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Review on ๐ŸŽถ ION Audio Photon LP: Lighted Turntable with Multi-Color LEDs, USB Conversion, Diamond-Tipped Stylus - 3-Speed Option by Keith Aluguvelli

Revainrating 3 out of 5

A good unit with one glaring flaw

It saddens me that this unit could have been a five star unit if only a few simple design changes had been made. Unfortunately, in trying to be everything at the same time, this device doesn't do anything perfectly. As a player, it's actually of good quality (not great, but good). There's a built-in preamp that actually works and produces a clear sound (if you turn the bass down a bit, it's too harsh for my liking). You can remove both the power cord and RCA cables, so you don't have to worry about wearing them out, and all the cables you need are included. But adding a USB output seems like a really weird solution for a "party" device with flashing multi-colored lights, and flashing multi-colored lights aren't working as they should. The device has an automatic on/off switch that works extremely well. , but it is not an "automatic" player. The pointer doesn't move automatically, and to be honest I like that better. There's a switch to raise and lower your hand, and the recordings play flawlessly. You don't have to worry about the toner hitting the cover and skipping the recording. The big downside is the on-device displays. The device does have an on/off button (yes!), but unfortunately this turns EVERYTHING on and off. There is no on/off switch for the light, and the light is more of a nuisance than fun. When you have your device at eye level and pointed towards you, the lights shine straight into your eyes. Instead of a "disco" effect where the light shoots up, it's more of a streak of light going front to left and back. So the light is only at device level, shines in your eyes when the device is at your level and would not be very noticeable when the device is below you and the light cannot be turned off. In my opinion, this takes the device from "very goodโ€ to "goodโ€. Even if you're a DJ at parties, you probably need some control over the lighting effects with the ability to turn them on and off at will. USB is optional, but a light switch is required. When ION Audio removes USB, improves the display of gauges up instead of horizontally, and adds a simple light on/off switch, you have a five-star unit. So far it's fine, but it just needs some tweaking. Avoid doing this unless you literally ALWAYS want device-level disco lights to pulse horizontally.

Pros
  • Turntable
Cons
  • New competitors have emerged