Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player Review: The All-in-One System That Finally Gets It Right

There’s a certain magic that has been lost in the age of streaming. I remember as a teenager, carefully sliding a record from its sleeve, the gentle crackle as the needle found the groove, and the feeling of committing to an entire album, side A then side B. It was an intentional act, a ritual. Today, with infinite libraries at our fingertips, music can sometimes feel disposable. The resurgence of vinyl isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a rebellion against the intangible, a desire to own, touch, and truly experience the music we love. The problem? Getting started in vinyl can be intimidating. The world of preamps, receivers, separate speakers, and complex calibration can feel like a high barrier to entry. Many turn to cheap, all-in-one “suitcase” players, only to be disappointed by poor sound and the potential for their crude styli to damage precious records. This is the gap where a new generation of high-quality, integrated systems is desperately needed.

What to Consider Before Buying a Record Player System

A record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between the convenience of modern audio and the rich, analogue warmth of vinyl. It’s for anyone who has felt that digital music, for all its clarity, lacks a certain soul. The main benefit of a system like this is accessibility. It removes the guesswork and potential compatibility issues of matching separate components, offering a cohesive audio experience straight out of the box. It’s about making high-fidelity vinyl playback achievable for everyone, not just seasoned audiophiles.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone taking their first serious step into the world of vinyl, or perhaps someone returning to the hobby after decades away. They value both quality sound and aesthetic appeal, wanting a system that not only performs well but also looks like a beautiful piece of furniture. It’s for the person who has a growing collection of LPs and wants to do them justice without spending weeks researching amplifiers and speakers. Conversely, this type of integrated system might not be suitable for the hardcore audiophile who insists on customising every single component in their audio chain, from the phono cartridge to the speaker cables. For them, a modular system with separate components, like the Fluance RT81 paired with their choice of amp and speakers, would be a more appropriate path.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Component Quality & Adjustability: Look beyond the box. Does the turntable have a decent cartridge, like an Audio-Technica? Crucially, does it have an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control? These features are non-negotiable for protecting your records from excessive wear and ensuring the stylus tracks the groove accurately, which is fundamental to good sound.
• Drive System & Platter Weight: Most entry-level to mid-range turntables use a belt-drive system, which helps isolate the platter from motor vibration, resulting in cleaner sound. A heavy, solid platter (like the 1.2kg iron platter on the SoulBox S1) is also vital. Its mass provides rotational stability, ensuring consistent speed and reducing “wow and flutter”—unwanted pitch variations.
• Speakers & Amplification: An all-in-one system lives or dies by its speakers. Are they tiny, built-in units, or are they proper, detachable bookshelf speakers? Look for separate drivers for high and low frequencies (tweeters and woofers). Also, confirm the presence of a built-in phono preamp, which is essential for boosting the turntable’s signal to a level that speakers can use. A switchable preamp offers future flexibility if you decide to upgrade to an external one.
• Connectivity & Modern Features: While the focus is on vinyl, modern conveniences are a huge plus. Bluetooth connectivity allows the system to double as a high-quality speaker for streaming music from your phone or tablet. This transforms it from a single-purpose device into the audio centerpiece of your room, offering far more value for your investment.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player stands out in several areas, particularly with its audiophile-grade adjustments and quality included speakers. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.

While the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Premium-Feeling System

From the moment the courier handed over the box, it was clear the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player was a substantial piece of kit. It has a reassuring heft that you just don’t get with budget players. Inside, the components were securely packed, though we did note one user’s feedback about cracked polystyrene—our sample was fine, but it’s a point towards potentially improving packaging durability. The first thing that struck us was the aesthetic. The walnut-effect wood finish on both the plinth and the matching speakers is gorgeous, giving it a timeless, retro feel that looks far more expensive than its price tag suggests. As one user aptly put it, “Everything from the packaging to the beautiful use of wood feels well made and ‘premium’.”

Assembly was straightforward for the most part: place the heavy iron platter on the spindle, loop the drive belt over the motor pulley, and plug in the speakers and power. The most involved step, as with any quality turntable, is setting up the tonearm. This involves attaching the counterweight and balancing it until the tonearm floats parallel to the platter, then setting the tracking force and anti-skate. While the instructions are adequate, we agree with users who found it a bit “finicky.” For a complete beginner, this might take 10-15 minutes of careful adjustment, but it’s a critical process that sets this player apart from plug-and-play toys and is essential for its performance.

