Mixx Analog Plus 2-in-1 CD/Record player review: Modern convenience meets classic vinyl and CD playback
The Mixx Analog Plus 2-in-1 CD/Record Player blends classic vinyl playback with modern Bluetooth connectivity in one elegant unit. Picture: Mixx.
Vinyl records and CDs are no longer relics gathering dust in the attic. Over the past few years, both formats have enjoyed a real resurgence. Record shops are thriving again, new albums are pressed on heavyweight vinyl, and even CDs are finding fresh appeal among collectors who want something tangible in a world of invisible streams.
That renewed interest has created space for products like the Mixx Analog Plus 2-in-1 CD/Record Player with Bluetooth. Heck, even giants like Sony are releasing new turntables. Combining a turntable and CD player into one device is not a new idea, but it rarely feels this well thought out. The Analog Plus takes older technology and adds really useful modern features, from Bluetooth connectivity to full remote control.
The Analog Plus leans heavily into 1980s hi-fi styling, and that is very much a compliment. Clean lines, tactile controls and a solid wood plinth give it real presence.
At €350, it sits in the mid-range of the market, but the build quality suggests care has gone into its construction. The plinth feels dense and well-damped, which helps with vibration control.
It's also compact enough to fit comfortably on a standard 40cm-deep media unit. I had it set up in my living room on a wall-mounted shelf of records, and it looked right at home. There is a nice balance between vintage charm and modern restraint.
The Analog Plus is a fully automatic turntable with a CD player built directly into the unit. Mixx claims it is the first of its kind with the CD player integrated into the turntable itself, and while combination units exist, this layout feels especially cohesive.
The turntable uses an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge with a diamond stylus. That is a respected entry-level cartridge, and it shows in the sound quality. You can select between 7-inch and 12-inch records and switch between 33 and 45 RPM. Speed control is automatic, and in my testing, it remained stable with no audible wow or flutter.
The fully automatic tonearm feels like magic. Press play, and the arm lifts, moves into position and lowers itself onto the record. At the end of the side, it returns automatically. It might sound like a small thing, but I cannot count how many times I have left a manual deck spinning in the run-out groove. That does not happen here.
Even better, you can control the arm from the front panel or via the included IR remote. The remote is refreshingly simple. Clearly labelled buttons, no clutter, no guesswork. From my sofa, I was able to start playback, skip tracks on the CD player, and even move the tonearm forward or backwards. Being able to skip to the next track on a vinyl record still feels slightly surreal.
I paired it with my Bluetooth speakers in under a minute and later with a set of wireless headphones for late-night listening. For higher-fidelity, I connected it to my hi-fi amplifier via the RCA outputs. That flexibility makes it suitable for both casual listeners and more serious setups.
The integrated CD player includes a clear track number and time display, plus play, pause, repeat and skip controls. It's straightforward, which is exactly what you want.
The sound quality from the turntable is warm, detailed, and pleasantly balanced. With a well-pressed 180g LP, vocals came through cleanly, and bass had satisfying weight without becoming muddy. The AT3600L cartridge does not dig out every last nuance, but it performs confidently at this level.
CD playback is crisp and clean, as you would expect. I tested a mix of older, slightly scratched discs and newer releases. The player handled them without fuss, and track navigation via the remote was quick.
My favourite feature, without question, is the automatic arm return combined with remote control operation. I love to take a vinyl for a spin with my Sunday morning coffee. I set a record to repeat one side and let it play in the background without needing to intervene. That level of convenience makes vinyl feel far less fragile and precious.
Bluetooth performance was stable within the same room, though as you’d expect, there’s a slight compression compared to a wired connection. For serious listening, I still preferred the RCA connection into my hi-fi system, where the sound opened up and gained more depth.
There are a few drawbacks. The built-in phono stage is decent but not exceptional. Audiophiles with a high-end external preamp may find it limiting. The automatic mechanism, while convenient, removes some of the ritual that vinyl purists enjoy, and the motor is a little loud. While the remote is excellent to use, it includes extra buttons such as Speakers, OPT, COAX, and USB that are redundant for the Mixx Analog Plus.
The Mixx Analog Plus successfully brings vinyl and CD playback into the modern age with excellent features, strong sound and a useful remote control. It is not aimed at hardcore audiophiles, but it offers a great balance between nostalgia and practicality for anyone who wants a stylish, convenient way to enjoy physical media.
€350 Harvey Norman, Currys
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
