The IKEA Turntable!
United States of Analog | August 5, 2023
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review and unboxing of IKEA’s turntable called the “Obergesond” (which the host struggles to pronounce correctly). The host explains this is a re-upload of a video he made for another channel that got 70,000 views, and he notes that the turntable may no longer be available. He aims to evaluate whether it’s a toy or a functional music player, and whether it can be modified or “hot rodded.”
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- IKEA Obergesond turntable [00:00:28]: Made in China, weighs 5.8 pounds, part of IKEA’s new media line
- Audio-Technica (AT) cartridge [00:03:49]: Included with the turntable
- USB-C cable [00:04:27]: Included in the box, described as lightweight
- RCA-to-mini-stereo cable [00:04:39]: Included, described as “utilitarian”
- IKEA vinyl carrying bag [00:02:07]: $3.50, purchased along with the turntable
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- The turntable’s light weight (5.8 pounds) “doesn’t inspire confidence right off the bat” [00:01:11]
- He describes it as “extremely light” multiple times with a tone of concern [00:04:49]
- He’s skeptical but hopeful, saying “maybe it’ll make music” and “it’s hard to tell” [00:04:57]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Warning about packaging [00:02:54]: Don’t panic about the “excluded” black box symbol on the package – it refers to the wall plug being excluded, not the cartridge
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- The host repeatedly struggles with pronouncing “Obergesond,” at one point calling it “Oba Croissant” [00:02:48]
- He jokes about the weight reference: “A pair of Jordans in the box are about 3.8 pounds, so that’ll give you some reference” [00:01:12]
- His admission about potentially killing the product: “the video that may have killed that turntable because it’s no longer available” [00:00:28]
Summary
In this opening portion of the video, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces his unboxing and review of IKEA’s Obergesond turntable. He explains this is a re-upload from another channel and notes that the turntable may no longer be available, possibly due to his original review. The host describes his experience being among the first customers at IKEA Round Rock, Texas, where he found employees literally unpacking the turntables from pallets as part of IKEA’s new media product line.
The unboxing reveals a surprisingly lightweight turntable at 5.8 pounds, which immediately raises the host’s concerns about build quality. The package includes basic accessories: a USB-C cable, RCA-to-mini-stereo cable, and an Audio-Technica cartridge. Bob addresses potential customer confusion about packaging symbols that might suggest the cartridge isn’t included, clarifying that it refers to the wall plug being excluded instead.
Throughout this introduction, the host maintains a skeptical but curious tone about the turntable’s capabilities. His repeated comments about the unit being “extremely light” and his difficulty pronouncing the product name add both technical concern and humor to the review. He sets up the key questions he plans to answer: whether this IKEA turntable is merely a toy or can actually produce quality music, and whether it has potential for modifications or upgrades.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- IKEA turntable (main product being reviewed)
- Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge (included with the turntable) [00:07:37]
- Nagaoka MP110 cartridge (potential upgrade consideration) [00:08:01]
- Sumiko Rainier cartridge (potential upgrade consideration) [00:08:02]
- Amazon Basic RCA cables [00:07:26]
- Hard acrylic mat (attempted modification) [00:07:27]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- The turntable is surprisingly lightweight, made of plastic rather than expected MDF [00:05:05]
- The platter has “a lot of play” and visible wobble during operation [00:09:16]
- The tonearm appears to be metal (aluminum), which is “encouraging” [00:06:19]
- The headshell appears to be plastic and non-removable [00:06:16]
- The counterweight appears non-adjustable [00:08:19]
- Despite limitations, “it did make music” [00:07:29]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Tested with Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” (original copy) and Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love” (original pressing) [00:08:50]
- Dynamics were “pretty darn good on both of those records” [00:09:00]
- Successfully reproduced “all the highs and the lows” [00:09:04]
- Visible platter wobble noted as “a little disturbing” [00:09:12]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- Concerns about tracking with “such an inexpensive cartridge” [00:08:44]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- AT3600L cartridge weighs 5.7 grams vs. 6.5 grams for both Nagaoka MP110 and Sumiko Rainier [00:08:06]
- Vertical tracking force measured at 2.75g, described as “a little heavy for my liking” [00:07:43]
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” (original copy) [00:08:50]
- Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love” (original pressing) [00:08:55]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Measured vertical tracking force at 2.75g, which is “right in the middle of the range” for the AT3600L cartridge [00:07:43]
- Suggested using Blu-Tack and washers on the counterweight to accommodate heavier cartridges [00:08:30]
- Attempted to add an acrylic mat to give the platter “more substance” [00:07:27]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Wow, it’s light. I can’t get over it.” [00:05:01]
- “And first of all, let me say that the IKEA, it did make music.” [00:07:29]
- “Some of them [observations] are a little disturbing.” [00:09:12]
Summary
The host begins by unboxing and examining the IKEA turntable, expressing surprise at how lightweight and plastic the construction is, particularly the plinth and platter which he expected to be made of MDF. He notes that while the tonearm appears to be metal (which is encouraging), the headshell is plastic and non-removable, and the counterweight appears to be non-adjustable. The turntable comes with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and includes a built-in preamp with no bypass option, limiting customization possibilities.
