MAGNAVOX 523117-1 Feather Touch Stereo Turntable

( Brand: Magnavox ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 523117-1 ), ( Model: CUSTOM ), ( Part Type: Turntable ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Country Of Origin: United Kingdom )

Review MAGNAVOX Vintage Feather Touch Custom Speed Stereo Turntable

The Magnavox 523117-1 Feather Touch Stereo Turntable is a refined and versatile audiophile-grade record player designed to deliver an immersive listening experience for both casual enthusiasts and dedicated vinyl collectors. Engineered with precision and built to last, this turntable features a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly blends into any audio setup while exuding a sense of timeless elegance. At its core, the Feather Touch mechanism is a standout innovation, offering an ultra-light, frictionless tonearm that responds with effortless accuracy to the slightest adjustments, ensuring optimal tracking and minimal wear on your records. The tonearm itself is crafted from high-quality materials, including a precision-machined aluminum base and a counterweight system that allows for effortless balancing, guaranteeing a clean, distortion-free signal transfer from the stylus to your amplifier.

The turntable s motor is a smooth-running, direct-drive unit that eliminates the need for a separate belt or idler wheel, resulting in a more stable and consistent rotational speed of 33 and 45 RPM. This direct-drive system not only enhances the overall durability of the turntable but also reduces speed fluctuations, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your audio playback. The Feather Touch s built-in anti-skating mechanism further refines the tracking performance, ensuring that the stylus remains perfectly aligned with the record s groove without unnecessary lateral force, thereby preserving both the record and the stylus for years of use.

For those who appreciate a customizable listening experience, the Magnavox 523117-1 is equipped with a detachable phono preamp output, allowing you to connect directly to a wide range of amplifiers, receivers, or dedicated phono stages. The turntable also includes a built-in tonearm lock, which secures the arm in place during transport or when not in use, preventing accidental damage and ensuring the longevity of both the tonearm and the stylus. The base of the turntable is constructed from sturdy, vibration-dampening materials, which work in tandem with the turntable s counterweight to minimize external disturbances, delivering a cleaner and more accurate audio signal.

In terms of aesthetics, the Magnavox 523117-1 features a clean, modern look with a matte black or wood-grain finish (depending on the model), adding a touch of sophistication to any audio setup. The turntable s compact yet sturdy design makes it an ideal choice for both dedicated listening rooms and smaller spaces, while its high-quality construction ensures that it will remain a reliable and enjoyable part of your audio collection for decades to come. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of turntables, the Magnavox Feather Touch Stereo Turntable offers a perfect blend of functionality, precision, and style, making it a standout addition to any audiophile s collection.

The Magnavox 523117-1 Feather Touch Stereo Turntable is a budget-friendly entry-level record player designed for casual listeners and beginners. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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1. **Affordability** This turntable is priced significantly lower than many mid-range or high-end models, making it accessible for those new to vinyl or on a tight budget. It offers basic functionality without the premium cost.

2. **Simple and User-Friendly Design** The Feather Touch model is straightforward to set up and operate. It includes a belt-drive system, which is generally more reliable and quieter than direct-drive systems at this price point. The tonearm is also relatively easy to adjust and balance, which is helpful for beginners.

3. **Basic Audio Quality** While not audiophile-grade, the turntable delivers decent sound quality for its price. The included cartridge (likely a basic ceramic type) produces clear audio, though it may lack the warmth or depth of higher-end cartridges. For casual listening, this is often sufficient.

4. **Included Accessories** The package typically comes with essentials like a dust cover, anti-skate control, and sometimes a basic preamp or adapter for connecting to speakers or amplifiers. This reduces the need for additional purchases upfront.

5. **Compact and Space-Efficient** The turntable is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to place on a shelf or desk without taking up much space. This is ideal for apartments or small rooms.

6. **Good for Learning** For beginners, this turntable provides a hands-on way to learn about vinyl records, turntable mechanics, and basic audio setup. It s a practical starting point before investing in higher-end equipment.

7. **Compatibility** It works with standard 33 and 45 RPM records, making it versatile for a wide range of music genres. The included preamp or adapter often allows for easy connection to modern audio systems or headphones.

