Time flies, and new things keep emerging, but classics always stand the test of time. Take vinyl records, for instance, which dominated the music scene before the 1980s. Though trends have come and gone, vinyl never truly disappeared. In fact, in recent years, it’s been experiencing a vibrant revival. As a music lover, I grew up listening to cassette tapes and CDs, but I’ve always had a soft spot for vinyl. Especially in today’s digital age, there’s something deeply moving about listening to classical music flowing from a turntable. It’s more than just a simple pleasure or a way to bring some ritual into everyday life—it’s a journey of exploration and introspection, one that resonates deep in the soul.
COOLGEEK, a brand dedicated to creating innovative music and lifestyle products, previously launched the sleek, modern CS-01 all-in-one turntable. Now, they’ve just released their latest vertical turntable, the VS-01. As a vinyl newbie, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on one for a test run. Here are some of my thoughts and experiences with it—let's take a closer look!
I’ll skip over the usual unboxing details. Since it’s my first time handling a vinyl player, I was extra cautious during the process, worried about any potential bumps or scratches. Fortunately, the packaging was well-protected with thick foam inserts, so no issues there.
Although both are turntables, the VS-01 belongs to a different line than the previously released CS-01. The VS-01 is part of the Vreticat Series, featuring a vintage design, while the CS-01 falls under the Classic Series, which has a more modern, sleek look.
As for the setup, the turntable and platter were packaged separately. To fully experience it, I picked out a special LP: The Mozart Effect Vol. 1 – Minuet. Classical music really comes alive on vinyl.
The CoolGeek turntable features a vertical design, and while some assembly is required for the first use, it doesn’t involve screws or any tools. The process is incredibly simple. You just need to secure the platter and tonearm, connect them via the provided belt to the center spindle, and then screw the metal counterweight under the tonearm.
In terms of accessories, the package includes all the necessary components, such as a dedicated DC power adapter (24V-2A 48W), a user manual, and some grease for lubrication. It’s a pretty comprehensive setup.
Since this is my first experience with a vinyl turntable, I was eager to explore and learn. Let me give you a brief overview of the turntable's structure. Generally, there are two types of vinyl players on the market: standard turntables and all-in-one models. The latter comes with a built-in playback system, and the CoolGeek VS-01 falls into this category. In addition to playing vinyl records, it also features Bluetooth capability, allowing it to function as a Bluetooth speaker.
The platter, tonearm, and cartridge are the key components of the turntable, collectively forming a dynamic balance system.
First, let’s take a look at the platter, which, as the name suggests, is where you place the records. The VS-01 features a separate tonearm design. Once the platter's spindle is secured, it operates via a drive belt. The platter combines high-transparency acrylic with tempered glass, and the vibrant colored patterns on top are UV-printed. This design is not only sturdy but also exudes an artistic flair.
The turntable is available in four colors: pink, white, green, and brown, catering to a range from classic to youthful styles. These colors also align beautifully with modern minimalist home decor. I opted for the green version, which matches the turntable perfectly. The platter’s design resembles the fruits of summer, making it quite beautiful.
The base speaker features a large mesh grille design, and the silver alloy grille adds a touch of vintage charm. This design enhances the clarity and depth of the sound. To prevent vibrations from affecting the vinyl record during playback, the VS-01 incorporates a triple shock absorption system to ensure stability.
First, the specially elevated feet effectively absorb vibrations and reduce interference with the record pickup. Second, the built-in platter drive shaft minimizes the frequency of record wobble. Lastly, the use of silicone materials further reduces any residual vibrations. Thanks to this three-layer damping design, vibrations are kept to a minimum, and I experienced no skipping during playback.
The VS-01 is equipped with a pair of 10W mid-high frequency speakers (5W each, located at the front) and a 30W subwoofer with a bass reflex port (located at the bottom; I realized I forgot to take a picture of it while writing this). Together, they form a 2.1 stereo sound system. The design of the subwoofer at the bottom allows low-frequency sound waves to reflect off the tabletop, enhancing the bass response. This results in powerful and immersive low-end sound. I’ll discuss the specific listening experience further along in the article.
On either end, you’ll find the tonearm (on the left) and the rotary control switch (on the right). The resistance of the rotary control on the right is just right; adjusting the volume is smooth, and a long press allows you to power the unit on or off and switch between modes. There are four modes available: record playback, Bluetooth, LINE OUT output, and LP Bluetooth transmission (which enables connection to external Bluetooth speakers).
The exact dimensions of the unit are 454 x 289 x 414 mm, and it weighs approximately 8 kg. The base of the turntable is wrapped in a large area of vibrant green leather, creating a pleasing contrast between the firm and soft textures. CoolGeek has also equipped the VS-01 with a NIDEC DC brushless ultra-quiet motor from Japan, which continuously monitors the platter's speed. It can make real-time adjustments to the rotation speed based on the wear of the platter drive shaft, ensuring that it maintains a consistent speed (supporting both 33.3 and 45 RPM).
On the left side, there are three retro toggle switches: the power switch, the mute switch, and the 33.3/45 RPM speed switch. Below these switches, from left to right, are the power input and LINE OUT, which is commonly referred to as the RCA output.
Regarding the speed settings, let me elaborate a bit for those new to vinyl. When playing a vinyl record, it continuously spins, and the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) indicates the playback speed. There are typically three standard speeds: 33, 45, and 78 RPM (the latter being an early format that is now obsolete). A higher speed means that more audio content can be captured within a minute, but it also means the record will finish more quickly (resulting in fewer tracks). Currently, the mainstream speed is 33 1/3 RPM, which generally allows for about 10 songs on a single record. While 45 RPM offers better sound quality, it typically has fewer tracks.
Close-up of the Tonearm Adjuster: When using it, make sure to first position the cartridge above the vinyl record and then activate the lift lever. At this point, the cartridge will gently descend onto the record.
Next, let’s talk about a key component of the turntable system: the cartridge. This is an important part that is often overlooked by beginners, yet it plays a crucial role in determining sound quality.
As we know, the surface of a vinyl record is made up of a series of grooves. During playback, the stylus rubs against these grooves, vibrating and transmitting sound to the cartridge. The density and depth of these grooves together dictate the movement of the stylus, which converts the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals to produce music. Therefore, the precision of the stylus directly affects the accuracy of the audio signal.
Currently, there are three types of cartridges used in turntables: MI (moving iron), MM (moving magnet), and MC (moving coil). The first two types are cost-effective and more suitable for beginners, while moving coil cartridges are typically found in high-end models and are favored by audiophiles.
The CoolGeek VS-01 is equipped with the Ortofon OM 5E professional moving magnet cartridge from Denmark (with a tracking force of 1.7-2.1g). It boasts a lifespan of over 1,000 hours, and its diamond tip offers exceptional hardness, effectively minimizing record wear. This ensures both quality and reliability.
