Audio-Technica Sound Burger

Not just a novelty, this is a charming, fun concept with plenty of appeal.

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It's hard not to think of Audio-Technica's Sound Burger as anything but a novelty. Originally released in 1983 just as CD took off, the record player's ultra-compact, portable concept flew in the face of conventional turntable design. And its timing couldn't have been worse.

As the brand released a limited edition version (called AT-SB2022) in 2022 to celebrate the brand's 60th anniversary, however, it discovered it is now in a landscape where vinyl is wildly popular again. Such was the demand for this revived Burger that a full-production release and permanent fixture in its lineup was deemed necessary.

The latest Sound Burger still feels like a bit of a novelty at first glance, but, just as we discovered when What Hi-Fi? reviewed the original model back in June 1983, it is "full of surprises" once we start using it.

The Sound Burger, or "wireless stereo disc player system", is a portable Bluetooth turntable. But it is also so much more. It's a belt-drive deck with electronic speed change (33⅓ and 45rpm) and features a builtin phono stage. It has a Bluetooth output instead of the fixed set of wired in-ear headphones that were attached to the original.

What makes the Sound Burger unique is its design and charmingly fuss-free use. The record player is stripped down to be as compact and elemental as possible: there is no large plinth, but a small 9cm platter that gives just enough surface for a record to sit on. The slim, compact body is fairly light, but it never feels cheap or flimsy; the hinged lid is well made, and the latch that holds it in place feels secure. The tonearm is preset to the installed cartridge. All this means is that you never need to know what a tracking weight is, nor do you have to fuss about with any initial setting up, as everything is set up for you to use straight out of the box. The included ATN3600LC moving-magnet cartridge isn't upgradeable but it is replaceable for very little money.