The Victrola Century 6-in-1 music centre is a multifunctional music system that combines vintage aesthetics with modern capabilities, designed for anyone looking for a mix of old-school and contemporary audio technology. It definitely looks the part, but for £200 can it deliver what it promises?
Design and Build
First off, it’s pretty bulky. You are going to need to give it a bit of space, but then it’s designed to be a centerpeice of a room with the gorgeous wood finish that gives it a warm, classic look. This aesthetic appeal is one of its standout qualities; and with the front clock it looks great as a decor piece even when it’s not in use (battery has separate battery so it doesn’t even need to be plugged in). The controls are laid out intuitively, with physical knobs and buttons that feel sturdy and lend to the nostalgic experience. But you better learn which button does what as the labels are almost impossible to read on the walnut version. At times I was crying out for a remote!
Features
As the ‘6-in-1’ title suggests, this Victrola model supports half a dozen features:
- Turntable – plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records, making it compatible with virtually all vinyl records
- Cassette Player – a rare addition, the cassette player works fine although the controls are very limited
- CD Player – more controls and works well
- AM/FM Radio – smooth and relatively easy to use
- Bluetooth Connectivity – allows you to stream audio from modern devices wirelessly, or steam music to external speakers using VINYLSTREAM
- Auxiliary Input – for devices without Bluetooth, the aux-in is convenient for connecting MP3 players or phones.
Sound Quality
Good enough verging on the meh. At the price you wouldn’t expect the Victrola Century to compete with high-end sound systems, and it doesn’t. However, it performs well enough for casual listening. The built-in speakers deliver warm, balanced sound, though bass and volume are somewhat limited for those seeking a more robust soundstage. However, it works well in smaller rooms and provides clear playback for vinyl, CDs and streaming.
Ease of Use
Switching between modes is easy, and setup is straightforward. The Bluetooth feature pairs effortlessly, making streaming simple even for those less familiar with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Again I’d highlight I couldn’t read the buttons (maybe it’s my eyesight).
Value for Money
Given its variety of functions, the Victrola Century is reasonably priced. It’s ideal for someone who wants a bit of everything in a single, aesthetically pleasing unit. It does look great, and for the most part delivers a reasonable experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Attractive wood design that adds a classic look to any room
- Multiple playback options (vinyl, cassette, CD, radio, Bluetooth, aux)
- Easy to use
- Convenient Bluetooth connectivity for modern streaming
Cons
- Sound quality is good but not exceptional, especially at higher volumes
- Limited bass response
- No remote
- Lacks advanced features like external speaker outputs for larger setups
Conclusion
Overall, the Victrola Century 6-in-1 Wood Music Center is a pretty charming and versatile music system, best suited for vintage lovers and those with diverse media collections. Iwon’t satisfy audiophiles or those seeking powerful sound output, but it’s an excellent choice for casual listening in small to medium-sized spaces. If you value style, ease of use, and nostalgia, it’s well worth considering.
The Victrola Century 6-in-1 music centre is available for £200 from Very.
What users say
NB: Great record player looks so cool and sounds great and the radio also sounds great and would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for something old fashion looking. Really am happy with it.
TraC: It’s really big! Check the measurements. It would be great if it came with a remote. There are other models that do and would be a nice to have. Speakers are not great but there are jacks to add some.
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