KORG HANDYTRAXX Tube Jico Cartridge | Portable Record Player

handytraxx tube J

PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER

Introducing a Premium Hi-Fi Experience: handytraxx tube J with the JICO Clipper MM Cartridge

In collaboration with JICO, a distinguished manufacturer of high-quality analog audio styli and cartridges, we are proud to announce the release of the limited-edition handytraxx tube J. This portable record player, already celebrated for its innovative design, now features JICO’s groundbreaking Clipper MM Cartridge, delivering an elevated Hi-Fi experience for vinyl enthusiasts.

The cartridge and styli are the heart of any turntable, and even modest systems can achieve significantly improved sound with high-quality components. To meet the challenge of delivering exceptional sound quality in a portable, all-in-one player, the handytraxx tube J incorporates the precision-engineered Clipper cartridge, ensuring a listening experience that is rich, detailed, and true to the original recording.

About the JICO Clipper MM Cartridge

The Clipper cartridge represents the excellence of JICO’s decades of craftsmanship. Designed to outperform ordinary MM cartridges, the Clipper offers superior audio fidelity and compatibility with JICO’s N44-7 and N44G styli in addition to its exclusive CRCP/MK1 stylus. The cartridge’s unique design balances the center of gravity between the left and right channels, while its Tapered-S Cantilever ensures accurate vibration reproduction, creating a truly immersive Hi-Fi soundstage.

The Ultimate Collaboration: KORG x JICO

This partnership combines the expertise of KORG, a world leader in Electronic Music Instruments, with JICO’s renowned mastery in Analog Audio Craftsmanship. Together, we have created the handytraxx tube J, a record player that brings professional-grade sound quality to a portable form factor.

Features of the handytraxx tube J Limited Edition

The handytraxx tube J retains all the acclaimed features of the original model, including: 

• A die-cast aluminum platter for stable rotation.
• Counterweight tonearm for optimal tracking performance.
• Phono EQ with Nutube technology for rich, dynamic sound. 
• Built-in stereo speakers, supplemented with BASS and TREBLE tone controls.

Now, with the addition of JICO’s Clipper MM Cartridge, this limited-edition player is the perfect fusion of portability and premium audio fidelity.

About JICO (Nippon Precision Jewel Industry Co., Ltd.)

For over 50 years, JICO has been at the forefront of analog audio innovation, producing precision-engineered record styli, cartridges, and related components. With meticulous attention to detail, JICO blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver products that capture the essence of analog sound. Acclaimed in over 120 countries, JICO’s commitment to quality has earned the trust of vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles worldwide.

Bringing the analog record experience closer to you

In a world dominated by digital music, Korg introduces the handytraxx tube, a record player designed for those captivated by the timeless allure of analog records.

At a time when many people listen to music on their smartphones through wireless earbuds, the handytraxx tube bridges the gap between modern convenience and analogue fascination, a love that transcends eras and tastes.

With built-in stereo speakers, a portable design, and battery operation, the handytraxx tube delivers a rich, warm sound experience wherever you go. Each component has been meticulously crafted to prioritise sound quality, including an aluminium die-cast platter for precise and stable rotation, a balanced tone arm featuring an MM cartridge, and a phono amp powered by Korg’s innovative Nutube next-generation vacuum tube.

Unlike the average turntable, the handytraxx tube maximises sound quality with the warmth of a triode vacuum tube and incorporates unique features, while remaining remarkably compact.

Rediscover the charm of vinyl

Have you ever leafed through those old records that you put away in the corner of your room, gazing at the nostalgic jackets and liner notes and wishing that you could hear the sounds of those records again, if only you had a record player as part of your audio system?

Whether you’re dusting off a cherished collection of classics or exploring new releases, the handytraxx tube brings the joy of vinyl records to life. Designed for seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike, this all-in-one player combines nostalgia with innovation. You can play your favourite records without needing separate amps or speakers, offering a seamless listening experience straight out of the box.

Although the media on which music is played in recent years has moved from CDs to streaming, more people are discovering, or rediscovering, the charm of vinyl records. We are seeing not only revival and remastered versions but also new releases on vinyl, with these records being sold in record stores alongside used records. Vinyl record sales outperformed CDs in the US for the first time since 1987. Just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in 2022, to the tune of $1.2bn (£.99bn). Only 33 million CDs were sold, amounting to $483m. It was the 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales.

Listen with outstanding sound

The handytraxx tube goes beyond standard turntables to deliver an elevated listening experience with a compact form. Its aluminium die-cast platter ensures precise and stable rotation, enabling accurate and consistent playback of your favourite records. To achieve superior rotational stability, the player uses a belt-drive system complemented by specially developed software that constantly monitors pitch and speed, maintaining optimal performance.

