Introduction to the Modular Audio System
The resurgence of physical media has been in full swing in the alternative music scene for a while. Nowadays, audiences are catching on to the tactile experience and ownership offered by a CD or a vinyl record. Trettitre's Retro Ambient Sound System brings this concept into a full-system format.
The setup comprises a vinyl turntable with RGB backlighting, a compact disc player, and a cassette player on a magnetic metal rack with a phone holder. The record player packs an Audio-Technica AT-3600L phono cartridge, a self-balancing tone arm, and a manual speed knob for up to plus or minus 5% adjustment. It also features Bluetooth support with AptX, AptX HD, and AptX Adaptive codecs, alongside an auxiliary 3.5mm output.
Physical controls are straightforward with no touchscreens or menus. Vertical hi-fi vinyl player units spend significant engineering effort on ensuring vertical stability. The vertical orientation of this TTT-LP3 unit is a demanding task, meaning the self-balancing tonearm has heavy workload requirements. Because all components are magnetic, users can detach them and place them on a table.
Design and Power Setup
The units are fully wireless and attach to their frames magnetically, though there is no combined power supply. Each unit features its own battery, USB-C charging port, and Bluetooth connection. The TTT-LP3 record player supports wireless charging via an included T-shaped adapter.
CD and Cassette Performance
The TTT-DP3 CD player features physical buttons with individual shapes and a small OLED screen for track information. The dust cover over the disc is magnetic. However, specifications do not list high-end audio codecs for this unit, which is notable given the wide sonic range of compact discs.
The TTT-CP3 cassette player includes chunky, inviting buttons reminiscent of old-school hi-fi units. Similar to the CD player, there is no mention of high-end audio codec support for the cassette module, though cassette tapes typically feature inherently limited noise floors and treble response.
Pricing and Availability
Trettitre's Retro Ambient Sound System is available for preorder at Kickstarter starting at $399 with $76 shipping. Following the early campaign phase, the bundled unit price is scheduled at $429, with individual components also offered separately.
