Victrola Wave Hi-Fi Turntable: Modern Vinyl Meets Cutting-Edge Wireless Tech

• Modern Design with Quality Build: The Victrola Wave features a minimalist yet contemporary design with a low-resonance MDF plinth and precision aluminum platter, available in four finishes (black, white, blue, green) whathifi.com victrola.com. It sports an aluminum tonearm with a removable headshell and easy-set counterweight, plus a protective dust cover for a sleek look victrola.com. Reviewers note its “minimalist yet contemporary” style and premium feel despite Victrola’s budget brand roots techradar.com hometheaterreview.com.
• Hi-Fi Sound Quality: Equipped with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge (elliptical stylus), the Wave delivers balanced, distortion-free playback and “great audio quality,” according to early impressions techradar.com. The solid plinth, aluminum platter, and anti-vibration silicone slipmat minimize noise and yield clean, detailed analog sound victrola.com bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. Users report the sound as “warm, detailed, and free of vibrations” – a true hi-fi experience for vinyl enthusiasts bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com.
• Wireless Connectivity & Auracast: A standout feature is Bluetooth 5.4 streaming with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit quality whathifi.com techradar.com. Even more groundbreaking, the Wave is the first mainstream turntable with Auracast™ broadcast audio, allowing one-to-many wireless transmission to multiple speakers or headphones simultaneously hometheaterreview.com techradar.com. This future-proof tech earned the Wave “Best of CES 2025” awards and is touted as a game-changer for group listening and multi-room vinyl playback hometheaterreview.com techradar.com.
• Flexible Features & Inputs: The turntable includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, with gold-plated RCA outputs (line or phono) for easy hookup to any hi-fi or powered speakers techradar.com. There’s also a 3.5mm analog output for headphones or aux connections bestbuy.com bestbuy.com. Front-facing controls (speed selector and power/BT button) make operation intuitive victrola.com. Unlike many Bluetooth decks, the Wave does not sacrifice analog versatility – you can upgrade the cartridge, use an external phono stage, or simply enjoy plug-and-play ease with the included preamp.
• Pricing & Availability: Initially announced at $399 (USD) – roughly £399 / €499 – with release in Spring 2025 whathifi.com hometheaterreview.com, the Wave is now retailing at about $599.99 in the US bestbuy.com. It began shipping around May 2025 and is widely available through retailers like Best Buy and Victrola’s website. Despite the price hike from initial projections (likely due to added features or demand), it remains a unique offering in the ~$600 range, especially given its wireless capabilities. Victrola also launched matching Tempo Bluetooth bookshelf speakers ($199/pair) in the same colors, and those support Auracast for a complete system whathifi.com.

Victrola Wave: Design & Build

victrola.comFrom the moment you unbox it, the Victrola Wave makes a statement. Gone are the faux-vintage suitcase stylings associated with Victrola’s entry models – the Wave embraces a modern minimalist aesthetic. Its plinth is crafted from MDF with a low-resonance veneer finish to dampen vibrations, and atop sits a heavy aluminum platter for stable rotation victrola.com. The clean, rectangular form (about 14” x 17” footprint) gives it a contemporary look that reviewers have called “classy-looking” and premium for its class techradar.com techradar.com. Four matte color options (charcoal black, stark white, deep blue, or green) allow the Wave to blend into any décor or add a pop of personality gearpatrol.com whathifi.com.

Key design elements include an S-shaped aluminum tonearm (sturdy yet lightweight) with a custom removable headshell analogplanet.com. This means you can easily swap or upgrade cartridges – a nod to serious vinyl enthusiasts. The tonearm features an adjustable counterweight with preset alignment guides, making setup straightforward even for beginners analogplanet.com. A detachable hinged dust cover is provided to protect the platter and tonearm; it keeps dust off your records while maintaining the unit’s sleek lines (the cover is clear and low-profile) victrola.com victrola.com.