Key elements that influence sound quality, such as the needle and cartridge, have been meticulously designed. The tone arm features a universal type with a replaceable headshell, allowing users to experiment with different cartridges and sound profiles. The adjustable counterweight ensures precise needle pressure, accommodating cartridges with a recommended pressure of 4 grams or lower. The handytraxx tube offers dynamic, powerful bass and excellent tracking performance right out of the box. Users can also enjoy the flexibility of upgrading to other MM or ceramic cartridges for customised sound.

The handytraxx tube provides customisable bass and treble controls with carefully designed frequency bands, letting users easily create their desired sound. These controls maximise the tonal richness of analogue records, enhancing the unique characteristics of each track. The built-in stereo speakers are designed to deliver a flat response with optimal volume, ensuring clear and balanced audio for an immersive listening experience anywhere. This thoughtful combination of features makes the handytraxx tube a standout choice for enjoying analogue records.

Phono equalizer with next-generation tube performance

At the heart of the handytraxx tube is its integrated phono amplifier, featuring Korg’s innovative Nutube vacuum tube technology. This next-generation design not only enriches the audio with warm harmonics but also adds a lifelike depth and clarity to every record. Vacuum tubes, once a staple in high-quality audio, are becoming increasingly rare and expensive due to the decline in supporting technologies. Recognising this, Korg developed the Nutube vacuum tube to bring a modern solution to the timeless appeal of vacuum tube sound.

The phono equalizer within the handytraxx tube plays an indispensable role in achieving exceptional sound quality. Designed to bring out the original sound of your records, it adds pleasant harmonics characteristic of vacuum tubes for a rich, immersive sonic experience.

The TUBE control allows you to fine-tune the harmonics, letting you find the perfect tonal balance to suit your listening preferences. Built directly into the handytraxx tube, this phono amplifier ensures both convenience and performance, with the option to connect to a typical stereo system via line output or use dedicated phono output jacks for audio enthusiasts who prefer their own external equalizers. This versatility caters to both casual listeners and devoted vinyl aficionados.

Take vinyl anywhere

Portability is a key feature of the handytraxx tube. With a footprint similar to an A3 sheet of paper and a weight of just 3kg/6.5lbs without batteries, it’s designed to accompany you wherever your music takes you. It can be powered by an AC adapter or six AA batteries, making it versatile and convenient for use at home or on the go. The included dust cover provides protection and ensures the player is always ready for use, whether it’s set up permanently in your room or taken on your travels.

The unit includes stereo speakers (with an on/off switch) and a headphone jack, so you can enjoy listening to records even when it’s late at night.

Convert vinyl to digital

The handytraxx tube enables you to preserve your favourite records in digital format. By connecting the player to a computer with a USB cable, you can use audio recording software, such as Audacity, to digitise your vinyl collection. This feature lets you enjoy the warmth of vinyl even when you’re on the move, transferring your digitised tracks to portable audio players for easy access.

Note: Software for recording is not included, but freeware and commercially available software is easily available for this purpose. Note: Audacity is a registered trademark of Dominic Mazzoni http://www.audacityteam.org

Specifications

• Drive System

  • Belt drive system (with CPU controlled rotation compensation function)
• Drive Motor

  • DC Servo Motor
• Rotation Speed

  • 33-1/3, 45, 78 RPM
• Platter

  • Aluminum Die-Cast
• Wow and Flutter
  • < 0.15% (WTD) at 3kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio)
  • > 70dB (DIN-B)
• Cartridge Type

  • JICO Clipper MM Cartridge
• Output Level

  • Phono: 230mV (1kHz, 5cm/sec)

  • Line: Max 2.3Vp 2 THD 1%

  • Headphones: Max 80mW (32 ohms) THD 1%

  • Speakers: Max 2.5W (THD 1%, 4Ω) x2
• PHONO Preamp

  • Gain: Standard Value 38dB

  • Equalizer Characteristics: RIAA
• Tone Control

  • Bass : 130Hz, ±8dB

  • Treble : 5.5kHz, ±8dB
• Tube Control

  • Gain: 0 ~ 6dB
• USB Audio

  • Output: 2ch, PCM 44.1kHz/48kHz 16-bit, USB 2.0 (Full Speed)
• Power Consumption

  • 2.35W
• Power Supply

  • AC Adapter, Six AA Batteries (Alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries)
• Weight

  • 2.8kg
• External Dimensions

  • 370 x 280 x 118mm

  • 370 x 286.25 x 118 mm (including cover projections)
• Included Items

  • AC Adapter, AC Adapter Replacement Plugs (5 types), Dust Cover, Platter, Belt, Record Mat, EP Adapter, Headshell, Cartridge (pre-installed on headshell), Counterweight, Platter Securing Cap