I unpacked the Alive Audio Duet music center and time stood still. I listen to vinyl and CDs like I did when I was a kid.

We reviewed many Alive Audio vinyl players: there was a retro all-in-one audio combine, a device in a 50s radio cassette, a player in a travel bag and a classic turntable.

They were all good, but not everyone liked the retro design. For this case, the British brand’s assortment includes a universal music center that combines a vinyl record player, a CD player, and a radio, all packaged in a modern, laconic design and directed by two complete speakers.

This whole audio system looks powerful, plays loudly, has elements like dial indicators on the panel and shiny verniers, aesthetically pleasing.

This greatness is called Alive Audio Duet, and below we will tell you in more detail why the concept of “music center” is perfect for classifying this device and why you should buy it for your home.

Design, materials, connection

The appearance of the music center can be described as “modern technology in the design of a classic style”: Alive Audio Duet consists of several panels that can be placed on top of each other and kept side by side.

The first panel includes a physical button for controlling the CD player, radio, loudspeaker control and frequency settings, as well as the CD tray itself and a small information screen that displays the device’s operating mode settings and various settings.

The second part of Alive Audio Duet is a full-fledged vinyl player. It is based on a belt drive, which ensures stable and uniform sound. The platter and tonearm are made from the device, which ensures stable and accurate transmission of sound from the record.

The tonearm is pre-installed with a ceramic pickup. The player has manual control, as well as the ability to read records at speeds of 33, 45 and 78 rpm, and a 45 rpm adapter is included.

Also included are two external full-range stereo speakers with a total power of 50 W with phase zones.

The speaker housing and panels are made of high-quality pressed wood, which avoids noise, rattles and squeaks during operation of the device. The decorative overlays on the front part are made of aluminum, the buttons and round handles are made of metal-like plastic.

Personally, I liked the hashtag “sound for life” on the front of the main panel. Music for life sounds like a motto and is even inspiring in some way.

To prepare for operation, the vinyl player must be connected to another unit with the complete signal wire of the “tulip” type and the power wire. Speakers should be connected to the same block and after that the music center is ready to delight you with music.

Even a child can figure out the connections, everything is visible, it is impossible to mix up connectors and wires without tension.

It remains to add that you can connect headphones to the Alive Audio Duet via a standard 3.5 mm jack on the front, as well as connect an external sound source such as a smartphone, tablet or player via an AUX cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth (version version 5.3).

You can switch between records, radio, outgoing sound sources and CDs either using the buttons on the Alive Audio Duet body or through the included remote control. It’s a small thing, but it’s nice: the batteries for the remote control are included.

Impressions, sound, features

With all its own design, Alive Audio DUET is still a source that evokes nostalgia for the 2000s, when streaming services had not even been heard of, music could be found on physical media – audio cassettes, records and CDs.

And if now audio cassettes are already a rarity, then I still quite often find CDs in the apartments of friends and relatives.

If you have a music collection on CD and you don’t know what to do with it, why a player appears, Alive Audio DUET definitely takes pride of place in your apartment.

Given the persistence of many labels and the lack of numbers of bands on legal online services, music on physical media has become popular again, and for some it may be just about an affordable way to enjoy hits from the likes of Nickelback, Queen, Metallica and other luminaries of the scene.

As for the sound, the Alive Audio DUET plays quite loudly. Still, 50 watts sounds impressive. The only thing I noticed is that on the high screen the detail starts to fade. The frequencies “slightly move away” from each other, so if you like instrumentals, I do not recommend crossing the threshold to 60-70%.

Of course, this can be solved by connecting input speakers, if you have them. The potential of the Alive Audio Duet is quite good and there are a couple of good speakers; this musical combine can be rocked even in a summer cottage. Well, with the supplied speakers, the sound is more than enough for an apartment.

The ability to listen to standard-sized vinyl records is interestingly implemented: at first it seems that such a record will not fit on the support disk, because it interferes with the tonearm stand. But there is a secret.

The tonearm should be removed from the stands and the stand itself should be placed horizontally. This frees up space for the record, and if desired, you can even open the lid directly onto the rotating record. The music continues playing.

The device, which combines a turntable for vinyl records, radio and CDs, is a unique find for universal music lovers. Stylish appearance, decent volume and unpretentious operation are the calling cards of Alive Audio DUET.

Personally, I liked the integrity of this kit, when everything you need is already included in the kit and you don’t have to bother with finding wires, pickup needles, or looking for speakers separately. The overall impression is that this is a cool musical combine, made with high quality and reliability.

Alive Audio DUET can be purchased right today for reasonable money for a device from which you can listen to records, radio, CDs, and, if desired, even podcasts or the same Apple Music.

We recommend that you pay attention to this device, especially if you have a collection of vinyl or discs left over from the older generation. Alive Audio DUET will dust them off as a source and appreciate tube sound and truly original “digital”.

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