Victrola Wave Bluetooth Turntable with Auracast at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The Wave (VPT-1520) is a semi-automatic belt-driven turntable from Victrola (Denver, Colorado, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Equipped with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving magnet cartridge (Ortofon OM5E on walnut and Third Man Records editions), an aluminum tonearm with removable headshell, and a low-resonance MDF plinth with precision aluminum platter, the Wave is built for clear, detailed vinyl playback. Its VINYLSTREAM Bluetooth 5.4 output supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and Auracast Broadcast Audio, enabling hi-res wireless streaming to individual speakers or simultaneous broadcast to an unlimited number of compatible Auracast devices. Named one of TechRadar's Best of CES 2025 and praised by Esquire as a turntable that "looks and sounds incredible," the Wave is available in matte black, matte blue, matte green, white, walnut, and a limited Third Man Records edition.

Auracast Broadcast Audio: Wireless Vinyl to Unlimited Speakers

Auracast is a next-generation Bluetooth broadcast standard that allows a single audio source to transmit to an unlimited number of compatible receivers simultaneously, without requiring individual pairing with each device. On the Victrola Wave, Auracast means you can broadcast your vinyl to multiple Auracast-compatible speakers or headphones throughout your home at the same time, with lower latency and greater stability than traditional Bluetooth. For listeners who already own Auracast-enabled speakers, the Wave becomes the anchor of a wireless multi-room vinyl system without any Wi-Fi configuration or network setup required.

Hi-Res Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive and aptX HD

Beyond Auracast, the Wave's VINYLSTREAM Bluetooth 5.4 implementation supports aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs for listeners who pair the turntable with a single compatible speaker or headphone. aptX Adaptive is a scalable hi-res codec that adjusts bit rate in real time to preserve audio quality even in congested wireless environments, while aptX HD raises the ceiling of Bluetooth audio quality significantly above standard aptX or AAC. For Victrola Tempo Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers (sold separately), the Wave pairs automatically and supports Auracast connectivity for a coordinated, cable-free desktop audio setup.

Third Man Records Limited Edition

Victrola partnered with Third Man Records, Jack White's Nashville-based independent record label, to produce a limited-edition Wave in Third Man's signature yellow and black colorway. The Third Man Records edition includes a branded slipmat, iconic Third Man logos throughout the chassis, and the Ortofon OM5E cartridge in place of the standard AT-VM95E. Matching Victrola Tempo speakers in the Third Man colorway are also available. Third Man Records and Victrola share a commitment to preserving and advancing analog audio, making this collaboration a natural fit for vinyl enthusiasts who value both heritage and modern design.

Key Features

• Auracast Broadcast Audio: Broadcasts vinyl wirelessly to an unlimited number of compatible Auracast speakers or headphones simultaneously, with no pairing required for each individual device.
• VINYLSTREAM Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and aptX HD: Hi-res Bluetooth streaming to individual compatible devices, with aptX Adaptive adjusting dynamically for stable, high-quality audio even in crowded wireless environments.
• Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Cartridge: An elliptical-stylus moving magnet cartridge from Audio-Technica (Tokyo, Japan), known for balanced, low-distortion playback and wide compatibility across the VM95 stylus family for easy future upgrades.
• Ortofon OM5E Cartridge (Walnut and Third Man Records editions): The walnut and Third Man Records versions come fitted with the Ortofon OM5E (Nakskov, Denmark), a moving magnet cartridge with an elliptical stylus and upgradeable stylus options within the OM series.
• Aluminum Tonearm with Removable Headshell: The lightweight aluminum tonearm minimizes resonance and coloration, and the removable headshell allows straightforward cartridge swaps without specialized tools.
• Adjustable Counterweight with Anti-Skate: Pre-fixed alignment guides and an adjustable counterweight simplify setup, and the anti-skate knob reduces stylus drag for cleaner tracking across the full record diameter.
• Semi-Automatic Operation: The tonearm must be manually placed to begin playback, but automatically lifts and returns to the tonearm rest at the end of the record side, protecting the stylus from run-out groove wear.
• Low-Resonance MDF Plinth with Aluminum Platter: The MDF plinth and die-cast aluminum platter minimize mechanical vibration from the chassis, and the anti-vibration silicone slipmat reduces surface noise and static.
• Switchable Phono Preamp with RCA Output: A built-in switchable phono preamp and gold-plated RCA outputs connect to powered speakers, external preamps, or traditional stereo amplifiers. An RCA cable is included.
• Bluetooth Input: In addition to outputting vinyl over Bluetooth, the Wave accepts Bluetooth audio input from phones and other devices, functioning as a wireless speaker system when paired with external amplification.
• Six Finishes Available: Matte black, matte blue, matte green, white, walnut, and a limited Third Man Records yellow and black edition.
• Victrola Tempo Speaker Pairing: Designed to pair with the Victrola Tempo Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers (sold separately), which automatically connect to the Wave and support Auracast for expanded wireless coverage.

