just some auto-reply thing.

[@mikegross6107]

In the latest audio/video magazine I cannot, for the life of me fathom paying the outlandish prices those companies are charging for their "hi-fi" equipment! I cancelled my subscription because it was making me an anti hi-fi enthusiast. And besides I WASN'T LEARNING ANYTHING from that magazine that I couldn't learn from people like you on the internet! Thank you.

[@apl175]

I have to admit, I bought one from Amazon after this review, and have already gone to Goodwill twice to scrounge for classical baroque and early music records - so far I'm loving it! Upgraded LP GEAR stylus coming this week on recommendation too!

[@alkestos]

How did you end up liking the new stylus?

[@SpuddySpud]

I do like your no nonsense approach to reviewing and explaining gear on your channel.

[@ellijahminogue344]

Was looking for a gift to get my friend for her birthday next month. She’s just getting into vinyl (courtesy of me) and currently only has a Crosley Cruiser, because that’s all she could afford. I promised her that I’d buy her a new turntable for her birthday, and now I think I just found the perfect one. Although, the whole tonearm thing is kind of a bother, it seems like a very nice starter turntable. Gonna see if I can find myself one and give it to her. Thanks for making this video, VW! You made gift shopping a lot easier, lmao.

[@BilisNegra]

Every time there's audio samples on your videos I feel an urge to listen to some of the tracks in full right after. I must praise your taste in music.

[@01chippe]

I have purchased quite a few of the albums I’ve heard on this channel.

[@oliverlotus]

I love your turntable reviews / tests! Keep up the good work!

[@bf0189]

Great no BS review as usual. This would definitely be a great beginner turntable or secondary bedroom turntable. I’m glad they took your critiques seriously as well.

[@ruskreeder2434]

A very balanced and complete review. Excellently edited and presented.

[@Babrablack]

I absolutely love your channel and it has really helped me decide that this is the turntable I wish to go for. it's also currently $58 on amazon. Thank you!!!

[@richiepickstock]

Nice video! Loved watching these vids before my uni lectures. Keep up the good work!

[@will.a.benjamin]

Thanks for the review. I just ordered this turntable and it's nice to see it's good quality for the price and will be great for my needs.

[@arnmusicman]

Great video! I'll probably be recommending this table to anyone who's looking for an affordable way to get into records without buying a Crosley. I also have to mention that your video where you mentioned that you replaced the anti-skate spring on your LP-120 inspired me to order a replacement spring which I'll be replacing within the next week.

[@vwestlife]

atoxique, watch the end of the video where I explain why a turntable like this is actually better for a beginner than one with a tonearm that needs to be balanced and adjusted.

[@JPilot2]

G'day, VWestlife! Thumbs up! Fabulous job! Enjoyed seeing new budget options, and reviewing Victrola VPRO-3100 "It's the best new turntable under $100!!" Thank you! Cheers! 😊💿❤️✌🏼

[@bigstickoscar3565]

great review dude, we need more reviewers like you

[@slmjm8849]

Good god im in love with your channel. Quality stuff!

[@Jacksirrom]

PUT ON THAT REGA CARBON STYLUS AAAAAAYOOOOOOOOO AUDIOPHILE APPROVED MY DUDE

[@jdjd167]

Is this the same Rega Carbon Stylus in the video? (Rega Replacement Stylus for Carbon Cartridge - RP1) www.amazon.com/Rega-Replacement-Stylus-Carbon-Cartridge/dp/B00EO5X74S/

[@vwestlife]

Yes.

[@yorkemar]

The rega carbon stylus is identical to the Audio Technica stylus..its badge engineered at...the LPGear elliptical replacement however will give a possibly a clearer sound...

[@michaelcruz7704]

pls do a cd or dvd player tweaks.

[@stereoguy]

I was going to spend a few more bucks on Audio Technica's LP60 because I wanted good quality and not just a toy like the "case portable player". This video came at last moment and I'm very happy to save a few bucks but maintaining quality. *Thanks a lot for including audio samples straight from the player!!!! That was huge help* Great review, mate.

[@stereoguy]

I bought by accident the JAM SpunOut turntable too, any advice on which one should I keep? @VWestlife

[@davarosmith1334]

Your email to Victrola must have worked! I got one a month ago , before it arrived this video is the one that popped up on KZbin . I watched it to see what I was getting. My one when it arrived was like you said was a pain in the arse to get the lid on. What I'm on about your email to Victrola must have worked as , I was put off closing the lid while playing a record. I'm happy to say the tone arm doesn't lift as high as your one. Victrola must have took note of your email or watched your video!

