Victrola Hi-Res Onyx Review: Premium Wireless Sound Above Entry Level

Experience high-fidelity wireless sound with Victrola Hi-Res Onyx, a standout turntable that blends quality and modern features seamlessly.

A Pleasant Surprise Above Entry-Level Turntables

Stepping into the world of vinyl can be a maze, especially when you want more than the bare minimum but don’t want to break the bank. Enter the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx, a delightful surprise that feels like a breath of fresh air in the "just above entry-level" category. It offers the versatility you expect from budget-friendly models but punches above its weight with build quality and turntable functions typically reserved for devices twice its price. Plus, it rocks a much sleeker look than most of its competition.

One of the features that really sets the Hi-Res Onyx apart is its built-in Bluetooth transmitter. This clever addition lets you stream vinyl directly to any compatible device, catching the vibes without the wires. Supporting Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec, this turntable delivers high-fidelity sound that lives up to its "Hi-Res" name – arguably the cleanest wireless vinyl audio available today.

But don’t let the wireless charm overshadow its prowess in classic wired mode. The Onyx is equipped with a solid Audio-Technica cartridge and a reliable built-in phono preamp. With an auto-stop function that protects your stylus, plus adjustable tracking force and anti-skate controls, it ensures your vinyl collection is treated with the respect it deserves.

There are a few minor quirks—like the slightly inaccurate counterweight markings and a somewhat questionable dust cover design—but these are mere footnotes compared to the overall rewards. While it might not be the holy grail for every audiophile, for most music lovers, the Hi-Res Onyx is a superb choice, especially for its price. Could this be one of the best turntables we've tested recently? Without a doubt.

Price and Release Date

• Price: $399 (approximate)
• Release Date: September 7, 2023

Victrola has been steadily climbing out of the budget-only corner in recent years, releasing models aimed at the accessible Hi-Fi market rather than mere decor pieces. The Hi-Res Onyx is the next step after the Stream Onyx, which was notable for its Sonos ecosystem integration.

These streaming-capable devices compete with a sprawling field of legacy and new brands all vying for vinyl supremacy. Combining analog warmth with digital convenience isn’t new, but many have struggled to nail Bluetooth integration. It seems Victrola has cracked the code here.

Key Specifications

Availability and Use Notes

Though not officially distributed by major retailers locally, the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx can be found via international marketplaces or third-party services. Its universal power supply (100–240V) means just a simple plug adapter is required to connect to your local outlets. No regional restrictions apply to its Bluetooth module, so pairing with compatible headphones or speakers is smooth and reliable.

Features That Matter

• Manual operation with auto-stop and built-in phono preamp
• High-quality Bluetooth streaming
• Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate

Unlike many budget Bluetooth turntables, the Hi-Res Onyx boasts solid manual control and two speeds. The adjustable counterweight and anti-skate mechanisms not only deliver pristine playback but also safeguard your vinyl from premature wear.

The choice of cartridge is another highlight—a step above typical offerings in this price range. Equipped with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E MM cartridge (a classic moving magnet design), it sounds superb for the money and outperforms many rivals.

The auto-stop feature, which can be toggled off, adds further protection by stopping the platter at the end of a side.

Many $400 turntables would stop right there, but Victrola throws in more: a built-in, switchable phono preamp lets you hook this up to nearly any audio system or powered speakers without fuss. The package includes a quality RCA cable with a grounding wire—nice touch.

Wireless streaming is the main event, though. AptX Adaptive, HD support, Bluetooth 5.4, and LE Audio compatibility mean you can send your vinyl tunes to wireless headphones or speakers elsewhere in the house. A single button flips the mode on; the turntable remembers and reconnects instantly on future uses.

Personally, I loved how seamlessly I could switch between Bluetooth streaming to the kitchen and wired listening in the living room. No clicks or pauses—just pure, uninterrupted groove.

• Features rating: 4.5/5

Sound Quality: A Surprisingly Rich Performance

• Impressive playback accuracy
• Rich, dense bass
• Occasional speed instability noticeable

Given its price and proper setup, the Hi-Res Onyx truly impresses. The sound from its built-in phono preamp is full-bodied, the motor hums quietly, and playback feels smooth. While premium models leave room for improvement, this turntable stands out in its class with an "impressive" tag earned fair and square.

My favorite test album, Wye Oak's Civilian + Cut All The Wires: 2009-2011, showed off the player’s strengths. The delicate track No Words features lonely electric guitars and soaring vocals; here, the Onyx treated it gently, presenting crisp guitars and silken Jenn Wasner’s voice, with drums cutting through without stealing the spotlight.