On the front of the plinth, the Wave places its controls for easy access. There’s a large multifunction knob and switches for power and speed (33⅓ or 45 RPM) – all “intuitive front-facing controls,” as Victrola describes victrola.com. This user-friendly approach means you won’t be fumbling around the back to change settings. The build quality is impressively solid: users report the unit feels substantial and “very appealing” in build, with no flimsy parts bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. Unlike many plastic turntables in the mid-range, the Wave’s heft (over 13 lbs) comes from quality materials – it feels like a true hi-fi component.

Overall, the Victrola Wave strikes a balance between retro and modern. HomeTheaterReview noted its “unique blend of retro appeal and cutting-edge technology” hometheaterreview.com – while the form is modern minimalism, there’s something classic in placing a vinyl record on an understated, solid turntable with a tactile tonearm. Victrola clearly aimed to please both the style-conscious listener and the audiophile-minded, and early impressions suggest they succeeded in setting a new standard for design in this category techradar.com gearpatrol.com.

Sound Quality and Performance

At its core, the Wave is a belt-drive turntable built for high-fidelity vinyl playback. It comes pre-fitted with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving-magnet cartridge analogplanet.com, a well-regarded budget audiophile stylus also found on competing turntables like the Audio-Technica LP120X. This elliptical stylus cartridge is known for its balanced sound and upgradeability (stylus can be swapped for advanced tips in the VM95 series). In the Wave, it tracks wonderfully: one hands-on reporter noted it delivered “great audio quality” during demos – even using challenging records like The Fugees’ The Score, the playback was warm and detailed techradar.com. A user review similarly praised that there is “no distortion” and the sound is “clean and detailed” on this deck bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com.

victrola.comPart of this performance comes from the Wave’s anti-resonance engineering. The heavy aluminum platter and included silicone slipmat work together to suppress rumble and motor vibrations victrola.com. The MDF base also helps dampen unwanted resonances. Victrola’s marketing boasts about “minimizing unwanted vibrations for cleaner, more detailed sound,” and early feedback supports this claim victrola.com bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. In fact, one user who’d used cheaper turntables noted the Wave is free of the muddiness and vibration-related noise that plague low-end units – “it delivers that warm vinyl experience with all the convenience of modern connectivity”, without the drawbacks bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com.

The Wave spins records at 33⅓ and 45 RPM with a manual speed switch (and comes with a 45 adapter). While it does not support 78 RPM, that’s typical for most hi-fi turntables in this range (those few who need 78 may look to specialty models). The belt-drive motor is designed for steady speed and low wow/flutter; though no official spec is published in the materials we saw, Victrola’s higher-end Stream turntables have wow/flutter around 0.2%, so the Wave likely is in a similar ballpark. In use, no reviewers have reported any audible speed instability – the pitch sounds correct and stable to the ear.

Another contributor to sound quality is the tonearm setup. The adjustable counterweight ensures the stylus tracking force is correctly set (the AT-VM95E typically tracks at ~2.0 grams). The Wave’s tonearm also has adjustable anti-skate. These components are often overlooked in cheaper “all-in-one” record players, but Victrola included them here, meaning you can dial in precise settings to minimize distortion and channel imbalance. The result, as What Hi-Fi? and others have implied, is that the Wave “looks like a high-quality entry-level turntable” that treats your records (and your ears) with care gearpatrol.com.

In a CES listening session, TechRadar’s audio editor Ural Garrett confessed that the Wave impressed him the most out of Victrola’s lineup – “I loved the way it sounded,” he wrote, remarking on the solid performance of that AT cartridge and the overall package techradar.com. Given that TechRadar even awarded the Wave a Best of CES accolade techradar.com, it’s clear the sound quality met or exceeded expectations for a turntable at this price.

For those who wish to upgrade further, the removable headshell means you could mount a higher-end cartridge in the future (the tonearm’s standard ½” mount and adjustable counterweight can accommodate a range of cartridges). The built-in phono preamp is switchable – if you have a favorite external phono stage or a receiver with a phono input, you can turn the Wave’s preamp off and use that instead victrola.com. Users report that even using the internal preamp into powered speakers yields excellent results, but the flexibility to upgrade the signal chain is there bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. All these points make the Victrola Wave not just an easy starter turntable, but one that can grow with the user’s demands.

