Reviving the Iconic Sound Burger

The Audio-Technica AT-SB727, also known as the modern Sound Burger, is a retro-styled portable belt-drive turntable that revives the quirky 1980s design. Its compact form factor folds open to clamp over a record, evoking the original’s playful look while adding present-day build quality. Unlike full-size decks, it’s designed for grab-and-go use, making vinyl playback accessible outside the usual living-room setup.

Its battery-powered design runs off an internal rechargeable cell, drawing power via USB-C. This lets you spin records without being tied to an outlet, ideal for picnics, parties, or just moving around the house. The enclosure is lightweight and sturdy enough to travel with, but still feels more substantial than a toy, giving it a reassuringly functional feel.

Wireless or Wired Playback Options

The AT-SB727 keeps setup to an absolute minimum. It plays both 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records and comes with a factory-preset tonearm and cartridge, so you don’t have to fuss with tracking force or alignment before you start listening. This plug-and-play approach makes it much less intimidating than a conventional turntable, especially for casual vinyl fans or as a secondary deck.

For connectivity, Audio-Technica includes both Bluetooth 5.2 streaming and a 3.5 mm line-level output. You can send records wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers or headphones, or hook the player into a traditional amp or powered speakers with a cable. This dual output gives it more flexibility than most portable record players in its class.

Power comes from an internal battery that provides up to 12 hours of playback and takes about 12 hours to recharge over USB-C. It’s long enough for a full day of background music, but also emphasizes the grab-and-go ethos of the Sound Burger revival.

A Fun Secondary Turntable for Casual Vinyl

Weighing around 900 g and small enough to slip into a bag, the AT-SB727 is genuinely travel-friendly. Despite its playful looks, its performance specs hold up respectably for a portable player, with a signal-to-noise ratio over 50 dB and wow-and-flutter under 0.25%. That’s good enough for casual listening but still reflects its lightweight, non-audiophile nature. Because there’s no built-in speaker or volume control, you’ll need an external amp, powered speaker or Bluetooth device to hear it properly.

In short, the Sound Burger reissue offers a charming way to enjoy vinyl on the go. It prioritizes convenience, portability and novelty over high-end fidelity, making it a fun secondary turntable or an entry point for someone who wants vinyl without the setup hassle.