(UPDATED) Coturn CT-01 Revised & re-tested
Added 2023-02-08 15:53:33 +0000 UTCI originally intended just to shoot a quick update to my 2021 review of a portable record player. Somehow this new video expanded, perhaps beyond its worth.
If you follow the Patreon updates you’ll know that my history with the Coturn record player has been a bit of a saga. Hopefully this is the final chapter. Just one more trip to the post office to post the old one off and I can finally draw a line under it.
I thought a simple video like this would be a good opportunity for me to try out the new DJI wireless mics on a real project. As you'll discover, that turned out to be a mistake. As much as I appreciate the enhanced functionality and extended battery life of the DJI microphones, it seems I’ll be reverting back to my old R0de mics for any future videos I record in the ‘studio’.
The rest of my week seems to consist of medical appointments, so I was happy to get a video out first, even one that's by no means a must-see. If I categorised this as a ‘cheese sandwich video’ - it’d be one made with two day old bread and missing any Branston pickle.
Anyway, try to find fun in whatever you’re doing and take care.
UPDATE: I had to swap the video out as my testing method for the tracking force on the Coturn was wrong. Apparently they'd emailed me regarding the fact it has a spring-loaded arm, but Yahoo mail rather presumptuously and inconveniently decided all Coturn's emails were junk. So that's a few days work wasted. Ho-hum.
Comments
And now it's dead. Lights up but most of the buttons do nothing. No spinning platter at all.
Arthur Robillard
2023-02-21 01:59:32 +0000 UTCAfter finding a 3A port on a power strip I was able to get it charged. Checking under the hood show the circuitry as laid out in your older version so the speed is not extremely stable.
Arthur Robillard
2023-02-21 01:14:08 +0000 UTCFinally got mine last Thursday and just opening it today. I take it the USB-C cord listed as a feature was dropped as mine did not come with such a cord. I'm a Mac and have very few such cables. There is no charge in the batteries upon arrival and I'm attempting to charge it right now but the unit is not displaying any signs of life yet.
Arthur Robillard
2023-02-20 21:40:59 +0000 UTCNot sure if it's worth the premium but the Coturn looks much cooler than the Sound Burger. I wonder if the SB re-re-issue will be for the same price or if they'll bump it a bit.
Evan
2023-02-13 20:12:14 +0000 UTCMy plan is to put them somewhere safe and then in a couple of years when I eventually find a use for them again I won’t remember where I put them.
Techmoan
2023-02-13 11:38:48 +0000 UTCYou're probably thinking "Now what am I going to do with all of these stick-on magnets and wheel weights?"
VWestlife
2023-02-13 02:13:18 +0000 UTCIt was very interesting seeing all the versions of this video, but all that re-editing, re-encoding, and re-uploading! You must have thought this video production would never end. Thank you!
CBits Tech
2023-02-13 01:27:55 +0000 UTC😂👌
Jamie Howle
2023-02-12 19:49:05 +0000 UTChttps://youtu.be/QWKf_xvwc-s
Grace Robbins
2023-02-12 19:31:37 +0000 UTCsame here
Thomas Jørgensen
2023-02-12 18:44:36 +0000 UTCIt says it's private? I can't see it.
Kevin Steele
2023-02-12 18:34:49 +0000 UTCSeems to have been pulled in the very recent past. I've watched the first half like 20 minutes ago.
Kevin Thiefes
2023-02-12 17:16:54 +0000 UTCno video? The link is dead,,,,
Thomas Jørgensen
2023-02-12 17:14:03 +0000 UTCI noticed the audio on the Coturn was a bit louder in the left channel than the right, while the Sound Burger's audio was properly centered.
VWestlife
2023-02-12 17:12:48 +0000 UTCFair enough - but I’d still recommend a rechargeable headphone amp, handy things to have, able to drive a wider variety of headphones and you’d have the choice of using whatever portable record player you wanted.
Techmoan
2023-02-12 10:58:23 +0000 UTCPoint taken about digitally sourced vinyl, and I do have plenty of that. But I'm also quite into jazz from the 1960s and have been collecting LPs recorded by Blue Note. One example is Grant Green's "The Latin Bit" which I picked up on vinyl a few years ago. My first example of that is (IIRC) a 2001 pressing that was done (I'm fairly sure) from 24bit/96KHz done by Rudy Van Gelder. Sounded great, but Blue Note reissued it last year, remastered from the analog source and I could tell the subtle difference - the top end was a little bit smoother and the recording (albeit mastered by Kevin Gray and not the original RVG). A long way of saying that on the rare occasion I really do go all out on a pure analog signal path I can tell the difference - and I should also say that this comes a long way behind appreciating the actual music on the record - I've got some quite cheap pressings of Jazz that I'm fairly sure are mastered from CD and still enjoy them. Sorry to go on but I know it's a safe space to do it! Looking forward to the next video :-)
Alex Ryles
2023-02-12 10:56:30 +0000 UTCThere’s always the option of a Soundburger and a portable headphone amp. It seems common for analog enthusiasts (listening to their digitally sourced vinyl records) to want to bypass any internal headphone amps in order to drive their headphones.
