Welcome to the 29th edition of Record Roundup, my ongoing coverage of the latest developments in the world of turntables and record players. On tap for today: Record Store Day 2025, the Fluance RT81+ and new Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers, a portable turntable from Korg, MIXX Analog System 5 and the MIXX Revival 65 record player.
Record Store Day 2025
First up, the day for record collectors. Record Store Day will take place on Saturday, April 12 this year. Visit your local record shop for exclusive and/or limited edition releases like a picture disc version of The Cure’s The Head on the Door, Joni Mitchell’s Live 1976 and Live On Tour–an exclusive double-album by Talking Heads. You can also pick up RSD merch, like shirts, hats and the always popular Crosley RSD3 mini record player.
For more information, check out the RSD 2025 website.
Featured Fluance
Two products from Canada’s Fluance have been highlighted in my Forbes columns since the last the Record Roundup.
The Fluance RT81+ Elite High Fidelity turntable is a follow-up to the classic RT80, adding upgrades including an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge with a bonded elliptical stylus, an acrylic platter mat and rubber isolation feet. If you need a new sound system to make the most of your record collection but space is at a premium, the all new Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers are capable performers featuring AMT tweeters, 5-inch glass woven drivers and RCA inputs for connecting a turntable (so long as it has a built-in PHONO stage). You can read my Fluance Ri71 Reference first-look here.
KORG Handytraxx Play Portable Record Player
KORG taps into the past with the Handytraxx Play, a portable, battery-powered record player. Six AA batteries are all that’s needed to spin your vinyl anywhere you’d like through the Handytraxx Play’s built-in 2.5 W speakers. While anyone can enjoy listening to albums or 45s on the go, KORG also includes a wide range of features aimed at DJs, including playback speed adjustment, a beat looper (which gives the ability to layer scratches over a beat loop), filters, a fader and delay effects. An AC adapter is included for times when power is available, and the turntable can also be connected to external speakers.
New From MIXX Audio
UK-based MIXX Audio has several new releases that may be of interest.
The MIXX Revival 65 is a take on the suitcase-style portable record player that features a vinyl-friendly Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge, ensuring records sound they way they should and vinyl isn’t prematurely worn. Also on tap is Bluetooth streaming (both to the Revival 65 from your smart device and from the record player to external devices like wireless speakers and headphones), built-in stereo speakers, a tonearm lift lever and a faux leather finish in a choice of three colors.
The MIXX Analog System 5 is a complete mini home audio system that pairs the company’s Analog 5 turntable with a matching pair of powered, wireless bookshelf speakers. Available in black or white, the system features 50W of power, Bluetooth connectivity (both input and turntable output), optical input, an Audio Technica cartridge mounted on a curved aluminum tonearm, two speed belt-drive and a wireless remote control.
