Philips Fidelio FT1: The Turntable That Does It All (Almost)

In a world where vinyl is making a comeback and CDs are somehow still a thing, Philips has dropped a gadget that’s part nostalgia, part future tech, and 100% conversation starter. Meet the Philips Fidelio FT1 — a turntable, CD player, Bluetooth transmitter, and Auracast-enabled device all rolled into one sleek (and slightly shiny) package.

The Big Sell: Three Devices, One Price Tag

Let’s cut to the chase: the FT1 is a belt-drive turntable with an integrated phono stage, a built-in CD player, and Bluetooth/Auracast streaming capabilities. All for $349 / £269 / AU$429. That’s less than what you’d pay for a decent standalone turntable or CD player. It’s like buying a Swiss Army knife when you only needed a butter knife — but hey, who doesn’t love options?

First Impressions: It’s… Glossy

The FT1 arrives in a glossy black plastic shell that’s 20% recycled materials (yay, sustainability!). It’s not exactly built like a tank, but it’s sturdy enough for its price point. The detachable dust cover is a nice touch, though it’s a fingerprint magnet — so if you’re the type who can’t stand smudges, keep a microfiber cloth handy.

Setup: Easier Than Assembling IKEA Furniture

Setting up the FT1 is a breeze. Pop the platter on, attach the belt, adjust the tonearm counterweight (Philips recommends 1.5g), and you’re good to go. The Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge comes pre-fitted, so no need to worry about cartridge alignment unless you’re a total audiophile nerd.

For CD playback, just remove the transport tape, and you’re ready to spin some discs. The FT1 also supports CD-R/RW and MP3-CDs, so you can finally listen to that mixtape your ex made you in 2005.

Sound Quality: It’s a Mixed Bag

Here’s where things get interesting. The FT1 has a direct, energetic character that makes music sound lively and engaging. The midrange is expressive, and the bass has plenty of drive. But… there are some quirks.

The treble can sound insubstantial and splashy, especially at higher volumes. And while the bass is punchy, it feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the frequency range, making the overall soundstage feel slightly disjointed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if you’re a stickler for tonal balance.

Bluetooth and Auracast: The Future is Here

One of the FT1’s standout features is its Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast capabilities. You can stream your vinyl or CDs wirelessly to headphones or speakers, or even broadcast to multiple Auracast-enabled devices. It’s a neat trick, though the FT1 is noticeably quieter through its line-level output compared to Bluetooth — so you might need to adjust your volume settings.

Design: Pragmatic, Not Pretty

The FT1 isn’t winning any design awards, but it’s functional. The glossy black plastic looks decent (if you don’t mind fingerprints), and the controls are straightforward. The CD tray emerges from the front right section of the plinth, and the LED display shows track info and playback time.

The FT1 also comes with a control app that lets you manage settings, adjust volume, and even set timers. It’s not the most intuitive app, but it gets the job done.

Value: Bang for Your Buck

At $349 / £269 / AU$429, the FT1 offers a lot of functionality for the price. You’re essentially getting three devices in one, plus wireless streaming capabilities. If you can live with its tonal quirks, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking to dip their toes into vinyl or CD playback without breaking the bank.

Should You Buy It?

Buy it if:

• You want a versatile, all-in-one audio solution.
• You’re a vinyl or CD enthusiast on a budget.
• You love the idea of wireless streaming from your turntable.

Don’t buy it if:

• You’re an audiophile who demands perfect tonal balance.
• You hate glossy finishes and fingerprints.
• You already own a high-end turntable and CD player.

Final Thoughts

The Philips Fidelio FT1 is a unique, feature-packed device that’s hard to categorize. It’s not perfect, but it’s a lot of fun to use and offers incredible value for the price. Whether you’re a vinyl newbie, a CD collector, or just someone who loves cool gadgets, the FT1 is worth considering.

Tags: Philips Fidelio FT1, turntable, CD player, Bluetooth, Auracast, vinyl, audio gear, budget-friendly, all-in-one, retro tech, modern convenience, audio review, TechRadar, Simon Lucas

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