Techmoan
2023-02-12 10:44:02 +0000 UTCGreat video! I really am tempted by one of these as I sometimes travel for work and would like to take some vinyl to listen in my hotel room, although the price does make me shudder a bit - that's a lot of wedge! It would be the Coturn for me as I would want to use the headphone out. I'm a bit of an analogue purist and while we could debate all day about the pros and cons of digital I just like to have an all analogue signal path. If the price comes down to about £300 delivered I might be springing for one!
Alex Ryles
2023-02-12 10:35:41 +0000 UTCFrom the audio test alone, I definitely prefer the Soundburger. I reckon that higher tracking force on the Coturn is taking the sparkle off its top end response.
Mark P
2023-02-11 13:17:27 +0000 UTCI’ll give it a go next time.
Techmoan
2023-02-11 09:03:23 +0000 UTCI know I'm just a bum from the US, but maybe on the next Patreon update, you could explain the import duty thing. I just assumed it was paid as part of the postage (like if I mailed you something from the US) but you said in the video that the delivery driver asked for the money. That blew me away! UPS/Fedex/DHL barely ask for signatures in my area anymore, it's all about deliver as fast as possible. Anyway. Thanks!
Stephen Gozza
2023-02-11 00:38:02 +0000 UTCVery informative! Looks like I saved some money on the Soundburger, even if it was resold (NIB) after the initial 60th anniversary lot ran out.
housevil
2023-02-10 20:55:06 +0000 UTCThey’re coming - you can see their press release about it in this video - here’s a link to it. https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/press/audio-technica-wowed-by-response-to-limited-edition-release-of-sound-burger-portable-turntable-2/
Techmoan
2023-02-10 18:53:34 +0000 UTCAnother good review, Mat. I've contacted A-T, and I've asked if they will be offering more Sound Burgers. I already have a good LP turntable, but the Sound Burger piques my interest. Hopefully A-T will reply with some good news.
Tom Beardmore
2023-02-10 17:20:21 +0000 UTCYes, they should call it the CT-02, but maybe if lots of people who paid for the original version haven't gotten it yet, Coturn could send them the new one, and say "it's still a CT-01, just an updated version of it".
VWestlife
2023-02-10 15:53:24 +0000 UTCSuperb review, Mat. I don't notice any sound problems at all. Hope the medical stuff is going well.
Stephen Bell
2023-02-10 10:56:27 +0000 UTCSeems a bit odd they didn't change the model number considering they changed enough that it doesn't have the same features anymore although I'm pretty sure I understand why they did have to change so much. Those Raspberry Pi's have had terrible supply issues for that last couple of years so its not surprising that forced them to revise the design. Never used the wifi feature on mine since I don't have any Sonos speakers so I guess the new one isn't missing out on much. Seems like USB audio also went based on the updated description although I recall your original one also seemed to be missing it for some reason.
Walter Dworak
2023-02-10 00:37:25 +0000 UTCCoturn have done a really nice job with their upgrade, and it looks so good. Next to the Coturn, the Sound Burger looks terrible, but its looks are part of what makes it a legend. I think, long term (if it's looked after) the Coturn would be a better option but the price difference means I'm still going to buy the Sound Burger, whenever they get around to letting me buy one.
CBits Tech
2023-02-09 18:10:04 +0000 UTCGood luck with the doctor. I thought you edited it very skilfully. I wouldn’t have noticed anything about the sound unless you mentioned it. Best wishes!
Amro
2023-02-09 10:51:58 +0000 UTCI went through the exact same thing in a job I was in for 25 years. There comes a point where the most experienced people in the company are considered nuances to management especially when the company keep employing people brought straight in from University to run departments. They feel undermined by the older, more knowledgeable long term employees and these older staff also cost them more than an untrained young kid. As a result they don't care if the old-timers want to leave. But when this happens, only then do they find out that it was these people who kept everything running smoothly and no one left behind knows how the place works. It's a tale as old as time unfortunately. When my Mrs was made redundant after 25+ years at the same company, she ended up working somewhere local for less money in a less demanding job...but she was a lot happier. As she put it..'The people here are normal'. It's a bit like the old boiled frog tale - you don't notice how weird things have got when you're dealing with it all the time - it's only when you can look back at it from a different perspective that you realise that you were trying to cope with life in a mad house. Take care.