A Deep Dive into the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1’s Performance

A record player can look beautiful, but its true worth is measured when the needle hits the vinyl. Over a week of intensive testing, spinning everything from the delicate acoustics of Nick Drake to the complex layers of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” we put the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player through its paces. The summary, as one user emphatically stated, is that this system is “ESPECTACULAR.” It consistently punches above its weight, delivering an experience that bridges the gap between casual listening and true audiophile appreciation.

Setup and Calibration: The Gateway to Great Sound

We need to talk about the setup process, because it’s the single biggest differentiator between the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player and lesser, cheaper models. Yes, it requires a bit of patience. Balancing the S-shaped tonearm is a delicate procedure. You attach the counterweight, release the arm from its rest, and gently twist the weight back and forth until the arm hovers perfectly level, like a seesaw in perfect equilibrium. Once balanced, you hold the weight still and turn the dial on its front to “0” to calibrate it. From there, you rotate the entire weight counter-clockwise to apply the correct downward tracking force for the included Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge (typically around 3.0 grams). Finally, you set the anti-skate dial to match. One user noted they “struggled a little bit but with the combination of written instructions plus the video on the listing it was nicely accomplished.” We found this to be true; a quick search for a video guide can clarify the process immensely. While some may see this as a hassle, we see it as a massive advantage. This process ensures the stylus sits perfectly in the record groove, extracting maximum detail, minimizing distortion, and, most importantly, preventing the premature wear of your beloved vinyl collection. It’s a 15-minute investment that pays dividends for years to come.

Audio Performance: The Heart of the SoulBox

Once calibrated, the sound is where the SoulBox S1 truly shines and justifies its design. The choice of an Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge is smart; it’s a legendary budget cartridge known for its warm, musical presentation and durability. Paired with the stable, belt-driven 1.2kg iron platter and the precisely tracking S-shaped tonearm, the result is a sound that is both engaging and surprisingly detailed. We wholeheartedly agree with the user who rediscovered the “sweet analogue warmth” they’d been missing for years. The sound signature is rich and full-bodied. The included bookshelf speakers are the real surprise here. Featuring a 25mm silk dome tweeter and a 130mm fiberglass cone woofer, they deliver a performance that defies their compact size. As another listener noted, “the speakers although small have a great dynamic range of warmth and fidelity, and the bass and treble are well-separated.” On tracks like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Stevie Nicks’ vocals were clear and present, while the rhythm section had a punchy, defined bass that never became muddy. The high-hats were crisp without being harsh, a testament to those silk dome tweeters. For those who love to listen loud, one German user confirmed that “even at a quarter of the possible volume it is more than loud enough.” This isn’t just background music; this is a system that invites you to sit down, listen, and get lost in an album.

Build Quality and Design: A Retro-Modern Centrepiece

In a world of black plastic electronics, the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player is a breath of fresh air. The “classic looks in walnut and black metal” create a visual identity that feels both nostalgic and modern. It’s a piece of audio equipment you’ll be proud to display in your living room. The plinth feels solid and well-damped, which is crucial for reducing unwanted vibrations that can feed back through the stylus. The machined metal control knobs for speed selection (33/45 RPM) and volume have a satisfying, tactile feel. The heavy iron platter doesn’t just contribute to sonic stability; it adds to the overall sense of quality and permanence. Even the detachable dust cover feels sturdy. We did note one user’s observation that “the platter is slightly smaller than an album,” which is true. While the record is fully supported by the felt mat and this causes no performance issues, it’s a minor aesthetic point some might notice. However, the overall impression, echoed by many, is that this is a “lovely looking turntable” that feels robust and meticulously crafted, especially with its soft, rounded edges. It successfully avoids the pitfalls of “package” systems where quality is often sacrificed, proving that you can indeed have a system that both looks and sounds great. The value proposition here is immense, and for those ready to invest in a quality starter system, you can check its availability and learn more on the product page.

