handytraxx tube
PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER
Release date undecided
In a world dominated by digital music, Korg introduces the handytraxx tube, a record player designed for those captivated by the timeless allure of analog records.
At a time when many people listen to music on their smartphones through wireless earbuds, the handytraxx tube bridges the gap between modern convenience and analogue fascination, a love that transcends eras and tastes.
With built-in stereo speakers, a portable design, and battery operation, the handytraxx tube delivers a rich, warm sound experience wherever you go. Each component has been meticulously crafted to prioritise sound quality, including an aluminium die-cast platter* for precise and stable rotation, a balanced tone arm featuring an MM cartridge, and a phono amp powered by Korg’s innovative Nutube next-generation vacuum tube.
Unlike the average turntable, the handytraxx tube maximises sound quality with the warmth of a triode vacuum tube and incorporates unique features, while remaining remarkably compact.
* Rotating turntable parts
Have you ever leafed through those old records that you put away in the corner of your room, gazing at the nostalgic jackets and liner notes and wishing that you could hear the sounds of those records again, if only you had a record player as part of your audio system?
Whether you’re dusting off a cherished collection of classics or exploring new releases, the handytraxx tube brings the joy of vinyl records to life. Designed for seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike, this all-in-one player combines nostalgia with innovation. You can play your favourite records without needing separate amps or speakers, offering a seamless listening experience straight out of the box.
Although the media on which music is played in recent years has moved from CDs to streaming, more people are discovering, or rediscovering, the charm of vinyl records. We are seeing not only revival and remastered versions but also new releases on vinyl, with these records being sold in record stores alongside used records. Vinyl record sales outperformed CDs in the US for the first time since 1987. Just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in 2022, to the tune of $1.2bn (£.99bn). Only 33 million CDs were sold, amounting to $483m. It was the 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales.
The handytraxx tube goes beyond standard turntables to deliver an elevated listening experience with a compact form. Its aluminium die-cast platter ensures precise and stable rotation, enabling accurate and consistent playback of your favourite records. To achieve superior rotational stability, the player uses a belt-drive system complemented by specially developed software that constantly monitors pitch and speed, maintaining optimal performance.
Key elements that influence sound quality, such as the needle and cartridge, have been meticulously designed. The tone arm features a universal type with a replaceable headshell, allowing users to experiment with different cartridges and sound profiles. The adjustable counterweight ensures precise needle pressure, accommodating cartridges with a recommended pressure of 4 grams or lower. Shipped with a pre-installed JICO J44A 7* MM-type cartridge, the handytraxx tube offers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking performance right out of the box. Users can also enjoy the flexibility of upgrading to other MM or ceramic cartridges for customised sound.
The handytraxx tube provides customisable bass and treble controls with carefully designed frequency bands, letting users easily create their desired sound. These controls maximise the tonal richness of analogue records, enhancing the unique characteristics of each track. The built-in stereo speakers are designed to deliver a flat response with optimal volume, ensuring clear and balanced audio for an immersive listening experience anywhere. This thoughtful combination of features makes the handytraxx tube a standout choice for enjoying analogue records.
*J44A 7
The J44A 7 is a popular MM cartridge made by renowned manufacturer JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.) that produces a dynamic and powerful bass sound with a solid core. The accompanying record stylus N44-7 IMP SD uses a synthetic solid diamond tip. The cantilever allows you to experience outstanding tracking performance.
At the heart of the handytraxx tube is its integrated phono amplifier, featuring Korg’s innovative Nutube vacuum tube technology. This next-generation design not only enriches the audio with warm harmonics but also adds a lifelike depth and clarity to every record. Vacuum tubes, once a staple in high-quality audio, are becoming increasingly rare and expensive due to the decline in supporting technologies. Recognising this, Korg developed the Nutube vacuum tube to bring a modern solution to the timeless appeal of vacuum tube sound.
The phono equalizer within the handytraxx tube plays an indispensable role in achieving exceptional sound quality. Designed to bring out the original sound of your records, it adds pleasant harmonics characteristic of vacuum tubes for a rich, immersive sonic experience. The TUBE control allows you to fine-tune the harmonics, letting you find the perfect tonal balance to suit your listening preferences. Built directly into the handytraxx tube, this phono amplifier ensures both convenience and performance, with the option to connect to a typical stereo system via line output or use dedicated phono output jacks for audio enthusiasts who prefer their own external equalizers. This versatility caters to both casual listeners and devoted vinyl aficionados.
Portability is a key feature of the handytraxx tube. With a footprint similar to an A3 sheet of paper and a weight of just 3kg/6.5lbs without batteries, it’s designed to accompany you wherever your music takes you. It can be powered by an AC adapter or six AA batteries, making it versatile and convenient for use at home or on the go. The included dust cover provides protection and ensures the player is always ready for use, whether it’s set up permanently in your room or taken on your travels.
The unit includes stereo speakers (with an on/off switch) and a headphone jack, so you can enjoy listening to records even when it’s late at night.