Techmoan
2023-02-09 10:49:15 +0000 UTCYes I'd seen a wide range of 'acceptable' tracking forces mentioned for this cart, so that really put me in a difficult position as whatever numbers I quoted as the acceptable range, there was something that disagreed with it. So I left it rather vague in the video - but I'd always thought it was 2.5-3.5.
Techmoan
2023-02-09 10:34:13 +0000 UTCYes I noticed that - I was wondering if the one I've been sent is the first of a new batch. Maybe it'll be cheaper. I emailed them yesterday but as yet haven't heard back.
Techmoan
2023-02-09 10:32:08 +0000 UTCThe tone arm and linkages are responsible for the tracking force, but the cartridge has specs regarding the minimum and maximum recommended pressure it should operate within.
Techmoan
2023-02-09 09:35:48 +0000 UTCThanks for the kind words…how are you getting on with the knee?
Techmoan
2023-02-09 09:32:18 +0000 UTCInterestingly, the Coturn website is still advertising it as wifi capable.
Glyn Roberts
2023-02-09 07:24:27 +0000 UTCAttack of the PETSCII robots music <3
CheeseParis
2023-02-09 07:22:26 +0000 UTCWhile I love the "sleek and sophisticated" look of the Coturn as an functional object.., I really don't think I could tolerate the gloss finish, the fingerprint issue would drive me crazy. They should have went matte. The Soundburger seems a more "safe" and functional design. I wouldn't be afraid of touching it. The Coturn is just not made for my consumer tastes what it comes down to I guess.
Andrew Shaw
2023-02-09 04:32:57 +0000 UTCAudio-Technica's recommended tracking force for the AT3600L cartridge is 3.5 grams, but the acceptable tolerance varies depending on which source you believe. Some claim the minimum is 2.5g and 3.5g is the maximum; some claim a ±0.5g tolerance is OK (3 - 4g), and some claim a ±1.0g tolerance is acceptable (2.5 - 4.5g). So the new Coturn would be right at the maximum of the most lenient version of the cartridge's allowable range. And you can get an aftermarket ATN3600L-type stylus with an attached needle guard that flips down to protect the stylus and flips up to let you use it, but it's just a little piece of plastic, so a hard bump could knock off the needle guard and end up damaging your stylus anyway.
VWestlife
2023-02-09 02:33:45 +0000 UTCIs tracking force only down to the cartridge? I would think the tone arm would figure into the overall downward force.
David Fulton
2023-02-09 01:57:29 +0000 UTCI'm picking up the 2023 SoundBurger when available this spring. I could hardly wait!
Rudy Rodriguez
2023-02-09 01:48:53 +0000 UTCAnother great video. The Coturn is a beautiful thing, but it just seems a bit “over-engineered.” On a personal note, years ago I commented that I watched a video of yours while waiting in hospital to have my knee replaced. You replied to me, wishing me a good outcome. It really touched me. So, back at you Matt. I hope your upcoming appointments have a good outcome.
CrimsonPig808
2023-02-09 01:47:35 +0000 UTCJust chiming in, I couldn't even tell if there were microphone issues, it sounded perfectly fine to me.
Explosive Action
2023-02-09 00:05:13 +0000 UTCAgreed - in my neck of the woods if someone told me to pay them $100 to hand over a package I would say, 'keep the damn thing' and close the door. Rude, but true 😂
Grace Robbins
2023-02-08 23:54:57 +0000 UTCYour videos never fail to cheer me, so today I needed this one more than ever (prepare your tiny violins for a concerto, or better yet just skip this melancholic self-pity rambling comment and go to the bullet points). After 15 years of loyal service, I've come to realize my job no longer gives a damn about experience and seniority. They can hire a cheap labor force and train them for the latest job model from day one - screw the current (expensive) employees, let 'em fail so we can fire 'em. With this imminent firing in mind, it looks like I'm back on the job hunt, that's SO GREAT and EXCELLENT - when pigs fly. Not only that, I turn 45 tomorrow - yet another banner year of the life of Grace in the books. That all being said - • 💯 thank-yous for being you and cheering me up in my dark days. I get a feeling it's going to get even darker in the days to come. • I've not even paid for the Sound Burger I ordered (it's still on backorder). I ordered a headphone amp months ago in preparation for it, which has been sitting on a shelf feeling neglected. I'm happy to see that I will still be well satisfied with it when it gets here - the spec differences you demonstrated are acceptable to me. • Mic problems didn't bother me as much as something else you won't be able to change on this video - a twisted cord that was 'driving me potty.' It made me laugh because of how unimportant/petty and OCD my observation is. • The Coturn is pretty, no doubt about it, but not for me. All the best to you - and thanks for all you do. As for me - it's probably time to drink 🍷
Grace Robbins
2023-02-08 23:40:34 +0000 UTCAnother difference between the two... the Coturn is made in Germany whereas the Sound Burger isn't. To some people, the extra 200-odd Euro premium could be worth it just for this fact alone. All the best with this week's medical appointments, Mat.
