Korg is a name that usually reminds synthesizerskeyboards and production toolsbut ahead NAMM 2025the company announced new players. However, these are not just ordinary turntables sitting on a shelf and connected to speakers. Under the Handytraxx brand, Korg will soon offer portable players for listening, archiving and DJing, with some featuring branded turntables. Vacuum tubes Nutube.
The turntable series takes its name from the original Handy Trax from Vestax. Korg says former Vestax president and co-developer of this OG model Toshihide Nakama worked with the company on “an entirely new type of record player.” Nakama passed away in 2023 during the development of Handytraxx Play, but Korg continued to combine its digital processing and audio technologies with the spirit of Handy Trax.
Handytraxx play ($400) is a DJ-focused member of the group and seems ready for mainstream participation after cameo at NAMM last year. Designed for scratching, the turntable features a Nakama-designed fader, three types of filters, delay, playback control and a built-in audio looper. The tonearm has been designed to minimize stylus skipping, and the belt-driven motor has digital rotation correction to keep things under control. The Play supports both ceramic and MM cartridges (requiring some soldering to replace them), and the Korg allows the control panel to be flipped for a right-handed or left-handed configuration.
If your habit is to listen to vinyl more than scratch, Handytraxx tube ($800) “bridges the gap between modern convenience and the allure of analog technology,” according to Korg. This model takes its name from the tiny Nutube vacuum tube that adds power to the phono stage and warmth to the overall sound. The main components are a die-cast aluminum platter, a balanced tonearm and an MM cartridge. Bass and treble controls are located right on the deck, and there's a dedicated knob for fine-tuning the Nutube's output. And if you want to convert your recordings into digital files, the Tube connects to your computer via USB for this purpose.
There is also a special version of the Handytraxx Tube, which Korg calls Handytraxx J tube ($1200). This model is very similar to the Tube, but is equipped with a JICO Clipper MM cartridge. “The cartridge's unique design balances the center of gravity between the left and right channels, and its Tapered-S cantilever ensures precise vibration reproduction, creating a truly immersive hi-fi soundstage,” explains Korg. In other words, this is an option for the audiophiles in the group.
Finally, the Handytraxx 1bit ($1) is what Korg calls the flagship model of the new series. The company explains that the device combines high-quality playback and 5.6 MHz/1-bit recording for archivists. 1bit works with Korg AudioGate 4 high-resolution audio conversion software once the player is connected to a computer via USB. This complete setup supports both recording and playback in DSD 5.6MHz and 2.8MHz, as well as PCM formats up to 192kHz/24bit. The Handytraxx 1bit is equipped with a 7mm JICO J44A cartridge and, like the Handytraxx Tube, has a built-in Nutube. Like the more affordable model, the 1-bit version has bass, treble and tube controls on top.
As I already mentioned, the entire Handytraxx series is portable thanks to the built-in 2.5W speakers. You can power them using the included AC adapters, or use six AA batteries for a true mobile kit. If you need a permanent installation, each model has appropriate inputs and outputs, including a speaker on/off switch.
Handytraxx Play, Tube and 1bit are due out in May, and Tube J in June. All four are currently available for pre-order. from photo B&H.