Despite his concerns about the build quality, the host sets up the turntable in his system and conducts listening tests. He measures the vertical tracking force at 2.75 grams, which he considers a bit heavy for his preferences. Testing with original pressings of Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love,” he finds that the turntable “did make music” with surprisingly good dynamics and full frequency response, successfully reproducing both highs and lows.
However, the host identifies some troubling issues, particularly a visible wobble in the lightweight plastic platter during operation. He considers potential upgrades like installing a Nagaoka MP110 or Sumiko Rainier cartridge, though this would require creative solutions like adding weight to the back of the counterweight with Blu-Tack and washers. He also attempts to improve the platter’s performance by adding an acrylic mat to give it more substance and stability.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion:
- IKEA turntable (Ova model)
- Nagaoka cartridge [00:10:44]
- Shure cartridge alignment tool [00:10:49]
- Fluance RT-80 turntable [00:11:04]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion:
The host concludes this is essentially “a plastic music-making device in the realm of toys” [00:11:15-00:11:21], despite acknowledging “it did make music” and “wasn’t horrible” [00:10:39-00:10:40]. He’s critical of the cheap plastic construction and questions IKEA’s engineering choices compared to competitors.
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider:
- Skip for serious use – he suggests it might work “if you got $159 and you just want to have some fun” or for “a rental property or a lake house” [00:12:04-00:12:12]
- Strong recommendation to consider the Fluance RT-80 instead, which is only “$50 away” in price [00:11:04-00:11:11]
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers:
- Be careful with the arm lift’s “extreme” down motion [00:09:41-00:09:47]
- Consider your listening position due to audible motor noise heard “six feet away” [00:09:53-00:09:59]
- Limited upgrade paths available with this turntable [00:12:00-00:12:02]
How did the video wrap up:
The video ends abruptly at [00:12:23] with the host attempting to pronounce the IKEA turntable’s model name “Ova” multiple times, suggesting he’s struggling with the pronunciation as the transcript cuts off.
Memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions:
“I mean, this is a plastic music-making device in the realm of toys” [00:11:15-00:11:21] – This serves as his harshest critique of the turntable’s build quality and target market.
Summary:
In the final portion of the review, the host identifies several concerning issues with the IKEA turntable, including audible motor noise that can be heard from six feet away, an aggressive arm lift mechanism that requires careful handling, and potential electronic noise between tracks. He notes some positives, such as proper cartridge alignment that avoided sibilance issues, and acknowledges that the turntable does produce music, even if it “wasn’t horrible.”
The host’s main criticism centers on the extensive use of cheap plastic materials throughout the construction, particularly comparing it unfavorably to the Fluance RT-80, which offers a metal platter for only about $50 more. He expresses frustration with IKEA’s engineering choices and questions how competitors can offer better materials at similar price points. The plastic platter appears to be non-removable, preventing him from properly diagnosing a wobble issue he detected.
His final recommendation is largely negative, describing the turntable as being “in the realm of toys” rather than serious audio equipment. While he suggests it might work for casual use in secondary locations like rental properties or lake houses, he strongly encourages viewers to consider spending the extra $50 for the Fluance RT-80 instead. He plans to keep the unit for experimentation and potential modifications, though he notes the limited upgrade paths available. The video ends with him struggling to pronounce the turntable’s model name, adding a somewhat humorous conclusion to his critical review.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