OzRetrocomp
2023-02-08 21:27:21 +0000 UTCThanks for this update. I was so curious what the fate of the Coturn would be after all of the initial issues you raised. I had such high hopes for it when I first learned about it. It's great that they've addressed them and re-tooled it. Pity you had to pay the duty fees though! There's no arguing that it's gorgeous, but the stylus force and the potential for stylus damage are valid concerns. Loved seeing the light on the inside regulating the platter speed. I absolutely love my soundburger. Taking it on used vinyl hunting trips is a record collectors dream. Would certainly purchase a carrying case if one was made available. I do think that price is going to be a deciding factor when folks consider which they'll want to take home. They're both gorgeous in my book - just in different ways. Best of luck with the rest of the week's medical appointments!
Bill Smartt
2023-02-08 20:47:10 +0000 UTCI’ll have a go when I get the chance.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 20:18:31 +0000 UTCYoutube comments disabled, so here I am. Thank you for the interesting update/review. Coturn internals overhaul was quite surprising to me.
Jędrzej Krupiński
2023-02-08 20:05:53 +0000 UTCThe Coturn definitely sounded a bit darker/flabbier!
Drew Fields
2023-02-08 19:54:00 +0000 UTCReally enjoy that one Mat, and it’s good to see a manufacturer (of any size) take on board feedback and update the product. I was watching this as I was passing through a very busy London train station, and the audio made me think I was connecting via Bluetooth, which if anyone knows becomes very laggy, blocky and drops out if your in an areas flooded with BT signals everywhere! I know the audio compression of YT wont help, but out of the two I felt the Sound Burger sounded a bit richer and open. Of course could be complete placebo! Don’t knock yourself out trying to get loads out, we appreciate the effort and quality and I am sure like many would hang on in there!
Mark Walsham
2023-02-08 19:50:04 +0000 UTCFor what it’s worth, I watched the review on my phone, listening to it using the built-in speaker while eating lunch and didn’t notice any sound issues. So, in that compromised listening environment it’s fine. I’ll watch again later when I can listen on my good headphones, I’m curious to hear the difference.
Dawn Anthes
2023-02-08 19:46:20 +0000 UTCI enjoyed this! Thanks for putting in the effort. I was surprised how audible the difference was between the two decks on playback. I guess the extra VTF makes a difference.
Drew Fields
2023-02-08 19:43:33 +0000 UTCI dont know why, but when you said you had to pay £95 for the replacement of the replacement that they promised to send you months ago, that really kind of p*ssed me off. but i'm an old crank anyway. anyway, good video. i can notice the sound issues but they didn't bother me really.
Johnny Cats
2023-02-08 19:23:45 +0000 UTCGreat review, thank you. I must say both of those sounded really great to me, as far as one can tell over the internet. I am also really impressed with the optical speed control on the Coturn, but it seems very expensive for what it is if you compare it to some mid-range regular size turntables that are available now. The Soundburger would seem to meet the portable+battery powered space much more economically. Although you checked speed stability, could you check for accuracy with the RPM Pro phone app you demonstrated a while back? Maybe that's not possible with the Soundburger lid?
Roland Bogush
2023-02-08 18:57:48 +0000 UTCThis was a REALLY good review! I loved the revist, and had no issues with the mics. Interesting for me is I was originally in favor of the Soundberger until the revisit, now I'd rather spend the money on the Coturn, so that's a real sign of their improvement and how thorough the review was.
Longplay Games
2023-02-08 18:32:49 +0000 UTCMy old, tin ears usually don't pick up audio issues and didn't pick up any until I heard a lot of clicks or pops during the wrap-up section when "Grandpa Mat" popped up to warn us about it. C'est la Vie as I'm sure it's not the first time you've paid out for some gear that didn't work out for you, going at least as far back as the "Mug's Eyeful" debacle.