One small note: The Wave’s output options include RCA and 3.5mm. The 3.5mm jack is a convenient addition – you could plug in a pair of wired headphones or a desktop speaker directly. It’s a feature not all competitors include (many rely on RCA only), showing Victrola’s aim to cover all bases for connectivity. Whether you’re spinning classic rock LPs through your big stereo or quietly listening to jazz on headphones late at night, the Wave has you covered.

Wireless Features: Bluetooth & Auracast Explained

Wireless connectivity is where the Victrola Wave truly sets itself apart from other turntables in its class. Bluetooth turntables have been around for a few years, but the Wave pushes the concept into next-gen territory with Bluetooth 5.4 and Auracast broadcasting.

Standard Bluetooth Streaming: The Wave can pair directly with Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, or headphones. It uses Bluetooth 5.4, which offers greater range and stability than older BT versions. Importantly, Victrola included codecs for hi-res audio over Bluetooth – specifically Qualcomm aptX Adaptive (which adjusts to deliver up to ~576 kbps) and aptX HD (up to 24-bit/48 kHz audio) whathifi.com techradar.com. In practical terms, this means if you have compatible speakers or headphones (many aptX HD receivers and headphones exist), you can enjoy much better sound than the basic SBC codec used by typical Bluetooth audio. Vinyl’s analog warmth won’t be entirely lost in transmission – aptX HD can preserve more detail and dynamic range. TechRadar noted this makes the Wave “covered for multiple wireless eventualities,” able to send high-quality audio to one device at a time for serious listening techradar.com techradar.com.

Pairing the Wave to a Bluetooth output is reportedly simple: you put your speaker/headphone in pairing mode, press the Wave’s Bluetooth button, and it will connect (it can remember paired devices for quick re-connection). One early reviewer praised that “connection is easy, while the sound is solid, stable and satisfying via Bluetooth” whathifi.com – a testament to both the codec support and the turntable’s implementation. Essentially, the Wave can function as a wireless audio source, freeing you from running RCA cables across the room. This is ideal for those with minimal space or who want the turntable in one corner and powered speakers elsewhere.

Auracast Broadcast Audio: Here’s the headline feature: the Victrola Wave is the first consumer turntable to implement Bluetooth Auracast. Auracast is a new capability (part of the Bluetooth LE Audio standard) that allows a device to broadcast audio to an unlimited number of receivers in sync hometheaterreview.com. Think of it like an FM radio transmitter for your turntable, but in digital quality and confined to your personal devices. With Auracast, you could send the Wave’s signal to, say, two or three Bluetooth speakers around your living space at once – creating a multi-room audio setup with your vinyl, no wires needed hometheaterreview.com. Or you and a friend could both listen on Bluetooth headphones simultaneously to the same record – perfect for silent disco-style sessions or private listening without disturbing others.

HomeTheaterReview explains that Auracast on the Wave works within a 30m to 100m range (depending on environment) and the Wave’s matching Tempo speakers even support acting as repeaters in a mesh network to extend coverage hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com. This means you could cover a large area or multiple rooms with synced vinyl playback, which is something previously only possible with more complex Wi-Fi systems. “Whether it’s a dorm room hangout, a backyard party, or even a ‘silent rave,’ this feature could bring vinyl fans together in new and exciting ways,” HTR’s Jonathan Takiff noted hometheaterreview.com.

To use Auracast, all participating devices must support it – as of 2025, that list is growing. Many new earbuds, some speakers, and phones (like Samsung Galaxy models) have LE Audio and Auracast capabilities hometheaterreview.com. Victrola’s approach is forward-looking: while you may only have one or two Auracast devices now, the Wave ensures you’re ready for this emerging ecosystem. It essentially future-proofs your turntable.

It’s worth noting that aptX HD and Adaptive codecs generally apply when streaming to a single device; Auracast uses a different broadcast profile (likely the LC3 codec from LE Audio). So for critical one-on-one listening, aptX will maximize fidelity; for group listening, Auracast maximizes flexibility. In either case, the Wave has both bases covered.

