2023 Audio-Technica SOUND BURGER – Where’s the Beef？
United States of Analog | June 6, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is an unboxing and initial review of the 2023 Audio-Technica Sound Burger (model SB 727), a portable wireless turntable. The host discusses his experience trying to purchase this popular item that sells out quickly, and begins examining the unit he received in “mayo white” color.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Audio-Technica SB 727 Sound Burger (2023 edition) – $199.99, portable turntable with Bluetooth 5.2 SBC and RCA outputs, available in white (mayo), yellow (mustard), and red colors, built March 12, 2023
- Ghiselli Labs headphone amplifier – mentioned as potential pairing with the Sound Burger’s RCA outputs
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:04:35] Impressed by the weight and build quality despite plastic construction, noting it has “a little gravitas”
- [00:05:06] Likes the white color scheme, comparing it favorably to Apple’s design aesthetic
- [00:05:18] Appreciates that the 40-year-old design still feels surprisingly modern
- [00:05:33] Notes that Bluetooth 5.2 SBC “isn’t state-of-the-art but should get the job done”
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- [00:03:27] Strong warning that he will only play “bin find records” on this turntable, not expensive audiophile pressings like “tone poets or one steps” – calling that approach “insane” and “madness”
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00:20] Self-deprecating humor about his compulsion with limited editions: “I must be filling a hole from childhood or something”
- [00:00:28] “therapy is expensive but you know what’s not expensive doing a little session with the audio technica”
- [00:01:39] “I felt like a winner for once in my life I felt like I had beat the system without a bot”
- [00:04:55] Texas-based opinion: “no respectable human being would put at least in Texas anyway where I live would put mayonnaise on a hamburger”
- [00:03:03] Admits to shooting videos first and doing research later
3-Paragraph Summary:
Bob from United States of Analog opens this video by admitting his weakness for limited edition audio gear, explaining how he missed out on the 2022 Audio-Technica Sound Burger when it sold out globally in hours. When the 2023 version (SB 727) was released, he managed to snag one in “mayo white” for $199.99, though the yellow “mustard” color had already sold out. He emphasizes that while this 2023 version isn’t technically labeled as limited edition, it still sold out quickly on the AT website.
The unboxing reveals a well-packaged unit built in China on March 12, 2023, and Bob is immediately impressed by the weight and build quality of the portable turntable. He appreciates the modern aesthetic of the 40-year-old design, comparing the white color scheme favorably to Apple products. The unit comes with standard accessories including RCA cables, USB cable, and manual, and offers two listening options: Bluetooth 5.2 SBC wireless connectivity or wired RCA outputs.
Bob makes it clear that he plans to use this turntable responsibly, vowing to only play inexpensive “bin find” records rather than expensive audiophile pressings, which he considers would be “madness.” He’s planning to test the RCA outputs through his Ghiselli Labs headphone amplifier to see if it improves the sound quality, setting up what appears to be a thorough evaluation of this popular portable turntable’s capabilities.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Audio-Technica Sound Burger (2023 version) – The main product being reviewed [00:08:31]
- Audio-Technica ATN 3600 L cartridge – Described as a “$20 or 30 dollar range” cartridge [00:07:16]
- Aluminum platter with record clamp [00:06:57]
- USB charging capability [00:07:31]
- Bluetooth connectivity [00:09:39]
Key Findings, Verdicts, or Opinions
- Positive aspects [00:08:37]:
- “Kind of cool as hell” – visually appealing design
- Well-constructed for the price point with “lots of little shiny metal screws and parts”
- Record clamp inclusion is notable since “turntables for a hundred times the price” don’t include one [00:10:20]
- Records are “very stable” during playback [00:10:15]
- Concerns mentioned:
- Tracking force is “over three grams” [00:06:32]
- Limited vertical tonearm movement – “maybe not even a half an inch between up and down” [00:10:57]
- Stylus drops are “difficult to get right” and lifting the tonearm “can be a little dicey” [00:11:10]
Vinyl Records, Albums, or Music Discussed
Collection of “$2 to $5 records” used for testing [00:05:48]:
- The Who – “Face Dances” [00:05:52]
- Grand Funk Railroad – “We’re an American Band” [00:05:58]
- Daryl Hall & John Oates – “Abandoned Luncheonette” (described as “one of my favorite Holland Oates records”) [00:06:09]
- Elton John – “Madman Across the Water” [00:06:15]
- Electric Light Orchestra – “Face the Music” [00:06:15]
Audiophile Tips, Advice, or How-To Content
- Critical setup tip: “Don’t forget to remove the white nylon set screw in the back” – this releases the tonearm and makes everything operational [00:06:37]
- Don’t forget to remove the stylus cover before use [00:07:16]
- Bluetooth pairing guidance: The pairing button is located separately from the power button and can be hard to see as it’s “black on black” [00:10:03]
- Practical use case: Many record collectors take these “on the road” to “play records on site and check them out before they spend the big bucks” [00:08:08]
Memorable Quotes or Strong Takes
- On visual appeal: “It’s kind of cool as hell I like the way it looks my wife came in she was immediately captivated if not sonically but visually” [00:08:37]
- On value proposition: “You can get a turntable for a hundred times the price of this turntable that don’t come with an included record clamp so good on Audio Technica” [00:10:20]
- On practicality concerns: “Stylus drops are difficult to get right and then lifting the tonearm up after the record is done…can be a little dicey as well so you have to be super careful” [00:11:10]
Summary
In this portion of the review, the host examines the 2023 Audio-Technica Sound Burger turntable using a collection of inexpensive vinyl records ($2-5 range) including albums by The Who, Hall & Oates, and Elton John. He provides detailed setup instructions, emphasizing the importance of removing the white nylon set screw and stylus cover, while noting that the unit charges via USB and includes Bluetooth connectivity. The host appreciates that Audio-Technica includes practical features like a carrying strap for portable use, making it popular among record collectors who want to test purchases in the field.