Mark Hesse
2023-02-08 17:59:25 +0000 UTCI presume it’s anodised - I doubt that weighs anything, but I really don’t know.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:54:02 +0000 UTCI did ponder as much myself - but cut it out to avoid a loud click. I also wonder about battery levels affecting things too.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:53:03 +0000 UTCI managed to cut around most of them - but it took a lot of effort. Originally there were some really loud clicks at some points.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:51:22 +0000 UTCI believe it’s 3.5g too - however there’s the 3600 & 3600N and perhaps a 3600L, it all gets confusing (for me anyway) - so I didn’t want to be definitive - but I doubt it’s on purpose, you shouldn’t skip at 2.5g with this cart.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:50:16 +0000 UTCIt’s been a while.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:47:48 +0000 UTCI presume the mics don’t like something in my room. I’m going to move a few things around to see if I can eliminate the issues.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:47:24 +0000 UTCI don’t tend to replace cartridges unless there’s something wrong, so I haven’t touched this one. I do think it’s probably best to leave it be. I don’t recall any issues regarding charging, both this and the original charged fine using my usual leads.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 17:45:36 +0000 UTCOnly within the last couple of days did I finally receive word that mine was being shipped. We'll see how long it takes to reach America. I'm glad it's looking good for the damn thing. I think I only spent about 330 euros on mine. Did you try replacing the cartridge? Is it still a bitch to do without breaking things? I vaguely recall there were issues in how you were supposed to charge this thing, something about duel adapters and using the right cord and the right supplied charger. They needed to post instructions and/or a video for it as I recall (it's been so long I've forgotten.) Is that whole procedure clear now? I noticed the breakup of your voice in parts but it was nothing too annoying. Thanks for another nice video. Take care.
Arthur Robillard
2023-02-08 17:37:56 +0000 UTCHmm.. Too bad about the new mics.. Dunno how salvageable they would be if there are updates or something. Hopefully you can just return them D: But I don't think I looked up the Coturn for pricing and damn :P Surprised you didn't give yourself some sort of award for calling that the Soundburger would be announced for rerelease :P I'd still want a flamingo rerelease over those two anyway :P But then too I'm kind of out of the market since the PS-LX310BT has fit in nicely..
PKFC
2023-02-08 17:17:10 +0000 UTCUntil you mentioned the swapped stereo channels, I couldn't remember a thing about this turntable. :D
RTheren
2023-02-08 17:17:06 +0000 UTCI didn’t notice any audio issues whatsoever.
Gadgetman
2023-02-08 17:13:48 +0000 UTCI did notice some distortions, but they were rare and never so severe as to be distracting. After that introduction, I braced myself for worse. The video was definitely worth watching. A thorough review, especially for a follow up.
Tunix
2023-02-08 17:13:18 +0000 UTCThe audio is a bit crackly and light. I appreciate you trying to fix it.
antzpantz
2023-02-08 17:10:23 +0000 UTCThat was a pretty decent cheese sandwich actually. Could almost taste the Branston. Disappointing about the interference with the mics.
Gareth R
2023-02-08 17:04:34 +0000 UTCNice follow up on this, no major issues with the sound. I think the max tracking force spec on this 3600 cartridge is 3.5 g, do you think Coturn maybe set it higher in an attempt to help eliminate skipping?
Freeman Connell
2023-02-08 17:01:49 +0000 UTCEven after mentioning the audio issues, I still didn't notice them.
evilution
2023-02-08 16:58:08 +0000 UTCI wonder if temperature differences caused the drift after you adjusted your Sound Burger? It's certainly colder here since you made that video! Just toss it in the freezer and retest. Frozen Burgers!
scapeghost
2023-02-08 16:44:25 +0000 UTCDidn't notice much of anything as far as sound issues were concerned; just a minor wobble once or twice, but even that was minimal. Another great video, Thanks, Mat!
Myles
2023-02-08 16:33:55 +0000 UTCI wonder if the 1/2 gram weight difference is the paint on the new one.
Allan Clipperton-Boyer
2023-02-08 16:23:39 +0000 UTCThanks - you look after yourself.
Techmoan
2023-02-08 16:16:19 +0000 UTCI have not watched this one yet, will do later but wanted to let you know I appreciate a lot you support in this last 3 weeks... Been hit by covid and a severe ear infection. Still half deaf and all. Good luck with your doctor appointments and thanks for the great content
Raul Ramos
2023-02-08 16:13:37 +0000 UTCYou always need Branston!
Ian Cull
2023-02-08 16:09:10 +0000 UTC