Latency and Sync: One common concern with Bluetooth turntables is latency – a slight delay between the record and the sound, which can be problematic if you’re watching the turntable and hearing a delay. While aptX Adaptive can reduce latency, and LE Audio also has low-latency modes, some small delay is inherent. In practice, when using speakers in another room or headphones on your head, this isn’t an issue (there’s no visual to sync to). If you DJ or scratch (which the Wave isn’t really designed for, being belt-drive and manual), you’d likely use the wired outputs anyway. For normal music enjoyment, the convenience trade-off is well worth it – especially since the Wave keeps analog outputs active, meaning you could even run wired sound in one room and Bluetooth in another simultaneously.

Overall Wireless Experience: The Wave is being lauded as possibly “the most future-proof deck on the planet” for these wireless features techradar.com. What Hi-Fi? called it “one of the most feature-packed new arrivals” of CES whathifi.com. Early adopters love the freedom it provides: one user noted “it works well with my multitude of Bluetooth speakers – great sound and super sharp look” bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. The ability to spin vinyl and send the music anywhere in your home (or even yard) is a compelling twist on the classic record-playing experience. Victrola clearly has aimed the Wave at modern listeners who want vinyl on their own terms – bridging the gap between analog and the wireless convenience we’ve come to expect.

Reviews & Public Feedback

The Victrola Wave has drawn significant attention from both tech/audio press and consumers, marking a turning point for Victrola’s reputation in the hi-fi space. Here we compile some notable expert and user feedback:

• TechRadar (Ural Garrett) – After trying the Wave at CES, TechRadar praised it as a “seriously good value” deck with an impressive feature set. “Between the minimalist yet contemporary design and the feature set, this $399 player is full of fantastic tech,” Garrett wrote techradar.com. He highlighted the great audio from the AT cartridge and admitted “I loved the way it sounded”, especially after hearing a familiar album on it techradar.com. TechRadar was so impressed they honored the Wave in their Best of CES 2025 Awards, calling out its Auracast multi-stream capability and high-quality Bluetooth as class-leading techradar.com.
• What Hi-Fi? (News) – In a news roundup, What Hi-Fi? remarked that the Wave was “one of the most feature-packed new arrivals” in turntables for 2025 whathifi.com. They noted its support for aptX Adaptive/HD and Auracast, the MDF plinth and aluminum platter, and the inclusion of a quality AT-VM95E cartridge whathifi.com. The tone of their coverage suggests pleasant surprise that Victrola – traditionally known for cheap players – is delivering such specs at a mid-range price. They also pointed out the “very reasonable” price point of $399 at launch whathifi.com whathifi.com, making clear that the Wave aims to offer high-end features for a fraction of typical high-end cost.
• HomeTheaterReview (Jonathan Takiff) – HTR gave the Wave a glowing write-up and even a Best of CES award. They emphasized how it “stole the spotlight at CES 2025” with its blend of retro appeal and modern tech hometheaterreview.com. Notably, Takiff lauded the Auracast feature, explaining how it enables “shared listening… reimagined” for vinyl hometheaterreview.com. Beyond wireless, HTR underscored that Victrola didn’t skimp on quality: the Wave has “the quality and versatility vinyl fans expect,” citing its AT-VM95E cart, durable aluminum platter, precision tonearm, and gold-plated outputs hometheaterreview.com. In conclusion, HTR saw the Wave as “an exciting addition” that could be a “potential game-changer for group listening” and “a compelling choice for both seasoned vinyl fans and newcomers alike” hometheaterreview.com.
• Gear Patrol (Tucker Bowe) – Gear Patrol’s report posed the question: “Did a budget vinyl brand just set the new standard in turntable design?”. The article noted Victrola’s strides into higher-end territory and praised the Wave’s introduction of Auracast as a likely new standard for wireless turntables going forward gearpatrol.com. They describe the Wave as “a high-quality entry-level turntable” even without the wireless features, thanks to its solid construction and flexibility gearpatrol.com. Gear Patrol also appreciated that Victrola is scratching the “vinyl-curious itch at a more attainable price” with the Wave, as opposed to the much pricier Sonos-integration models gearpatrol.com.
• User Reviews: Early customers, including those who received units via Victrola’s promotions, have been overwhelmingly positive. On Victrola’s site and syndicated to retailers, the Wave holds a 5/5 rating (as of August 2025) bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. Users frequently mention the ease of setup – “insanely easy to set up – all of five minutes!” one user raved bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. The design garners love as “beautiful,” “super sleek,” and fitting well with home decor bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. Many are impressed by the sound quality and connectivity: “great sound and a super sharp look” and “easy connectivity with Bluetooth” are common themes bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. A user by the name shayc20 summed it up: “This turntable is easy enough for beginners but high quality enough for advanced users… playback has no distortion… sound quality is great” bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. Another user, kates449, called it a “dream come true,” applauding the sleek design, solid build (MDF and aluminum), effortless Auracast streaming, and clean, detailed sound free of the vibrations you get with cheaper turntables bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com.

