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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The Victrola Soundstage is a soundbase for turntables and record players.
- It can replace bookshelf or tabletop speakers in a vinyl setup.
- It sits under your turntable to save space.
Modern vinyl enthusiasts often face two options: spend money and time building a hi-fi system complete with external speakers, receivers, and a multitude of wires, or opt for a compact, all-in-one system that sacrifices sound quality for convenience. Victrola's CES 2026 announcement aims to bridge this gap for its customers, offering a high-quality solution to a wide range of listeners.
A speaker for under your player
The Victrola Soundstage is the company's first soundbase, a compact speaker that goes under your record player, offering wireless connectivity, high-quality sound, and a compact design. It's an option for people who don't want to invest in the potentially time-consuming process of building a vinyl system but still need to save space.
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I demoed the Soundstage at CES 2026, and it's a promising speaker for vinyl beginners and dedicated hobbyists. Here's why.
According to Victrola, the Soundstage features a Symmetric Drive Woofer with dual diaphragm technology, designed to deliver a full bass response without emitting vibrations. Victrola says harmful low frequencies are detected through the down-firing Symmetric Drive Woofer and rear-facing ports. Any vibrations from a soundbase or external speakers near a vinyl player can disrupt the turntable's stylus and create a rumbly, distorted bass response.
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Soundbases are an emerging market for vinyl fans; there aren't many to choose from. The Victrola team told me that it's difficult to control the vibrations emitted from a speaker's bass response without significantly dampening the bass. However, the Soundstage's technologies find a way.
The Soundstage also features a Balanced Mode Radiator, which the company claims contributes to the speaker's wide soundstage, even sound dispersion, and a spacious, natural sound. In a press release, Victrola states that the speaker's low crossover point and Balanced Mode Radiators preserve midrange and high frequencies, projecting them forward. If the Soundstage sounds as great as Victrola claims, it solves another problem for vinyl fans who prefer compact systems.
Impressive, with big sound
When I listened to the Soundstage, its volume output was undeniable, with its bass response remaining clear and noticeable. It's an impressive speaker, given its ability to deliver big sound without damaging the most fragile parts of a turntable or record player.
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Typically, all-in-one systems can contain cheaper materials, which can sound dull and potentially damage your records. They can be a great place to start, but many budding enthusiasts might find themselves upgrading as they further their hobby. Should they not have the space or desire for bookshelf speakers, Victrola's Soundstage is an option.
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