Several models of Bluetooth turntables rank among the best record players we have tested I'm not a big fan of this connection method, but it is a popular option for pairing seamlessly with Bluetooth speakers

For an older person like me, who got into music and audio by buying records at the store and then going home to listen to the rich sound carved into the grooves of the record on a record player connected to an amplifier and stereo speakers, many modern wireless turntables sound a bit soul-less They sound a bit soulless to me

There is another way to get the analog sound of a turntable digitally streamed to a Bluetooth speaker using a wireless connection While I have often praised the sound quality that the best wireless headphones with Bluetooth can achieve, turntables that rely on Bluetooth to transmit audio tend to lose the rich, warm sound of vinyl records

Bluetooth tends to sacrifice the sound of vinyl records because the analog audio signal must be compressed so that it can be transmitted over Bluetooth's limited wireless protocol Also, unlike many of the best wireless earbuds, there are no Bluetooth turntables that I am aware of that support high-quality LDAC or lossless audio codecs to maximize sound quality over Bluetooth

Of course, Bluetooth turntables are an attractive entry point for many aspiring record collectors There is no denying that Bluetooth turntables are a popular choice for first-time vinyl listeners, but the compromised sound quality makes them unthinkable to own for listening to one's prized record collection However, I thought so until I was introduced to the new Dual CS529 turntable at a recent UK audio show

The Dual CS529 turntable looks a lot like a traditional belt-drive turntable with a solid MDF pedestal and an aluminum tonearm with an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge, but it also has some unexpected features that I found at a recent Hi-Fi show demonstration cleverly concealed a few unexpected features that I found impressive

Frankly, the MSRP seems high at $1,199/£899 for the black finish and $1,399/£999 for the walnut finish But even so, the versatility of the new Dual should make up for its high price with a strong convenience feature set that makes it one of the most sophisticated and desirable Bluetooth turntables I've encountered

Dual has a long tradition of making automatic record players, which is not that unusual What is unusual is that it offers a level of ease of operation never before seen in a turntable

Playback is fully controlled via the Dual app (available for iOS and Android devices) that connects via Bluetooth, giving the listener complete control from the comfort of an armchair or sofa Everything from platter speed (33, 45, or 75 RPM) selection to automatic playback and stop can be controlled via the app, which also features a mechanism that seamlessly lowers and raises the tone arm and stylus when activated by the app It can even repeat playback a record up to 10 times This is great

Unlike music streaming, which can be stopped and started anywhere, record playback requires a lot of attention However, Dual's implementation of Bluetooth is a useful feature that feels much more appropriate than streaming wirelessly to speakers or headphones

While I like that playing records on a turntable forces me to listen closely to each track of an album, I also understand that some people appreciate a few more useful features that make the process of playing records less annoying and more enjoyable

Dual does just that It brings a level of convenience unprecedented in the turntable market and makes one wonder why it took so long to bring this level of control to record players In the demo, the dual apps respond instantly, allowing record fans to control the music on the platter at will while lounging in their armchairs Simply tap the large buttons on the app's display, sit back, and enjoy the wonderful sound of vinyl records

Record Store Day is set for Saturday, April 20, and the Dual CS529 looks like the ideal turntable to spin the new LPs released as part of the celebration for the wonderful community of independent record stores I am seriously looking forward to trying out all the features of the Dual