2023 Audio-Technica SOUND BURGER – Where’s the Beef？
United States of Analog | June 6, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What this video is about:
This video is an unboxing and initial review of the 2023 Audio-Technica Sound Burger SB 727, a portable turntable. The host Bob is excited about getting the limited/special release item and plans to test its performance.
Gear, products, or brands discussed:
- Audio-Technica SB 727 Sound Burger (2023 edition) [00:00:34]: $199.99, portable turntable, available in white (“mayo”), yellow (“mustard”), and red colors. Features Bluetooth 5.2 SBC and RCA outputs. Built March 12, 2023, made in China
- Ghiselli Labs headphone amplifier [00:05:37]: Mentioned as something he’ll test with the Sound Burger’s RCA outputs
- 2022 Sound Burger model [00:03:43]: Referenced as being virtually identical to the 2023 version
Host’s main opinions or takes so far:
- [00:00:05] Admits he has a weakness for “limited edition” items and goes “a little nuts” when he hears those words
- [00:04:28] Impressed by the weight and build quality despite being largely plastic
- [00:05:06] Likes the white color and says it has an “Apple vibe”
- [00:05:15] Notes the 40-year-old design still has a “surprisingly modern feel and look”
- [00:05:25] Comments that Bluetooth 5.2 SBC “isn’t state-of-the-art but should get the job done”
Strong recommendations or warnings to viewers:
- [00:03:21] Will only play “bin find records” on this device, warns against using expensive audiophile pressings like “tone poets or one steps” calling it “insane” and “madness”
Funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes:
- [00:00:20] “I must be filling a hole from childhood or something I don’t know we don’t have time to figure it out we don’t have the money because therapy is expensive”
- [00:01:33] “I felt like a winner for once in my life I felt like I had beat the system without a bot”
- [00:03:03] Admits his unconventional video process: “I shoot the videos first and then do the research later”
- [00:04:14] Gets excited about throwing packaging behind him “like that all the greats on the internet do that”
- [00:04:45] Humorous condiment comparison for the colors, noting “no respectable human being would put at least in Texas anyway where I live would put mayonnaise on a hamburger”
Summary:
Bob from United States of Analog opens his review by confessing his weakness for limited edition audio gear, explaining how he missed out on the 2022 Sound Burger but successfully purchased the 2023 white version for $199.99. He describes the intense demand for these units, which sell out globally within hours, and his satisfaction at finally securing one without using bots. The host clarifies that while the 2023 model isn’t technically labeled as limited edition, it still sells out rapidly and was temporarily unavailable at the time of recording.
During the unboxing process, Bob is pleasantly surprised by the build quality and weight of the Sound Burger, noting that despite being largely plastic, it has substantial heft and gravitas. He appreciates the retro-modern aesthetic, comparing the white version to Apple products and commenting on how the 40-year-old design still feels contemporary. The unit was manufactured on March 12, 2023, in China and comes with RCA cables and USB-C connectivity.
Bob outlines his testing plans for the Sound Burger, mentioning he’ll try both the Bluetooth 5.2 SBC wireless connection and the RCA outputs through his Ghiselli Labs headphone amplifier. He makes it clear that he’ll only use inexpensive “bin find” records for testing, warning against using expensive audiophile pressings on this portable unit. Throughout the unboxing, his enthusiasm is evident as he jokes about condiment-themed color schemes and his unconventional video production methods.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- [05:46-10:24] Audio-Technica 2023 Sound Burger turntable
- [07:16-07:25] Audio Technica ATN 3600 L cartridge (described as $20-30 range)
- [06:50-07:06] Aluminum platter with included record clamp
Host’s Key Findings, Verdicts, and Opinions
- [08:37-08:58] Positive overall impression: “it’s kind of cool as hell,” well-constructed for the price point, with nice visual appeal that impressed his wife
- [10:15-10:24] Praises the included record clamp, noting that turntables costing 100 times more don’t include one
- [10:45-11:17] Major criticism of the tonearm: very limited vertical play (less than half an inch), making stylus drops difficult and lifting after play “dicey”
Listening Tests or Sound Quality Observations
- [06:26-06:31] Notes the tracking force is over 3 grams, which influenced his decision to use cheaper records
- [10:09-10:15] Confirms “it makes music” and that “the record is very stable”
Vinyl Records, Albums, or Music Discussed
[05:48-06:19] Collection of $5 records selected for testing:
- The Who – Face Dances
- Grand Funk Railroad – We’re an American Band (noted as potentially too clean to use)
- Daryl Hall & John Oates – Abandoned Luncheonette (described as “one of my favorite Holland Oates records”)
- Elton John – Madman Across the Water
- Electric Light Orchestra – Face the Music (on yellow vinyl)
Audiophile Tips, Advice, or How-To Content
- [06:32-06:42] Important setup tip: “don’t forget to remove the white nylon set screw in the back” to release the tonearm
- [07:11-07:16] Remember to remove the stylus cover before use
- [08:08-08:15] Mentions the device is popular with record collectors for on-site testing before major purchases
- [09:34-10:03] Bluetooth pairing advice: the pairing button is separate from the power button and can be hard to see (black on black)
Summary
The host begins by showcasing his selection of $5 records chosen specifically for testing the Sound Burger, including albums by The Who, Hall & Oates, and Elton John. He emphasizes using cheaper records due to the turntable’s high tracking force of over 3 grams and budget cartridge. After covering essential setup tips like removing the transport screw and stylus cover, he details the device’s features including the aluminum platter, multi-purpose rubber clamp, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity.