One potential critique that might arise as more audiophiles get their hands on the Wave is its pricing relative to pure analog competitors (more on those next). At an effective $599 retail, it enters a crowded field of very competent turntables without wireless features. Some purists might question if part of the cost is going to Bluetooth tech rather than absolute analog performance. However, so far the sentiment is that the Wave justifies its cost by offering something unique. For a vinyl enthusiast who also embraces modern listening habits, the convenience and innovation seem to outweigh any trade-offs. As one expert put it, audiophiles looking for their next mid-range deck “are in good hands” with the Victrola Wave techradar.com.

Comparisons: Victrola Wave vs. Similar Turntables

How does the Victrola Wave stack up against other turntables in its class? Below, we compare it to a few notable models from Audio-Technica, Fluance, and Pro-Ject – brands often recommended to those seeking quality entry- to mid-level turntables. Each offers a different take: from fully analog decks to Bluetooth-enabled spinners.

Summary of Comparisons: The Victrola Wave occupies a unique niche. Against the Audio-Technica LP120XBT-USB, the Wave offers far more advanced wireless (Auracast, hi-res codecs) and a more stylish, vibration-damped build (MDF vs plastic), albeit at a higher price. The AT is a great all-rounder for those who need USB recording or a built-in 78 RPM option, and it shares the same cartridge, but it lacks the multi-room streaming magic of the Wave techradar.com hometheaterreview.com.

The Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT, one of the Wave’s closest rivals in concept, is similarly priced and also aims for audiophile sound with Bluetooth convenience. Pro-Ject includes an upgraded Ortofon OM10 cartridge and is praised for its smooth sound whathifi.com. However, it doesn’t incorporate the cutting-edge broadcast feature; it’s a single-stream BT device. The Wave might slightly edge it out in versatility, whereas the Pro-Ject might appeal to those who prioritize a purist brand and a slightly simpler feature set from a specialist manufacturer.

When compared to a purely analog deck like Fluance’s RT85, the Wave holds its own in build and base sound, but the RT85 with its 2M Blue cartridge and acrylic platter will likely outperform many similarly priced turntables in sheer analog audio quality avgadgets.com reddit.com. In fact, a dedicated listener whose priority is only sound (and who doesn’t need any wireless capability) might find better value in something like the Fluance or a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, investing every dollar into performance parts. The RT85, for example, has been reviewed as “super accurate and very quiet”, punching above its price in sonic terms soundstageaccess.com. That said, those models require external components (phono preamps, speakers) and lack the Wave’s convenience and tech. The Victrola Wave is targeting the music lover who wants both respectable hi-fi sound and modern connectivity in one package – a combination that, until recently, meant spending a lot more (for instance, Cambridge Audio’s Alva TT v2 at $1,699 offers aptX HD streaming whathifi.com, but at nearly triple the Wave’s initial price).

In short, the Wave is a jack-of-all-trades in the turntable world of 2025: not the absolute last word in analog fidelity, but very competent, and unmatched in versatility. It invites comparison to multiple categories at once – and for a large segment of listeners, it may hit the “sweet spot” better than any single-purpose competitor.

