Philips' New Hi-Fi Player Combines Vinyl and CD Playback in One Device

Experience the best of both worlds with Philips’ innovative Bluetooth player that plays vinyl records and CDs seamlessly.

A Fresh Spin on Home Audio: Philips Reenters the Hi-Fi Scene

If you’re a fan of physical music formats like me, this news hits right where it counts. Philips is making a stylish comeback in the home audio arena with a clever twist: a Bluetooth-enabled player that not only spins your favorite vinyl but also doubles as a CD player. It’s like your two beloved formats finally getting along in one sleek package.

Vinyl collectors and CD lovers alike will appreciate this thoughtful combo. The new Philips Fidelio FT1 turntable looks just like your typical modern turntable but hides a neat surprise—a built-in CD player tucked neatly in the front. This isn’t just a gimmick; Philips has engineered the FT1 with true care to keep both the vinyl and CD mechanisms physically separated inside, so you won’t get any crossover interference.

Inside the FT1: Classic Mechanics Meet Modern Design

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find the FT1 offers some serious Hi-Fi chops:

• Belt-driven turntable with two playback speeds (33 and 45 RPM) to handle your entire vinyl library.
• A heavy cast aluminum platter combined with a thick rubber mat to minimize vibrations and keep your records sounding pristine.
• An extruded aluminum tonearm fitted with a replaceable Audio Technica MM cartridge, a tried-and-true combo for crisp, warm sound.
• A front-loading CD player featuring a tray mechanism—compact but precise.

Philips even added an auto-stop function that halts the platter when your record side finishes, a thoughtful touch that vinyl fans will instantly appreciate.

Connectivity and Streaming: The Best of Both Analog and Digital

What’s modern about the FT1? Besides playing your beloved physical media, it embraces today’s wireless convenience with Bluetooth 5.4 support. This lets you stream your vinyl and CD audio wirelessly to compatible speakers or headphones. It also supports Auracast and the LC3 codec, which means better sound quality and broader device compatibility.

If wired is more your style, there’s a built-in phono preamp and RCA stereo outputs to hook up the FT1 to a traditional Hi-Fi amplifier or powered speakers. Plus, a 3.5mm headphone jack is there for those late-night listening sessions when you want to keep the vibe intimate.

On the control front, Philips kept things user-friendly with physical playback buttons and a dimmable LCD screen that shows source selection and volume levels. For the tech-savvy, a Philips app will be available to fine-tune your listening experience and control the player remotely.

Pairing Perfection: Philips’ FA3 Wireless Speakers

To complement the FT1, Philips also introduced the FA3 wireless active speakers. These compact powerhouses pack a punch with dual 50W amplifiers driving a 5-inch fiberglass mid/bass driver and a 1-inch titanium tweeter.

Connectivity-wise, the FA3s feature:

• HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, and RCA aux inputs so you can hook them up to your TV, laptop, or the FT1 player.
• Bluetooth 5.4 with LC3 and Auracast support for seamless wireless streaming.

Whether you want to use the FT1 and FA3 speakers separately or combine them into a full-fledged Hi-Fi setup, Philips offers you the flexibility to build your sound system your way.

Pricing and Availability: What to Expect

So, what’s the damage? The Philips FT1 promises to retail for around $350 USD, while the FA3 speakers are expected to be about $480 USD per pair. Both are slated for release in early 2026, so mark your calendars if you’re craving a stylish, versatile new centerpiece for your music collection.

"The goal was to offer something unique compared to the crowded Bluetooth player market." — Philips

A New Chapter for Physical Media Fans

The Philips Fidelio FT1 is a genuine love letter to fans of both vinyl and CDs, marrying classic sound quality with modern convenience. It’s refreshing to see a company embrace physical music formats in a way that respects their differences while giving listeners the freedom to enjoy both. Whether you’re dusting off your old record crate or rediscovering your CD stash, the FT1 could be the perfect player to bridge your musical past and present.

Are you ready to give your vinyl and CDs a new home with Philips’ innovative combo player?

FAQ

• How does the Philips FT1 handle both vinyl and CD playback in one unit?
  The FT1 features a belt-driven vinyl turntable and a separate front-loading CD player with mechanically isolated components inside the same chassis to avoid interference.
• Can I stream music wirelessly from the FT1?
  Yes, it supports Bluetooth 5.4 along with Auracast and the LC3 codec for high-quality wireless streaming to compatible devices.
• What kind of cartridge does the turntable come with?
  It comes equipped with an Audio Technica MM (moving magnet) cartridge that is replaceable for easy upgrades.
• Are there options for wired connections?
  Absolutely. The FT1 includes a built-in phono preamp with RCA outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Can the FT1 be paired with external speakers?
  Yes, Philips offers the FA3 active wireless speakers designed to complement the FT1, but it also works with other Hi-Fi systems via wired or Bluetooth connections.

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