The handytraxx tube enables you to preserve your favourite records in digital format. By connecting the player to a computer with a USB cable, you can use audio recording software, such as Audacity, to digitise your vinyl collection. This feature lets you enjoy the warmth of vinyl even when you’re on the move, transferring your digitised tracks to portable audio players for easy access.
Note: Software for recording is not included, but freeware and commercially available software is easily available for this purpose.
Note: Audacity is a registered trademark of Dominic Mazzoni http://www.audacityteam.org
>handytraxx tube block diagram
Two years ago, through an unexpected connection with KORG, it all began with a simple message: “Mr. Nakagawa, there’s someone who would like to meet you.” When I reached out, they said, “I have something I’d like to show you and seek your advice on.”
What awaited me was an extraordinary creation—a masterpiece originally designed by the late Toshi Nakama, the former president of Vestax. As I stood there, I was reminded of his parting words to me: “Mr. Nakagawa, I’m working on something really cool that I think you’ll love. One day, I’ll show it to you—please look forward to it.” When the prototype was unveiled, carefully wrapped in a white cloth, those words came rushing back to me. For the first time in decades, I felt as though I’d been struck by lightning. “This is incredible,” I thought. “I’ve never seen a portable player like this—especially one with a built-in vacuum tube.”
To test its full potential, we installed the J44A 7 OMNIA cartridge, which we had previously provided as a sample, and compared it with the cartridge originally planned for the player. The difference in sound was astonishing. Everyone in the room was taken aback, exclaiming, “How can the sound transform so dramatically?” From that moment, the handytraxx became a passion project, and together with KORG’s development and sales teams, we poured our collective energy into bringing it to life. This player represents a significant milestone for JICO as the first-ever device to feature a JICO cartridge as its original component. In fact, my own staff humorously remarked, “President, you seem like KORG’s head of sales these days!”
Through this project, I am convinced that we are about to witness the dawn of a new and exciting horizon in audio craftsmanship.
I want to emphasize that this journey was not about fulfilling the wishes of the late Mr. Nakama. Instead, it was my admiration for the product itself that drove me forward. The fact that he played a part in its creation is a serendipitous and beautiful coincidence. I am certain he would have been overjoyed to see this day and would have said, “You did it!”
January 17, 2025
Yukihiro Nakagawa
President of JICO
Drive System | Belt drive system (with CPU controlled rotation compensation function) |
Drive Motor | DC Servo Motor |
Rotation Speed | 33-1/3, 45, 78 RPM |
Platter | Aluminum Die-Cast |
Wow and Flutter | < 0.15% (WTD) at 3kHz |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio) | > 60dB (DIN-B) |
Cartridge Type | MM Type Stereo Cartridge (JICO J44 A7) |
Needle pressure | 1.5 g to 3.0 g |
Effective Length of Tonearm | 190mm |
Output Level | Phono: 420~750 mV (Gain MAX, TUBE VR MIN) Line: Max +14.75dBu THD 1% Headphones: Max 70mW (32 ohms) THD 1% Speakers: Max 2.5W (THD 1%, 4Ω) x2 |
PHONO Preamp | Gain: 38dB Equalizer Characteristics: RIAA |
Tone Control | Bass: 130Hz, ±8dB Treble: 5.5kHz, ±8dB |
Tube Control | Gain: 0 ~ 6dB |
USB Audio | Output: 2ch, PCM 44.1kHz/48kHz 16-bit, USB 2.0 (Full Speed) |
Power Consumption | 2.35W |
Power Supply | AC Adapter, Six AA Batteries (Alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries) |
Battery Life | Approximately 11 hours (Speaker: ON, MAIN VOLUME knob: Center, using alkaline batteries) |
Weight | 2.8kg / 6.17lbs (with Dust Cover, without Batteries) |
External Dimensions | 370 x 280 x 118mm / 14.57” x 11.02” x 4.65” 370 x 286.25 x 118 mm / 14.57” x 11.27” x 4.65” (including lid) |
Included Items | AC Adapter, AC Adapter Replacement Plugs (5 types), Dust Cover, Platter, Belt, Record Mat, EP Adapter, Headshell, Cartridge (pre-installed on headshell), Counterweight, Platter Securing Cap |
*Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
*All product names and company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Celebrating Hi-Fi audio excellence, the handytraxx tube includes a special collaboration with JICO, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality analogue audio products. The pre-installed JICO J44A 7 cartridge delivers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking. For those seeking an even richer Hi-Fi experience, the exclusive “tube J” model features JICO’s state-of-the-art Clipper cartridge, offering unparalleled playback quality.
This is the JICO MM cartridge included with the handytraxx tube
It is also compatible with SHURE genuine “N44G” and “N44-7.”
This is the JICO MM cartridge included with the handytraxx tube J
Gently pinch both ends of the plastic part and slide it in the direction of the black arrow to easily remove it.
Caution: Please be careful not to touch the stylus tip or cantilever.
Gently pinch the protruding parts at both ends of the stylus (highlighted in red in the diagram) and pull in the direction of the black arrow to easily detach it.
Caution: Please be careful not to touch the stylus tip or cantilever.
It is also compatible with SHURE genuine “N44G” and “N44-7.”
