Digitech GE4107

TT, CD, FM, BT RX that had so much promise – For $299 it looked like it could be the makings of a retro audio hub. Good: Well it works, kind of. Looks impressive. Multiple functions. TT auto-return is unique and fast. Seems to be motor driven rather than platter-driven. Bad: Turntable platter is molded plastic rather than aluminium as it appears (advertised as a proper ‘transcription’ turntable). As a result it is not symmetrical and visibly wobbles up & down on rotation producing ‘wow’, luckily not very audible. The strobe light intended for speed monitoring & adjustment is just a dc-fed LED that doesn’t actually strobe so the platter markings mean nothing, and just blur together rather than appearing stationary as required. Speed adj slider works but is not the correct speed at centre detent. The arm is a stylish counterweight type, but the weight markings mean nothing when set up from zero balance. Need a weight gauge before you hit records with it! It has anti-skate but who knows how accurate it can possibly be. While the cartridge is very decent (AT3600 but only 50hr sapphire/ruby stylus), the RIAA eq is VERY wrong. Whilst initially sounding impressively clear, it hasn’t the correct bass boost so soon sounds very aggressive and tinny. Forget using the available phono-direct function with an external pre-amp. It just attenuates the existing output so it’s hummy and hissy. It also kills the other inputs so can only be a TT in this mode. The FM-only radio works OK but can only be used with supplied fixed wire antenna. No socket for ext ant. Bluetooth receiver seems to work OK. Had no dropouts and sounds respectable with iPhone. CD player loads reasonably quickly but is picky with discs. Some skip, some won’t play in later tracks without glitches. Also, due to wrong phono eq, CDs sound muffled in comparison to vinyl; the complete opposite of what you’d expect. You can’t directly go to a function. You have to cycle through inputs and it’s really slow and laggy. Be prepared to be blasted as levels aren’t consistent. Remote seems to work OK. Line-in (3.5mm stereo socket) works. Never tried SD card functions. If you’re after a vinyl player to enjoy records again, this isn’t it. Spend the same or less money on an AT-LP60 variant. If you’re after a multi-function hub and can forgive its many shortcomings, then it may be for you. I’ve given up using it so can’t comment on longevity.