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1. **Limited Build Quality** The Feather Touch is not built with premium materials. The plastic components and lightweight construction can make it feel less sturdy or durable over time. Some users may notice rattling or vibrations, especially if the turntable is placed on an unstable surface.

2. **Basic Cartridge Performance** The included ceramic cartridge is adequate for casual listening but lacks the dynamic range, clarity, and warmth of higher-end cartridges (e.g., moving magnet or moving coil types). Over time, ceramic cartridges can also wear out faster and may require replacement.

3. **No Anti-Vibration Features** Unlike higher-end turntables, this model often lacks advanced anti-vibration features such as a heavy base, rubber feet, or internal damping. This can result in more noticeable noise and less accurate sound reproduction, particularly if the turntable is placed on an unstable or resonant surface (e.g., a wooden floor or thin shelf).

4. **Platter Material** The platter is typically made of lightweight plastic or aluminum, which can lead to more noticeable wobble and less stable playback compared to heavier metal platters found on higher-end models.

5. **Limited Customization** There are few options for upgrading or customizing the turntable. The tonearm, counterweight, and cartridge are not easily replaceable with higher-quality components, which limits long-term improvement.

6. **Potential for Wear and Tear** The belt-drive system, while reliable, can stretch or wear out over time, requiring occasional replacement. The tonearm may also require periodic lubrication or adjustment to maintain optimal performance.

7. **Sound Quality Limitations** While the audio quality is decent for the price, it may not satisfy audiophiles or serious collectors. The lack of a high-quality cartridge and basic build quality can result in a less immersive listening experience compared to mid-range or high-end turntables.

8. **No Built-In Phono Stage** Some models may not include a built-in phono preamp, requiring an external one for proper connection to amplifiers or speakers. This can be an additional cost and hassle for beginners.

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The Magnavox 523117-1 Feather Touch Stereo Turntable is a practical and budget-friendly choice for beginners or casual listeners who want to explore vinyl without a significant investment. It offers simplicity, affordability, and basic functionality, making it ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and accessibility over high-fidelity audio. However, it is not designed for audiophiles or serious collectors, as its limitations in build quality, cartridge performance, and sound isolation become apparent with closer listening.

If your primary goal is to enjoy vinyl casually, learn about turntables, or experiment with records without spending much, this turntable is a reasonable starting point. However, if you plan to collect vinyl long-term or seek superior audio quality, you may want to consider investing in a mid-range or high-end turntable with better components and features.

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- You are a beginner looking to try vinyl without a large upfront cost.

- You prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and basic functionality over audiophile-grade sound quality.

- You plan to use the turntable occasionally for casual listening and are not concerned about long-term durability or upgrades.

- You have a stable surface (e.g., a heavy table or dedicated turntable stand) to minimize vibrations and noise.

- You are an audiophile or serious collector seeking high-fidelity audio and premium build quality.

- You expect to use the turntable frequently or for extended periods, as the build quality may not hold up well.

- You want the flexibility to upgrade components (e.g., cartridge, tonearm) in the future.

- You are sensitive to background noise or vibrations, as this model lacks advanced sound isolation features.

- You plan to invest in vinyl long-term and want a turntable that can grow with your collection.

For those who outgrow this turntable or want better performance, consider upgrading to models like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, or Technics SL-1200G (with a high-quality cartridge). These options offer better build quality, sound isolation, and upgradeability.

Details:

Table comes with the original 45 rpm adapter and holder. See pictures for Cosmetic condition. This table has manual and auto play modes.

part #: 5231171 price

• $65.00

specifications vintagerecordplaygo:

• brand: Magnavox
• mpn: 523117-1
• model: Custom
• part type: Turntable
• unit type: Unit
• country of origin: United Kingdom

returns vintagerecordplaygo:

• time: 30 Days
• method: Money back
• paid by: Buyer
• policy: Returns Accepted

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seller vintagerecordplaygo:

• # reviews: 4614
• city: Cedar Grove, Tennessee
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• quantity: 1
• started: May 21, 2026

general vintagerecordplaygo:

• Vintage Electronics > Vintage Audio Video > Vintage Record Players
• condition: For parts or not working

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