The reviewer is impressed with the Sound Burger’s visual appeal and build quality, noting that even his wife was “immediately captivated” by its appearance. He praises Audio-Technica for including a record clamp – something he points out that turntables costing “a hundred times the price” often lack. The aluminum platter and overall construction with quality metal components earn his approval, and he finds the records play stably during operation.
However, concerns emerge regarding the tonearm operation, which the host describes as having very limited vertical travel (less than half an inch). This restriction makes stylus drops “difficult to get right” and lifting the tonearm after play “a little dicey,” requiring extra caution from users. Despite using an inexpensive ATN 3600 L cartridge and having a tracking force over three grams, the host seems willing to test it with his budget vinyl collection, suggesting the unit serves its intended purpose as a portable, entry-level turntable.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Audio-Technica Sound Burger (2023 model) – Main product being reviewed [throughout]
- Klipsch Heresy speakers – Referenced as “clips heresies” [00:12:18]
- IKEA turntable – Used for comparison [00:12:46]
- Crosley suitcase turntables – Mentioned for comparison [00:12:56]
- Mobile Fidelity Studio Deck turntable – Host’s high-end reference [00:14:56]
- AT wireless headphones – Used for listening test [00:15:39]
- Boston’s debut album – Record used for testing [00:15:45]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[00:13:49] The host concludes the Sound Burger “made me happy on a few different levels” and calls it a “delightful surprise at that price point of $199.” He emphasizes it’s “more than just a toy” but “is it audiophile absolutely not” [00:14:08]. His overall verdict is very positive, stating he was “delightfully surprised” [00:13:05] and found the experience “oddly satisfying” [00:13:43].
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[00:12:52] Strong buy recommendation: “I’ll take this all day over the IKEA, I’ll take this all day over a Crosley suitcase.” The host recommends it for casual listening and fun, suggesting to “go to the discount store go to the flea market the garage sale pick up some records and put it on the sound burger” [00:16:20].
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- Vibration sensitivity warning: [00:11:51] “Any kind of vibration or touch that you do to the sound burger while it’s actually playing transmits…directly” to the speakers
- Sound quality expectations: [00:12:36] “You do lose a little bit of detail obviously” and there’s some “boominess” in the bass [00:11:40]
- Positioning advice: Be mindful of speaker proximity due to potential feedback from bass vibrations [00:12:18]
How did the video wrap up?
[00:16:24] Standard YouTube outro asking viewers to “subscribe and hit the notification bell” as he’s “starting from scratch on this platform.” He requests viewers share childhood audio memories in comments, mentioning his own Norelco tape player experience [00:16:41].
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[00:15:25] “Reminded me of when I was young when the music mattered more than the equipment”
[00:16:01] “You know what it did its job it filled the hole that I have in my heart right here because my dad didn’t buy me a minibike when I was 14” – Humorous personal reflection on gear acquisition
[00:14:43] “Why be a snob in this hobby why not just have a little bit of fun every once in a while”
Summary
In the final portion of this review, the host provides his overall assessment of the 2023 Audio-Technica Sound Burger, acknowledging some technical limitations like bass boominess and vibration sensitivity, but ultimately giving it a strong positive recommendation. He particularly praises it compared to other budget options like IKEA and Crosley turntables, and expresses genuine surprise at the satisfaction he got from the wireless functionality and overall build quality at the $199 price point.
The host becomes notably philosophical toward the end, reflecting on how the Sound Burger reminded him of his youth when “the music mattered more than the equipment.” He describes listening to Boston’s debut album through AT wireless headphones without worrying about technical specifications, just enjoying the music. This leads to a touching moment where he admits the device “filled the hole in his heart” from childhood disappointments, connecting gear acquisition to deeper emotional needs.
The review concludes with the host emphasizing that while the Sound Burger isn’t audiophile equipment, it doesn’t need to be – it successfully captures the basic joy of playing records. He encourages viewers not to be snobby about the hobby and suggests pairing the device with inexpensive records from flea markets and garage sales. The video ends with a standard YouTube call-to-action and a request for viewers to share their own childhood audio memories, creating a sense of community around nostalgic audio experiences.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
