TechRadar Verdict
Theres plenty to be said for ease of use where turntables are concerned.
But unfortunately for the Rekkord Audio F300, its not the be-all and end-all.
Specifically those gaps marked automatic operation.
Its properly built and finished, too so the asking price seems absolutely fair enough.
at least, it does until you get down to the business of actually playing a record.
But its action that exposes the Rekkord Audios few shortcomings and marrs its bid to enter ourbest turntablesbuying guide.
So ultimately it comes down to your own personal scenario.
That there are more complete-sounding turntables available at this sort of money is undeniable.
Hands not as steady as they used to be?
Hand/eye coordination not all it might be?
The F300 is here to help.
Better still, the F300 is not only fully automatic but its quiet and reliable with it.
About my only gripe concerns the F300s insistence that 12in discs spin at 33.3rpm and 7in discs at 45rpm.
Which takes a bit of the shine off the ownership experience, no two ways about it.
Even the belt that moves the aluminium platter is pre-fitted when you take the player out of its packaging.
Because if theres one thing the F300 offers, its a smooth ride.
Theres a pleasing unity to its presentation, and it gives every aspect of the frequency range equal billing.
Equally problematic is the relative lack of low-end punch the F300 is able to summon.
Which is no ones idea of what Aphex Twin should sound like, lets face it.
The F300 looks exactly as you might expect, in a good way.
Theres a wall-wart mains adapter in the packaging that needs to be plugged in.
The captive RCA leads and grounding lead need to be attached to your amplifier, wireless speaker or what-have-you.
The aluminium platter needs positioning, the counterweight needs adjusting as does the anti-skate control.
And then you just need to take the plastic guard off the cartridge.
You are now set up.
grab the speed at which youd like the platter to turn.
And then, having put a record on the platter, push start.
The job is very much done.
Buy it if…
You value convenienceThe F300 is as convenient as they currently come.
You like an easy-going soundTo be honest, easy-going is to understate it somewhat.
You admire a punchy soundYou have a stack of choice if you want a more assertive-sounding turntable.
None of the alternatives are automatic, though.
And I didnt stop for the thick end of a week.
