The Mixx Analog+ Turntable and CD Player: An Innovative Design with Sound Quality Compromises

In a landscape of audio equipment that often prioritizes singular function, the Mixx Analog+ emerges as a distinctly ambitious endeavor, attempting to bridge the gap between the nostalgic charm of vinyl and the convenience of digital playback. This integrated unit, which houses a turntable and a CD player within a single chassis, represents a bold step from Mixx Audio, a relatively young brand aiming to make a significant mark in the competitive hi-fi market. After extensive testing, What Hi-Fi? finds that while the Analog+ excels in its innovative design and user-friendliness, its sonic performance falls short of expectations, leaving room for significant improvement in future iterations.

A Unique Proposition in the Audio Market

For half a century, What Hi-Fi? has chronicled the evolution of audio technology, witnessing the rise and fall of various formats and the constant drive for innovation. Throughout this extensive history, the publication has encountered a multitude of audio devices, from the earliest turntables and CD players to more contemporary iPod docks and in-car stereo systems. However, the Mixx Analog+ presents a novelty not previously seen: a turntable with a fully integrated CD player concealed within its platter. While combined turntable-and-CD-player units are not entirely unheard of, the specific implementation in the Analog+ – with the CD player residing beneath the turntable’s rotating surface – is a first for the publication. This design immediately sparks curiosity about its functionality and the compromises, if any, made in its engineering.

Feature Set: A Blend of Old and New

The Mixx Analog+ is engineered to cater to both vinyl enthusiasts and CD collectors, offering a comprehensive suite of features designed for ease of use and versatility.

Turntable Capabilities:
At its core, the Analog+ functions as a belt-drive turntable capable of playing records at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, accommodating both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats. It comes pre-fitted with an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge, a well-regarded component in its class, mounted on a metal tonearm. This setup ensures the turntable is ready for playback right out of the box. The tonearm itself is designed for simplicity, with no provision for advanced adjustments beyond replacing the cartridge with a like-for-like model if necessary.

A standout feature of the turntable is its fully automatic operation. With the press of a button, the tonearm gracefully lifts, moves to the lead-in groove, and begins playing the record. This automation extends to the end of the record, where the tonearm automatically returns to its rest, preventing unnecessary wear on both the stylus and the vinyl. The unit also includes a repeat function and the ability to skip tracks, though the forward and rewind functions are not precise, moving the arm a predetermined distance rather than locating specific track beginnings. Users can achieve more precise placement by holding down the skip buttons. Mixx Audio advises against manual manipulation of the tonearm to preserve the integrity of the automatic mechanism. While the automatic operation is generally smooth, a noticeable motor noise is present during arm movement, which thankfully subsides once the stylus engages the record groove.

CD Player Integration:
The CD player is ingeniously housed within the turntable’s platter, accessible through a cut-out in the rubber mat and the platter itself. This top-loading design allows users to insert CDs without needing to disassemble other parts of the turntable. A simple press on the bottom edge of the lid opens the CD compartment. A dedicated “Function/FN” mode on the deck allows seamless switching between turntable and CD playback. The front display clearly indicates the track number, remaining playback time for CDs, and for vinyl, it displays the selected speed and record size. The Analog+ supports standard CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats. Notably, a CD can remain in the player even during vinyl playback, provided the correct playback mode is selected, ensuring no interference between the two formats. The CD player also features a memory buffer, allowing it to store and play a track from memory even if the disc momentarily stops spinning, a normal operational characteristic that does not interrupt audio playback.

Connectivity and Convenience:
The Mixx Analog+ incorporates a built-in phono stage, enabling direct connection to active speakers or an amplifier’s line-level inputs. Unlike some competing models, this phono stage cannot be bypassed for upgrades, a design choice likely aimed at maintaining the product’s all-in-one simplicity for its target audience.

Further enhancing its modern appeal, the Analog+ offers Bluetooth 5.3 streaming capabilities. This allows users to wirelessly transmit audio from both vinyl records and CDs to Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones. The device supports the widely compatible AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. Pairing with devices like the Ruark MR1 Mk3 speakers is described as swift and straightforward. A crucial detail for users is the presence of an RCA/Bluetooth output switch on the rear of the unit, which must be toggled according to the desired connection method. The absence of a USB port for direct digital recording is a notable omission for some users, though it aligns with the product’s focus on core playback functions.

Design and Build Quality: A Thoughtful Aesthetic

The Mixx Analog+ presents a visually appealing package, characterized by a slim yet robust MDF plinth and a metal-fronted panel. The rubberized buttons are logically placed and offer a responsive tactile experience. The overall build quality is described as smart and well-executed, lending the unit a premium feel that surpasses some of its competitors, such as the Sony Bluetooth turntables, which are perceived as somewhat plasticky and clunky in comparison.