[@GrandMasterAbe]

I will definitely cop this. Thank you for this review!

[@ChrisXif1]

Thoroughly enjoy your reviews!!

[@tgforty5]

Thanks for the heads up for the Columbus Day discount! I bought one based on your excellent review. Looking forward to just playing and enjoying records without all the audiophile anxiety.

[@lesrogers7310]

Good on you sir. Just enjoy the music!

[@Livewire91]

Awesome video again Vwestlife. Wow this is actually a really amazing tt for the price, when the flaws are fixed it surely is the best tt for it's price range. Looking at amazon the black version costs only 88 dollars.

[@PinoyPadyakero]

Very thoughtful and thorough review of the turntable

[@jdekong3945]

You are always really fair with your reviews I think

[@videomentaryproductionschannel]

As usual a great video, and proper attention to detail, and not silly nick picking, but helpful information 😊

[@richardmorgan1588]

That you for posting! This product will get more folks discovering the joy of vinyl records!

[@paul1153]

Nice work Kevin.

[@purplesabbath9057]

All these years I've been watching your content, and I never knew your name was Kevin until this video. LOL.

[@jmurray01]

As a side note I always love seeing the records you play on these reviews, I'm surprised more artists didn't release their albums on coloured/patterned vinyl as opposed to plain black, unless the production costs were prohibitive.

[@bradygiltz5160]

Because it's black...more classic and cooooll

[@lesrogers7310]

I think this looks and sounds fine. This is the sort of equipment we need to see that will (hopefully) encourage people to take up vinyl. Like you said 'it's not perfect'....but then, what is? Thank you for the fantastic review.

[@stevewhitcher6719]

excellent video as allways! Nice to see a not so crapophone in current production

[@IAmNeomic]

Even as an audiophile, I love seeing new budget options pop up. Like any product, the more competitive and featured these lower-end options get, the better for the consumer. At some point, even some of the mid-range and high-end brands will need to bring their prices down, or come up with other features to make them stand out from the budget options in order to compete. Honestly, even if you're a huge snob, buy a few of these cheaper models and throw them on Ebay. Get the sales numbers of these budget options up to continue driving the competition.

[@IAmNeomic]

Dark - I actually do somewhat agree with you. Vinyl isn't the best medium for music. The issue is that the "Loudness War" has destroyed modern CDs and digital releases. You can't press a vinyl anywhere near as hot as some modern masters, so usually there will be much more dynamic range on the vinyl option. Trust me, if I could get some of my favorite albums in hi-res WITHOUT awful compression, I totally would. Vinyl for me is a fall-back.

[@MicahS70T5M]

I am happy that the budget turntable market is growing, that will definitely help to get newbies into the hobby. Dark, I’m not sure what you mean by audiophiles being walking jokes. Is it because we claim that we can “hear the difference”? I’ll tell you it’s because we can. Go to your local HiFi shop and give some of their gear a listen, and then go home and play the same songs on yours. Guarantee you’ll hear the difference. Lassi, I can hear the difference between a cheap and expensive TT. Just saying. I’m not trying to start an argument, and I’m not going to argue if someone wants me to, the above information is strictly FWIW.

[@IAmNeomic]

Many things about vinyl generally come down to personal preference. Vinyl is usually mastered with a warmer, more dynamic sound that a lot of people prefer over the loud, aggressive sounding digital versions. Pressing a -6dB digital master to a vinyl record would be a disaster. And the people who say they can hear a difference CAN, because every turntable is going to sound slightly different because of the parts, the stylus, the DAC, amplifier, receiver. It's the nature of analog; There are so many variables to turntables that sometimes you can even take two of the exact same model and get slightly different results. Usually within a dB or two, but sometimes that's enough to sway people.

[@IAmNeomic]

I never refuted that they "would" do a loudness war with vinyl, they clearly would if it were possible to press vinyl that hot. So I don't know why you tried to make that point. And no, it's not just "crappy pop music" getting mastered loud. Soundtracks, scores, classical, jazz (though I'm not sure what "handsup" is, even tried to Google it). It's almost a rarity now days to find a release with more than a DR7, regardless of it's genre.