Latest News and Upcoming Models

Since its CES 2025 debut and spring launch, the Victrola Wave has helped usher in a new wave (pun intended) of turntable innovation. Victrola has signaled that it’s fully committed to modernizing vinyl playback. In addition to the Wave, the company rolled out several other models in 2025:

• Victrola Stream Onyx (2025 Edition) – An update to Victrola’s higher-end Sonos-compatible turntable. While pricier ($599) and aimed at Sonos users, the 2025 Stream Onyx added Bluetooth and Roon Ready streaming on top of its Wi-Fi vinyl casting whathifi.com. It features a similar core (AT-VM95E or Ortofon OM5E cartridge) but with network connectivity (UPnP) for 24-bit streaming to multi-room systems whathifi.com. This model is ideal for those in the Sonos ecosystem; it shows Victrola’s broader strategy of covering both Bluetooth/Auracast (Wave) and Wi-Fi (Stream series) wireless domains.
• Victrola Automatic (VPT-800) – A new entry-level fully automatic turntable at $199 analogplanet.com. It offers one-touch play/stop with auto tonearm return, plus Bluetooth streaming (though more basic, likely Bluetooth 5.0 without Auracast). The Automatic comes in the same four colors as the Wave and targets beginners who want plug-and-play ease analogplanet.com. It uses a simpler ATN3600L cartridge and includes built-in speakers’ connectivity. While the audio performance is a step down (plastic build, cheaper cartridge), it’s part of Victrola’s push to provide a stepping stone for new vinyl users.
• Victrola Harmony – A $199 all-in-one system with a mid-century-modern flair analogplanet.com. It packages a full-size turntable (with ATN3600L cart) and two external stereo speakers in a matching design. The Harmony supports Bluetooth streaming (for playing music from your phone or streaming out to the speakers) and even 78 RPM for old shellac records whathifi.com. It’s a compact solution for those who want a turntable plus speakers in one box, without separate components.
• Victrola Journey Glow – A fun, portable suitcase turntable ($79) with built-in speakers and LED light effects analogplanet.com. It’s decidedly low-fi and novelty-focused (featuring 18 lighting modes), aimed at casual or younger users (college dorms, kids). The inclusion of Bluetooth output on even this inexpensive model shows Victrola’s intention to make wireless standard across its lineup analogplanet.com. However, the Journey Glow is not something an audiophile would use regularly – it’s more about affordability and portability (and the nostalgia of cassettes or FM, as it has a multi-function media unit).
• Victrola Tempo Bookshelf Speakers – To complement the Wave (and other turntables), Victrola introduced the Tempo powered speakers ($199/pair) in matching finishes whathifi.com. What’s special is that these speakers also have Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast built-in. They can receive the Wave’s broadcast and even re-transmit it, effectively acting as nodes in an Auracast network hometheaterreview.com. The Tempo speakers have a 4-inch woofer + 1-inch tweeter design, and also offer wired inputs (RCA, 3.5mm, optical, USB-C) for flexibility whathifi.com. Availability: The Tempo speakers are scheduled to launch in Fall 2025 victrola.com. If you’re investing in the Wave and want a hassle-free matching setup, the Tempos could be an excellent addition to get the full wireless multi-room vinyl experience without mixing third-party gear.
• Victrola Zen Outdoor Speaker – Announced alongside the Wave, the Zen is a solar-powered outdoor wireless speaker ($199 each) that supports Auracast victrola.com victrola.com. It’s designed to look like a rock/garden light, blending into outdoor environments. The idea is you could have your Wave broadcasting to your patio or garden speakers during a BBQ, with the Zen speakers relaying the signal further if needed hometheaterreview.com. These too are expected in Fall 2025 victrola.com.

