MIXX Analog Plus 2-in-1Brad MoonBy now, the vinyl resurgence is old hat. Record collections are growing and turntables are increasingly common again as part of home stereo setups. However, there’s another physical music format that is starting to make a comeback. CDs are smaller than records and usually less expensive. They’re less prone to scratching and still offer album artwork. But for those who collect both records and CDs, that means having two playback devices. Two stereo components means more cost and more space. That’s a challenge the MIXX Analog Plus tackles, with a unique 2-in-1 approach to combining a turntable and CD player in a single device. MIXX Analog Plus arrives largely assembled, just remove some tape and cardboard bits, put on the platter mat and attach the dust cover.Brad MoonMIXX Analog Plus Key Specs:2-speed, fully automatic belt-drive turntable (supports 12” and 7” records)Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet (MM) cartridge ABS platterIntegrated CD player (supports CD-R, CD-RW)Front display and controls Infrared remote (batteries included)Bluetooth transmitterAUX output (integrated preamplifier)Clear, hinged dust cover15.9 inches x 13.4 inches, weighs 7.9 lbsComes mostly assembled, including pre-mounted cartridgeIncludes RCA cablesAvailable in black or whiteMSRP $299.99Fully Automatic TurntableThere is no cuing lever because the MIXX Analog Plus is a fully automatic turntable. While this feature offers convenience–including automatic return when the record is finished playing, automatic cuing to the first track, a repeat button to replay the entire side, and even the ability to skip forward or back–it does mean an extra step when first playing a record. You need to use either the remote or the front-mounted controls to choose the speed and then pick the size of the record.For those who find the manual aspects of turntable operation to be annoying, this fully automatic approach (you can even use the remote to control record playback) eliminates it altogether once the record is on the platter.MORE FOR YOUThe included (and pre-mounted) cartridge is an Audio-Technica AT3600L, which is a popular choice for entry-level turntables. It delivers solid performance and because it is so widely used, it’s easy to find inexpensive stylus replacements.The turntable is equipped with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridgeBrad MoonA Hidden CD PlayerThe most unique feature of the MIXX Analog Plus is hidden within the turntable platter. The reason for its unusual, donut-shaped rubber platter mat is the clear plastic door it leaves accessible. Push down on the spring-loaded door and it pops open, revealing a CD spindle within. Push the CD onto the spindle, close the door and the disc spins up. The front display will show CD tracks and you then use the front controls or the remote to control playback. The turntable platter conceals a fully functional CD player.Brad MoonConnectivityA toggle switch on the back of the turntable switches between AUX and Bluetooth. Leave it on AUX and with the included RCA cables you can plug the Analog Plus into the AUX input of any audio system. It uses its own preamplifier, so the system you connect to does not require a PHONO input. Choose Bluetooth and the music is streamed wirelessly to your Bluetooth device, such as a portable speaker or headphones.Output is AUX wired or Bluetooth wirelessBrad MoonA One Component Solution to a Two-Format ChallengeAt the end of the day, the MIXX Analog plus provides the ability to play both CDs and records using a single component that can plug into an existing stereo system (or stream via Bluetooth). MIXX Analog Plus plays your vinyl records and your CDSBrad MoonDisclosure: MIXX Audio provided an Analog Plus for evaluation purposes but had no input into this article.