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This suitcase-style record player looks like it belongs to a secret agent

Back in the 1960’s, when making electronics look like anything but electronics was all the rage (take these Empire Grenadier 6000 speakers for example), cramming a turntable into something resembling an over-sized suitcase was de rigueur for manufacturers like Magnavox. But such a design approach was not long for this world … or so we thought. Now that vinyl is making a big comeback, so too are many of the retro turntable designs from the format’s heyday. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense — what’s more hipster than a record player masquerading as a suitcase?

Pyle and Crosley have already tossed their hats into this ring in this department, and now a new option is available from Electrohome in the form of the Archer Suitcase Record Player (model: EANOS300).

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The Archer (for short) packs two full-range speakers, each housed in all-wood cabinets within the case, and powered by a lightweight digital amplifier. In addition to spinning wax, the suitcase of sound offers both a USB input and 3.5 mm aux input for music playback from a smartphone, tablet, or pretty much anything else with an analog audio output.

The table itself spins at 33 1/3, 45, or 78 RPM and accommodates 7, 10, and 12-inch records, so no matter how dated your vinyl might be, you’re covered. You’ll have to manually place the diamond-tipped ceramic stylus in the groove, but when the record ends, the tone arm will lift and return to its resting place automatically.

We’re going to go out on a limb here and surmise the Archer’s sound quality is probably not especially great, but then again, you should always manage your performance expectations from a portable turntable coming in at $100. Hey, novelty has its place — especially these days — and hauling around a case locked and loaded to rock your favorite records wherever you roam definitely has some appeal.

So if toting a turntable around like a musical secret agent is your bag (hey, it is called the Archer, after all) this little device may be right up your alley.

Caleb Denison
Digital Trends Editor at Large Caleb Denison is a sought-after writer, speaker, and television correspondent with unmatched…
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