Operationally, the Analog+ is designed for intuitive use. Switching between its various functions is straightforward, akin to operating a standard CD player. Even the automatic turntable mechanism is designed to be user-friendly. The crisp LED display, which provides clear information on playback modes and track details, contributes to the overall ease of use. All essential controls, including speed selection, playback functions, and track skipping, are mirrored on the included remote control, allowing for full operation without needing to physically interact with the unit, aside from changing discs or records.

A minor design oversight noted is the absence of a finger-lift on the tonearm, which, while discouraging manual arm movement, also means there’s no safety clip for the tonearm when it’s in its rest position. The transparent lid offers a view of the spinning CD, a visually engaging element for users.

Sonic Performance: Where Innovation Meets Limitation

The critical aspect of any audio equipment review lies in its sound quality, and it is here that the Mixx Analog+ encounters its most significant challenges. Testing was conducted using a combination of reference systems, including the Arcam A5 amplifier paired with Epos ES-7N speakers, and the more price-appropriate Ruark MR1 Mk3 powered speakers, utilizing both wired (RCA) and Bluetooth connections.

It is widely acknowledged in audio engineering that integrating multiple complex functions into a single unit often involves compromises in performance. The Mixx Analog+ is no exception, with the added complexity of a CD player within the turntable contributing to sonic limitations.

CD Player Performance:
When tested with Hans Zimmer’s The Dark Knight OST, the CD player’s performance was described as “quite poor and muddled.” While no single frequency range was overtly problematic, the audio lacked clarity, distinct separation of instruments, and the dynamic punch required to convey the soundtrack’s dramatic tension. The soundstage was perceived as small-scaled and dynamically compressed, failing to capture the intended grandeur of the music.

Turntable Performance:
The performance of the turntable component showed improvement compared to the CD player. Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS album was rendered with a sense of solidity and stability, exhibiting a livelier character than its CD counterpart. The sound was deemed fairly balanced, with decent detail and clarity. The pop record possessed a sense of punch and flow, with the midrange receiving particular emphasis. However, the turntable struggled to deliver deep bass for impactful rhythmic swings.

Comparative Analysis:
In terms of dynamic range, the Analog+ remained limited across both formats. When compared to its closest rival, the Sony PS-LX3BT, the Mixx Analog+ lagged significantly. The Sony turntable offered superior subtlety, clarity of detail, a greater sense of spaciousness, and more precise, fluid dynamics, resulting in a more musically engaging and involving listening experience. This suggests that while the Mixx Analog+ prioritizes convenience and integration, it sacrifices the musicality that audiophiles typically seek.

When connected to the Ruark MR1 Mk3 speakers via both RCA and Bluetooth, the convenience of the connection was confirmed, but the player’s inherent performance limitations persisted. For users expecting the sound quality of entry-level separates, the Mixx Analog+ is likely to disappoint.

Verdict: A Design Marvel with Sonic Shortcomings

Mixx Audio deserves commendation for its innovative approach and the creation of a unique product in the market. The Analog+ stands out for its distinct design and its ambition to offer a seamless, all-in-one solution for both vinyl and CD playback. Its user-friendly interface, intuitive operation, and thoughtful integration of features make it an attractive proposition for consumers prioritizing simplicity and convenience.

However, the significant compromises in sound quality cannot be overlooked. Both the CD player and the turntable components fall short of delivering the nuanced and dynamic audio experience expected from dedicated components, even at an entry-level price point. The sonic limitations detract from the overall listening pleasure, leaving the user with a product that excels in concept and execution of features but falters in its core purpose: delivering high-fidelity sound.

What Hi-Fi? hopes that a future iteration or a higher-tier model from Mixx Audio will address these sonic shortcomings. With greater attention to sound quality, a product with such an innovative and appealing design could truly become a compelling choice for a wider range of audio enthusiasts. As it stands, the Mixx Analog+ is an intriguing device for those who prioritize an all-in-one solution and ease of use above all else, but it is not a recommendation for those seeking a truly immersive audio experience.

Pros:

• Innovative and unique integrated design combining turntable and CD player.
• User-friendly interface and intuitive operation.
• Fully automatic turntable functionality for ease of use.
• Convenient Bluetooth streaming capabilities.
• Smart and modern aesthetic.

Cons:

• Subpar sound quality from both CD player and turntable.
• Limited dynamic range and detail retrieval.
• Noticeable motor noise during tonearm movement.
• Non-upgradeable phono stage.
• Lacks USB output for direct digital recording.