On the flip side, Electricity—a noisy folk maximalist piece—highlighted minor weaknesses. Mids got a touch lost behind the thick bass, and some highs were a bit sharp, at times drowning out guitar nuances or pushing the hi-hat forward.

More expressive tunes like CANT’s Dreams Come True revealed the player’s wider capabilities. Deep thump of bass drums, fiery synths, and layered vocals filled a broad soundstage. The heavy sub-bass and shimmering leads in BANG came through clearly and cohesively. Still, the quiet closing tracks revealed slight speed instability; piano and vocals floated just a bit more than ideal.

Bluetooth streaming backed up the "Hi-Res" claim—normally, vinyl over Bluetooth makes me skeptical, but the easy connection combined with detailed sound won me over. Tracks like Wye Oak’s Holy Holy sounded full-range, while Queens of the Stone Age’s Songs For The Deaf maintained their powerful punch flawlessly.

• Sound quality rating: 4/5

Design: Sleek Minimalism with a Few Practical Quibbles

• Smart, restrained monochrome look
• Smooth, ergonomic interaction
• Style sometimes trumps convenience

Setting up the Hi-Res Onyx isn’t exactly "plug and play." You’ll need to assemble some parts yourself—which can be quite fun—but it’s here that small issues peek through.

First, the design: a restrained, matte black monolith that stands out not by screaming but by commanding with quiet confidence. If not for the shedding cat hair, it’d be a sleek jewel amid a sea of vintage gear. The tonearm holder, made from the same material as the body, uses a hidden magnet to secure the arm, rather than a plastic clip. It feels premium and is safer if you forget to disengage the micro-lift.

However, the counterweight setup is less user-friendly. Though nicely tactile and secured with a thumbscrew, the markings don’t precisely match recommended tracking forces. I resorted to digital scales to get it right. While simpler screw-type counterweights with digital scales might lack finesse, they offer easier and more accurate adjustments.

Then there’s the dust cover—a gracefully curved plastic sheet matching the contours of the tonearm and platter. It only protects components when the turntable is off; you have to remove it during playback. A hinged design would be more practical, especially for those with mischievous cats around.

Still, the Onyx scores high for its smart look and ergonomics, losing just a point for occasional impracticalities.

• Design rating: 4/5

Value for Money

• Practical and versatile for its price
• Excellent value with rich functionality

Priced just under $400, the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx pushes slightly into serious territory for everyday buyers. In return, you get a tasteful, practical device that outperforms many peers in its price bracket.

It’s rare to find a turntable loaded with this many features and customization options at this level. Modest yet versatile, it suits the needs of home Hi-Fi admirers perfectly.

For those who haven’t yet invested heavily in audio gear, this is a really savvy purchase. If you already own an expensive external phono preamp, you might prefer a purer analog model. But for most, the Hi-Res Onyx is a significant upgrade from entry-level decks.

• Value rating: 4.5/5

Ratings Summary

Other Turntables to Consider

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2

Cambridge Audio were the first to release a turntable with aptX HD support, and it was a hit. The Alva TT V2 commands a premium price but offers a stable direct-drive machine that looks and sounds like a million bucks.

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB

The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB is a true all-rounder featuring aptX Bluetooth streaming, USB output for digitizing vinyl, and a host of features helpful even for DJs.

How I Tested the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx

• Tested over three weeks
• Used as the main turntable in a home audio system
• Listened through a Cambridge receiver and Celestion speakers, plus Soundcore Bluetooth speaker

The Victrola Hi-Res Onyx made itself at home in my living room for a solid month. I connected it via RCA outputs to my trusted Cambridge Audio Azur 540R amplifier and Celestion F1 bookshelf speakers, and via Bluetooth to a Soundcore Motion 300 speaker. Familiar vinyls helped me get a feel for its wired and wireless sound character.

Hi-Res Onyx offers the cleanest wireless vinyl sound you can get today.

FAQ

• What speeds does the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx support?
  It supports two speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.
• Does the turntable include a built-in phono preamp?
  Yes, it features a switchable built-in phono preamp suitable for connecting to most audio systems.
• Can I stream vinyl audio wirelessly from this turntable?
  Absolutely! It includes Bluetooth streaming with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive support for high-quality wireless playback.
• Is the stylus replaceable, and what cartridge does it use?
  Yes, the stylus is replaceable. It comes with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving magnet cartridge.
• Does the Victrola Hi-Res Onyx come with a USB port for digitizing records?
  No, it does not have a USB output.

For fans wanting to celebrate their favorite albums in style, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a tasteful way to bring the spirit of great music into your living space—perfect alongside your new Victrola turntable.