His overall assessment of the 2023 Sound Burger is quite positive, praising its visual appeal, build quality for the price point, and thoughtful design elements. He particularly appreciates the included record clamp, noting that much more expensive turntables often don’t include this accessory. The device’s portability and stability during playback also earn his approval, and he mentions its popularity among record collectors for field testing purchases.
However, the host identifies a significant operational concern with the tonearm’s extremely limited vertical travel of less than half an inch. This restriction makes both cueing the stylus onto records and lifting it off after play challenging and potentially risky, requiring extra caution from users. Despite this limitation, his initial impressions suggest the Sound Burger delivers on its promise as an affordable, portable turntable solution.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- Audio-Technica Sound Burger 2023 (11:20-16:50)
- Klipsch Heresy speakers (12:18)
- IKEA turntable (12:46)
- Crosley suitcase turntable (12:56)
- Mobile Fidelity Studio Deck turntable (14:56)
- AT wireless headphones (15:39)
- Boston’s self-titled album (15:45)
- Norelco tape player (16:44)
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
The host concludes that the Sound Burger “made me happy on a few different levels” and describes the experience as “oddly satisfying” (13:43-13:49). At 14:01-14:08, he states it’s “more than just a toy” but “is it audiophile absolutely not,” positioning it as a fun, quality product that serves its purpose well. He emphasizes that it reminded him of when “the music mattered more than the equipment” (15:25).
Final Recommendations
Buy/Consider: The host recommends the Sound Burger over competitors, stating at 12:52-12:56: “I’ll take this all day over the IKEA I’ll take this all day over across the suitcase.” He suggests pairing it with discount records from “the discount store go to the flea market the garage sale” (16:20-16:24).
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
- Be aware that any vibration or touch to the Sound Burger transmits directly to the speakers (11:57-12:04)
- The bass can be “a little boomier” than other equipment, possibly due to the unit’s quality and stylus/cartridge (11:40-12:31)
- You do “lose a little bit of detail obviously” compared to higher-end equipment (12:36)
- Don’t be a snob in the hobby – “why not just have a little bit of fun every once in a while” (14:43)
How the Video Wrapped Up
The host wraps up by asking viewers to subscribe and hit the notification bell since he’s “starting from scratch on this platform” (16:28-16:31). He requests viewers share their childhood audio memories in the comments, mentioning his own Norelco tape player as an example (16:36-16:50).
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
“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 and I’m still living the horrors of that and I filled that hole with useless things” (16:01-16:14)
“reminded me of when I was young when the music mattered more than the equipment” (15:25)
“why be a snob in this hobby why not just have a little bit of fun every once in a while” (14:43)
Summary
In this final portion, the host delivers his verdict on the 2023 Audio-Technica Sound Burger, acknowledging some sonic limitations like boomy bass and reduced detail while emphasizing that he found the experience “oddly satisfying.” He compares it favorably to other budget options like the IKEA turntable and Crosley suitcase models, positioning the $199 Sound Burger as “more than just a toy” even if it’s not audiophile-grade equipment. The wireless Bluetooth functionality particularly impressed him, giving him an unexpected “sense of power and pride.”
The host’s conclusion becomes quite personal and philosophical, reflecting on how the Sound Burger reminded him of his youth “when the music mattered more than the equipment.” He describes listening to a Boston album through AT wireless headphones without worrying about technical specifications, just enjoying the music from a cheap record find. This leads to his most memorable quote about the device filling “the hole in my heart” from childhood disappointments, acknowledging the somewhat irrational nature of gear acquisition.
The video concludes with the host encouraging viewers not to be snobs in the hobby and to have fun, recommending pairing the Sound Burger with discount record finds. He wraps up by asking for subscriptions and encouraging viewers to share their own childhood audio memories in the comments, mentioning his own mysterious Norelco tape player as an example of the quirky audio gear that shaped our early musical experiences.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