On the competitor front, 2025 is proving to be dynamic for turntables with wireless features. A few notable developments:

• Audio-Technica has continued refreshing its lineup. In late 2024, AT announced models like the AT-LP70XBT, a fully automatic deck with aptX Adaptive support forums.guru3d.com. This shows AT integrating modern codecs into even its lower models. We may see Audio-Technica bring Auracast into future releases as LE Audio becomes more common in devices – though nothing official yet, the Wave’s success could spur others.
• Pro-Ject released the E1 BT in 2022 and the T1 BT/Evo BT series by 2023-24, as we compared above, featuring aptX HD streaming project-audio.com. By mid-2025, Pro-Ject had also launched the Juke Box E and Juke Box S2 (turntables with built-in amps and Bluetooth receivers, essentially record player stereo systems). There’s also buzz about Pro-Ject’s next-generation Debut line possibly adding a wireless variant, but details remain speculative. Given Pro-Ject’s focus on sound, any such move would likely prioritize high-fidelity codecs akin to aptX HD (perhaps LE Audio in the future).
• Fluance and U-Turn (popular mid-fi turntable makers) have so far not embraced Bluetooth in their higher-end models. They pride themselves on analog purity. However, Fluance did introduce the RT81+ series with Bluetooth receivers a while back (for streaming to the turntable’s output). It’s possible they or U-Turn could consider a transmitter in future iterations if market demand shifts. For now, Victrola’s Wave stands relatively alone in the mid-tier wireless turntable segment.
• Sony offers the PS-LX310BT (a $199 fully automatic Bluetooth turntable) which has been a best-seller in the budget realm whathifi.com. It’s a very easy-to-use unit but lacks advanced codec support or upgradable components. Sony has not yet announced an upscale model with aptX HD or Auracast – but as a big player, they could surprise the market if they see opportunity.
• Cambridge Audio and Sony (premium): In the high-end, Cambridge’s Alva TT v2 (mentioned earlier) and Alva ST ($999) show that established hi-fi companies believe in wireless vinyl for audiophiles. The Alva TT v2 even includes a built-in MC cartridge and still streams aptX HD whathifi.com, targeting a niche that might overlap with some of Wave’s audience but at a very different price bracket. If the Wave’s concept proves popular, we might anticipate a trickle-down of those high-end ideas into more affordable units (and conversely, Victrola’s democratization of Auracast might push the high-end to adopt it too).

In conclusion, the Victrola Wave arrives at a pivotal time: vinyl sales are booming, and listeners are increasingly unwilling to sacrifice modern conveniences. Victrola has leveraged its century-old brand to deliver a product that resonates (figuratively, not literally!) with today’s users. The Wave hi-fi turntable marries timeless analog sound with state-of-the-art wireless tech, and does so in a package that’s easy to use and easy on the eyes. From the enthusiastic expert reviews and awards, to the glowing user feedback, it’s clear the Wave has struck a chord.

For someone looking to get into vinyl or upgrade their entry-level setup, the Victrola Wave offers a compelling all-in-one solution. You get solid hi-fi performance, the freedom to place and play your music anywhere, and an upgrade path for the future. Competitors each have their merits – some sounding marginally better, others costing less – but none quite check all the boxes the Wave does. As one early reviewer aptly said, it delivers “the warm vinyl experience with all the convenience of modern connectivity” bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com. In the evolving landscape of vinyl playback, the Victrola Wave is riding the crest of that new wave – and it might just carry a lot of listeners with it into the future of hi-fi.

Sources:

• Gear Patrol – Victrola Wave CES announcement and feature overview gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com
• What Hi-Fi – Victrola 2025 lineup news, Wave specs and pricing whathifi.com whathifi.com
• TechRadar – CES hands-on and Best of CES award for Victrola Wave techradar.com techradar.com
• HomeTheaterReview – Victrola Wave Auracast feature analysis and quotes hometheaterreview.com hometheaterreview.com
• Victrola (official) – Wave product page (design/features) victrola.com victrola.com and 2025 lineup press release victrola.com victrola.com
• Best Buy – Victrola Wave listing (user reviews, current price) bestbuy.com bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com
• Audiofool Reviews – Audio-Technica LP120XBT review (features, build) audiofool.reviews audiofool.reviews
• What Hi-Fi – Best Bluetooth Turntables 2025 (Pro-Ject T1 BT notes) whathifi.com whathifi.com
• Audioholics – Fluance RT85 review (specs and performance) audioholics.com audioholics.com
• Reddit (r/BudgetAudiophile) – Discussion on AT-LP120XBT aptX Adaptive support reddit.com (context for AT’s codec capabilities)