[@apatia29]

Cool track from Reptar, never heard from them before. Very useful review.

[@mnmtk]

Yeaaah! A new video about audio equipment.

[@bosmanragga51]

I like it when you say "The factory will need to re-design this post to be not as tall..."that's a proper recommendation

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

I will wait the improvement thanks for the video. Look a nice little turntable

[@douglasallen9428]

In spite of the little annoyances with this turntable, it would be a significant upgrade from my current TT - an ION "Compact LP" unit - nonetheless. Excellent job, Kevin!!!

[@douglasallen9428]

PS: Now I really want one for Christmas!!!

[@justandras.]

Great video, a friend of mine is looking for a new turntable, and this looks like a perfect one for her, sad thing is that I can't find any retailers in europe. We might have to import it. Thanks for bringing the turntable to my attention, I love these vids about cheap turntables, even if i would never use one.

[@CommodoreFan64]

Awesome stuff, I'll have to keep this in mind when I have some extra money to further my record collection, as I was given a few crates of records after my sister got divorced she no longer wanted, and I've been on the hunt for a cheap, but decent quality turntable. 👍🙂

[@RandomDude655]

Wow Victrola is finally moving up from rebadged Crosley Cruisers and all in ones. That's nice to see. Great video by the way!

[@demonufo]

Everything is rebadged at this level. They're all made in one of two Chinese factories. Crosley, Victrola, GPO, Akai, Zennox, Xenta, Steepletone, Ion, even Audio Technica etc. etc. None of these names make a single thing. All badge engineering.

[@maineboy1979]

Thanks for doing this review! I hope IT will fix the various defects and design flaws; however, even if they do fix those things, I feel that the AT LP60 is still a better overall value than the VPRO-3100, for a few reasons: 1) Antiskating. Even though the difference might not be overtly audible while listening to records, a turntable without antiskating will produce uneven wear on the diamond and the records, and if you can avoid uneven wear, why wouldn't you? (It's also worth noting that even though the original U-Turn Orbit didn't have antiskating, they designed it so that the tension of the tonearm wires produced a moderate antiskating force.) 2) When AT says their turntable is fully automatic, they're not lying, and full automation is a very useful feature for those of us who drink too much coffee (shaky hands) or people who are a bit clumsy. 3) Metal platter. Thin plastic platters can potentially warp over time. I've experienced this with entry-level turntables from Crosley and Aiwa. The metal platter of the LP60 won't warp. 4) On-off switch for the built-in preamp. This isn't a big deal for most people, but it's nice to have the option.

[@cdoublejj]

when i hear those MP3 quality AKA no static clips from records i remember why i subscribed, just like those DVD quality VHS clips. showing us what analog sounds and looks like when you open the throttle!

[@randysong6210]

Nice review! Certainly a good alternative to the AT LP60. Its nice to see another budget but decent product. Mechanism looks like an updated version of Ion Profile Pro, just with start/stop button and removable cartridge.

[@wrnchhead76]

I can’t even believe they are going to fix it. That’s amazing.

[@somecoder3054]

Pretty good overall package for the price. The brand doesn't really affect me since I'm aware of the actual history and I don't care, but the actual turntable itself looks worth the living room, but the scratching on the cover is something they should fix in the future before I buy one. This will probably be hopefully the case for future batches.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Well I just bought one of these from Walmart yesterday and I can assure you that they have NOT fixed either of the two issues you pointed out in this video.... I only bought one because I was almost certain Victrola would have fixed these issues by now, but they haven't... I will be returning this unit to Walmart .

[@misterhat5823]

While it's great that someone replied to your message, they shouldn't be leaving the factory with such flaws.

[@half-manhalf-amazing]

Great video and great review. Happy to subscribe.

[@cjmarsh504]

Thanks for identifying the flaws on this product

[@fmphotooffice5513]

Excellent review as always. To be a fly on the wall at the fist fight between the dust cover height and the tone arm return departments... Nice touch, btw, you also verified it plays all the vinyl colors equally well. (joke)

[@marrieddyke]

Solid video. I like the look of this thing well enough, it seems like the cheapy-chips turntables are trying a lot harder lately.

[@charlesdorval394]

+1 for the original discount code's Commodore reference hehehe great review, thank you !