Technical Specifications

What's in the Box

• Victrola Wave turntable
• Dust cover
• Aluminum platter
• Silicone slipmat
• Counterweight
• Removable headshell (with cartridge pre-installed)
• 45 RPM adapter
• RCA cable
• Power cord (5 ft, detachable C7)
• Instruction manual

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Best of CES 2025 Award, TechRadar (January 2025)
• Featured review, Esquire: praised for looking and sounding "incredible," especially with Victrola Tempo speakers (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Victrola Wave turntable?

The Victrola Wave (VPT-1520) is a semi-automatic belt-driven turntable from Victrola featuring Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and Auracast Broadcast Audio. It is fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving magnet cartridge (or Ortofon OM5E on walnut and Third Man Records editions), an aluminum tonearm with removable headshell, and a low-resonance MDF plinth with aluminum platter. It received a Best of CES 2025 Award from TechRadar and is available in six finishes including a limited Third Man Records edition.

How does the Victrola Wave compare to the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB?

The Victrola Wave and the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB serve different listener priorities. The AT-LP120XUSB is a manual direct-drive turntable with a USB output for vinyl digitizing and a more hands-on setup experience. The Wave is a semi-automatic belt-drive turntable focused on wireless versatility, offering Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and Auracast Broadcast Audio, which the AT-LP120XUSB does not support. For listeners who want to wirelessly stream vinyl to multiple speakers at once, or who want a removable headshell for cartridge upgrades alongside modern Bluetooth connectivity, the Wave offers capabilities the AT-LP120XUSB does not match.

What is Auracast and how does it work on the Victrola Wave?

Auracast is a Bluetooth broadcast standard developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group that allows one audio source to transmit to an unlimited number of compatible receivers at the same time without pairing each device individually. On the Victrola Wave, pressing the Auracast broadcast function sends your vinyl signal wirelessly to any Auracast-compatible speakers or headphones within range, simultaneously and without setup friction. This differs from standard Bluetooth, which is a point-to-point connection limited to one or two paired devices.

Can the Victrola Wave stream to non-Auracast Bluetooth speakers?

Yes, the Victrola Wave supports standard Bluetooth pairing in addition to Auracast. Via VINYLSTREAM Bluetooth, it connects to any Bluetooth speaker or headphone using classic Bluetooth. For speakers and headphones that support aptX Adaptive or aptX HD codecs, the Wave will negotiate hi-res audio automatically. Auracast is an additional broadcast mode available on top of standard Bluetooth pairing, not a replacement for it.

What is the difference between the AT-VM95E and Ortofon OM5E cartridges on the Wave?

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95E comes fitted on the standard black, blue, green, and white Wave models. It features a VM-type dual-magnet design with an elliptical stylus and is part of the upgradeable AT-VM95 stylus series. The Ortofon OM5E is fitted on the walnut and Third Man Records Wave editions. It uses an elliptical stylus and is part of the Ortofon OM stylus series, which allows upgrades to higher-specification styli without replacing the cartridge body. Both are well-regarded entry-to-mid-level moving magnet cartridges with elliptical styli and good channel separation.

Is the Victrola Wave compatible with the Victrola Tempo speakers?

Yes, the Victrola Wave is designed to pair with the Victrola Tempo Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers (VPS-400, sold separately). The Tempo speakers connect automatically to the Wave via Bluetooth and support Auracast, enabling wireless broadcast audio from the turntable to the Tempo speakers and any additional Auracast devices in the room. Matching Tempo speakers are available in the same color palette as the Wave, including a Third Man Records edition.

Where can I buy the Victrola Wave in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Victrola Wave is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, New York. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Victrola dealer serving customers in Buffalo, Western New York, and across the United States. Contact the Vinyl Sound team directly to confirm color and edition availability and to discuss which cartridge configuration best fits your system.