Connectivity and Versatility: More Than Just a Turntable

The SoulBox S1’s appeal extends beyond just playing records. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is a game-changer, transforming the entire setup into a versatile home audio hub. Pairing our smartphone was instantaneous and the connection remained stable from across the room. This feature is incredibly practical. After spinning a record, you can seamlessly switch to streaming a podcast, an online radio station, or a playlist from your favourite music service. The sound quality over Bluetooth is excellent, leveraging the same powerful amplifier and well-engineered speakers that make the vinyl playback so enjoyable. As one reviewer confirmed, it “connects easily with the phone and teh quality of the sound is absolutely fantastic.” This dual functionality makes the SoulBox S1 a far better investment than a standalone turntable, especially for those in smaller living spaces where a single, multi-purpose audio system is ideal. Furthermore, the built-in switchable phono preamp provides a crucial upgrade path. You can use the internal preamp to connect directly to the included speakers (or any powered speakers), but if you ever decide to integrate the turntable into a larger hi-fi system with an external amplifier, you can simply flip a switch on the back to bypass the internal preamp and output a pure phono signal.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player is overwhelmingly positive, confirming our own findings. Many users, particularly those returning to vinyl after a long absence, praise the system for its “high end feel” and premium aesthetics. One reviewer remarked how it took them back to their “quality stack system” as a teenager, but with a more compact footprint. The sound quality is a frequent point of celebration, with phrases like “absolutely fantastic,” “warm and well rounded,” and “great dynamic range” appearing repeatedly. The value for money is another common theme, with one of the most succinct reviews simply stating, “Brilliant record player good sound quality, certainly value for money.”

The most common critique, which we also identified, revolves around the initial tonearm setup. Several beginners found the process of balancing the counterweight and setting the anti-skate to be “finicky” or something that “took some time to install.” However, most also acknowledge that with the help of instructions or an online video, it was an achievable task. One user candidly mentioned their poor “out of box experience” due to cracked polystyrene, an isolated but valid criticism of the packaging materials. Despite these minor hurdles, the consensus is clear: once set up, the performance and quality of the SoulBox S1 far exceed expectations for an integrated system at this price point.

How Does the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Compare to Alternatives?

The Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 occupies a fantastic middle ground, but it’s important to understand where it sits relative to other options on the market. Depending on your specific needs—be it multi-format playback, audiophile tweaking, or a higher-end component setup—one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. Shuman MC-250BT Retro 8-in-1 Music Centre Record Player

The Shuman MC-250BT is the undisputed king of versatility. If your primary goal is to play media from every conceivable format—vinyl, CD, cassette, AM/FM radio, USB, and Bluetooth—then this is your machine. It’s a true all-in-one entertainment hub. However, this jack-of-all-trades approach comes with a compromise in specialized quality. Its turntable lacks the adjustable counterweight and anti-skate of the Qlearsoul, and its built-in speakers, while convenient, cannot compete with the clarity and power of the SoulBox S1’s separate bookshelf units. Choose the Shuman if you have a diverse media collection you want to enjoy casually; choose the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 if your focus is on superior vinyl playback and audio fidelity.

2. KozyOne Turntable Stabilizer Disc Clamp

This isn’t a record player, but rather a fantastic upgrade for one. The KozyOne Stabilizer is a weighted clamp that sits on the center of your record as it plays. Its purpose is twofold: its weight helps to flatten slightly warped records for better tracking, and it dampens unwanted vibrations, which can lead to a tighter bass response and improved overall clarity. This is an excellent, affordable accessory for someone who already owns a turntable like the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 or the Fluance RT81 and wants to squeeze out that extra 5-10% of performance. It’s the perfect next step for the budding audiophile looking to experiment with system tweaks.

3. Fluance RT81 High Fidelity Turntable

The Fluance RT81 represents the next logical step up for someone committed to building a component-based hi-fi system. It is strictly a turntable and does not include speakers or an amplifier (though it does have a built-in preamp). Its strengths lie in its superior construction, including a solid MDF wood plinth and an upgraded Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. The RT81 is for the enthusiast who wants to mix and match their own amplifier and speakers to create a customized sound. The Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 offers a more convenient, all-inclusive package with perfectly matched components, making it the ideal choice for those who want excellent sound without the additional research and expense of buying separates.

Our Final Verdict on the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, we can confidently say that the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player is a triumph. It successfully navigates the treacherous waters of the entry-level market, delivering a product that avoids the pitfalls of cheap, record-chewing players while providing genuine audiophile features in an accessible, all-in-one package. Its combination of stunning retro design, solid build quality, and truly impressive sound from its dedicated bookshelf speakers makes it an outstanding value proposition.

While the initial tonearm setup may require a moment of patience for the uninitiated, it is precisely this feature that elevates it into a serious piece of audio equipment that will protect and get the best out of your vinyl collection. We highly recommend it for anyone new to the hobby, those returning after a long hiatus, or anyone looking for a stylish, versatile, and fantastic-sounding audio centerpiece for their home. It proves that you don’t need a complex and expensive component system to experience the true magic of analog music.

If you’ve decided the Qlearsoul SoulBox S1 Vinyl Record Player is the right fit for your journey back to vinyl, you can check its current price and purchase it here.