[@adrianoclincho1852]

Man you hàve some great records the Queen 45 and Roy Orbison sound great on that turntable love your channel hi from Ireland✌️💓🇨🇮🎸

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Well done review. I really like the colored vinyl at the end of the video. You ya e so many nice albums, did a lot of these come from thrift shops or bargain bins? I have found quite a few good sounding albums at the thrift store but from mostly vague or unheard of artist, at least to me anyways, however, I still like them because their unique.

[@pileggitech]

Great video. I love it when manufactures listen to people that review their products.

[@WEIRDmx]

*Hi! What do you think about the Victrola VM-100C-CLR - Do you recomend it? Thank you!*

[@gotthefeelin]

I've seen some bad design in my time, but the lid is ridiculous! The saying "you get what you pay for" certainly applies to turntables. Fantastic reviews by the way, keep up the good work!

[@nightbirdds]

Does it pass the Daft Punk test, though?

[@vwestlife]

Almost. It did not skip on "Da Funk", but did skip on "Around The World", whereas the AT-LP60 skips on both. So it's better, but still not perfect. But like I said before, that Homework album was really only meant to be played by DJs with professional equipment. It was released in 1997 when they did not expect average consumers to be playing it on sub-$100 turntables.

[@nightbirdds]

That's still not bad at all, really. If that turntable proves to be reliable, it really should be considered as defacto for the $100 beginner's turntable. I'm also curious to know if even with the limited headshell if you can replace the cartridge at all. With a fixed counterweight you'd have to find one with the same weight as the 3600 and roughly the same screw placement, but there may be a handful that could fit. I'm not sure if you'd want to follow this up, but it was worth mentioning since you've got one in hand. Nice work as always, man.

[@HR-zr4tc]

If stylus skips a groove, it's due to bad setup or cartridge and tonearm mismatch.

[@rat9625]

I want to say there's a rerelease of homework that doesn't skip@@vwestlife

[@corntastrophy]

@@vwestlife That's odd, Da Funk never skipped on mine, but Around The World did. But surprisingly it took Rollin and Scratchin great. As well as RAM

[@stonent]

If the cartridge is not easily upgradable then that may be why the lack of the adjustable balance. They would not have to worry about you putting something with a different weight on the end of the tone arm. Likely the choice of not featuring an adjustable balance drove the other decision. The adjustable balance would cost more than the changes to the mount.

[@jcmolero71]

Do yo have tested the Victrola revolution go? It looks good

[@vwestlife]

No, but Record-ology has tested it.

[@bobz1736]

Nice review sir 😁

[@MusicBoxVinyl]

Great video!

[@nickmoreno3885]

Very thorough!

[@bikdav]

I like your laser disc anti-skate test. That lid problem can be solved with a higher lid assembly.

[@acerbt]

Does the upgraded stylus require a lower tracking force than the standard one? I've herd somewhere that it does but I'm not sure.

[@reginaldlawrence412]

Great video I think that a great turntable.

[@joefil1991]

Jawbreaker in a VWestlife video... sweet!

[@jmontgomery8969]

Coupon code is still good. Got mine 3 days ago. Bought the black model (VERY high gloss black) with a few scuffs from manufacturing (no biggie). Works as advertised. Tracks at 3.25 grams with the AT3600L supplied. You're absolutely right...the buttons seem to be ass backward..but I'm sure you'll get use to the strange layout. Checked it with a strobe disk and it seems to be right on the money. The dust cover is just too shallow (thanks for the tip about scratching the cover). I'm old school and I don't use a dust cover when playing records (my first two turntables didn't have hinged dust covers....you just took them off when using the turntable. This turntable is truly a BASS KICKER! It must be the built in pre-amp. If you like DISCO or HOUSE music you will probably like this a lot! It's a Party Turntable! For $85.00 bucks it does the job pretty well. Cheers and thanks for the review.

[@EddieJazzFan]

I know this is an old video, but I just watched it. That Victrola looks and sounds great. You should do a shoot-out with the Audio Technica LP-60.... On anti skating-- VPI has that loop of tone arm wires sticking up at the end of their tone arms which does provide a small amount of antiskating force. In addition, VPI and U turn have tone arms that are a lot longer, which makes anti skating somewhat less necessary.

[@strawberryjam3670]

I definetly like the aesthetic of this turntable

[@mikedestazador5116]

Is the only thing u should like

[@strawberryjam3670]

@@mikedestazador5116 I mean, it is a good beginners turntable.

[@jmurray01]

So do I, it isn't trying to be modern which is a big plus for me. It looks like something you'd have paid a decent amount of money for in the 80s/90s.

[@thelunarlaugh2415]

Thanks for the insightful information! Friends are always asking me what is a good starter table and I usually tell them to find a decent vintage one. But as those get harder to come by cheap, it's nice to know there is a new option that won't hurt the wallet. Long time fan of your channel, by the way! Please feel free to check out our band. We have two albums out (including on vinyl). Would love to have you listen! Thanks. -Jared (The Lunar Laugh)

[@dylanrice3123]

Great video! What speakers are you using? I see they’re Bose, but what’s the specific product name? Thanks!

[@AttilaSVK]

It's possible to upgrade the cartridge, just the distance between the mounting screws and the stylus has to be the same, which is 9,5mm in the case of the AT91/AT3600 cartridges. This is usually the same on many carts, like the Ortofon 2M and OM range, the Audio Technica AT95E, and so on... (or even the Audio Technica AT-F7 MC cart, but that's an overkill for this turntable) EDIT: now I got to the point in the video, where I see that the counterweight isn't adjustable. In that case upgrade of the cartridge is not recommended, it's just a waste of time as it's impossible to set the right tracking force with a different cart.

[@silvanodelrio3361]

Great video, thank you.

[@annierenard5954]

thank you for this review greetings A

[@niedaugusto1735]

Where you found this cartridge allignment tool?

[@hackerinsidetm4271]

Arriving at a vwestlife video with under 200 views? That's a rarity!

[@BilisNegra]

It had not yet been up for even one hour when you commented

[@jesusrodriguez242]

8k views at the moment

[@albertosanchez2201]

1.2K

[@musicnerd72]

Why does it even matter???

[@clydesight]

Great review. I was thinking you could cut up a rubber band and glue some bits to the underside of the lid at the front. That should elevaste it enough to prevent that scratching on your unit.

[@renauddupras1586]

Impressive little thing for the price!

[@Livewire91]

In Finland they sell this turntable too, but it's a different brand called: Procaster. They even have another version of this turntable. Procaster-LP10, LP-101. Those are the model names.

[@GabrielMartinez-pe6ln]

Does it sound good when recording it to the computer or does it sound tinny?

[@eddieg780]

Victrola should replace the lid for you as well.

[@UmmNotQuiteSureToPut]

Or just take it off and buff it out. It's a light scratch.

[@davarosmith1334]

Like Techmoan says rub some Brasso on it!

[@dattallaudiophile236]

Holly shit!! Private Music, Carlos Alomar, I thought I was the only person in the world that knew of his existence!!!!

[@adrianlyord5300]

Question….. do you have an opinion on a Sharper Image “ Turntable Audio Recorder” unit? I tried to see a review on KZbin and I don’t think there’s one? I enjoy and appreciate your videos too, thank you 😊!

[@dixonnegron1083]

I would love to get one of these turntables if you can tell us when the new or improved model comes out. Seems to have very good sound. I guess they could make the cover a little taller that way the arm can swing with no problems.

[@maineboy1979]

Have you seen the new "Heyday" turntable? Looks like it might be a strong contender for best new turntable under 100 bucks. I saw one today at Target.

[@capitolemiproducer]

Have you tried putting a Gramit or washers between the top of the post and base? That should stop the lift going sky high

[@dearlybeloved4041]

where did you get your speakers from?? I’ve been struggling to find speakers for this specific record player for a while and it’s just really confusing for me since I don’t have much knowledge on turntables

[@nothingsglory]

How much do those Bohemian Rhapsody 45's go for? I have a similar Victrola record player.

[@bakonfreek]

They just put one similar to this on inventory at the Walmart that I work at. Currently tagged at $59.00.

[@twocvbloke]

April 4th, 2063, Oobie Doobie is still played on vinyl... :P

[@CosmoCocoa]

Will you be reviewing the VPRO-2000? I picked up one refurbished like brand-new on eBay for $50 60% under MSRP and have been very satisfied with the sound quality so far, would be interesting to hear your input on it

[@jamesslick4790]

How can a Victorla NOT have 78 RPM? 🤔

[@willtubes73]

Victrola*

[@robfriedrich2822]

1931 a Victrola had 33 rpm, so... Ok, for the usual Audio Technica cartridge there is no 65 micrometer stylus available.

[@JujuGuzman]

So you have to get speakers in order for you to listen music on it?