MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player Review: The Perfect Marriage of Analogue Warmth and Digital Convenience?

There’s a certain magic to vinyl that a streaming playlist just can’t replicate. It’s the ritual of it: sliding the record from its sleeve, the gentle weight of it in your hands, the soft crackle as the needle finds the groove. For years, my cherished collection of LPs sat gathering dust, a monument to a past I loved but couldn’t easily access. The thought of piecing together a traditional hi-fi system—turntable, preamp, amplifier, speakers, and a tangled mess of cables—felt daunting and expensive. I craved that warm, analogue sound, but I also live in a world of Bluetooth speakers and instant connectivity. The problem was finding a single device that could bridge that gap, a player that respected the heritage of vinyl while embracing the conveniences of modern technology. Failing to find a solution meant my records would remain silent, and I’d be stuck with the often-sterile sound of compressed digital audio.

What to Consider Before Buying a Record Player

A record player is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the rich, detailed sound that lies dormant in the grooves of a vinyl record. It solves the problem of a complex and costly component-based setup, offering an accessible entry point into the world of analogue audio. The main benefits lie in its ability to combine multiple functions—playback, amplification, and sometimes even digital conversion—into a single, user-friendly unit. For many, it’s the perfect way to experience the tactile joy and superior sound quality of vinyl without needing a degree in audio engineering.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the dilemma I had: a music lover with a budding or forgotten record collection who wants a simple, stylish, and versatile way to enjoy it. It’s for the person who values both the warmth of vinyl and the ease of streaming music from their phone. However, it might not be the right fit for a seasoned audiophile who prefers to meticulously select each component of their system for ultimate sonic customisation. For them, a high-end, component turntable like the Fluance RT81, which prioritises pure playback fidelity over integrated features, would be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A record player requires a stable, level surface, free from vibrations. Consider the footprint of the unit, including the space needed to open the dust cover fully. The MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player, at 41 cm x 32.1 cm, is relatively compact, but you’ll still need to ensure you have a dedicated spot for it in your living room, study, or bedroom.
• Performance & Sound Quality: The heart of any turntable is its cartridge and stylus. Look for reputable brands like Audio Technica, as the quality here directly impacts audio clarity and detail. Also, consider the built-in speakers; while convenient, they won’t match the power and stereo separation of external speakers. A model with RCA outputs provides a crucial upgrade path for the future.
• Materials & Durability: The base of the turntable, or plinth, plays a role in dampening vibrations. Wood or high-density MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) plinths are generally superior to lightweight plastic ones in this regard. A solid build not only contributes to better sound but also ensures the longevity of your investment.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: For beginners or those seeking convenience, features like an auto-stop function, which lifts the tonearm at the end of a record, are invaluable for protecting your stylus. Modern connectivity like Bluetooth (both for receiving and transmitting) and USB for digitising your records adds immense versatility, transforming the player from a single-purpose device into a multi-functional audio hub.

Keeping these factors in mind, the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player stands out in several areas, particularly with its blend of quality components and modern features. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest offers here.

While the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth 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: A Classic Look with a Modern Soul

Unboxing the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player felt like a premium experience right from the start. The unit was securely packed, and lifting it from the box revealed a satisfying weightiness, thanks to its wooden plinth. At 3.7 kilograms, it feels substantial and well-built, not like the flimsy plastic players that dominate the lower end of the market. The wood finish is clean and modern, easily blending with our existing decor. Setting it up was refreshingly simple; the platter was pre-installed, and all we had to do was place the included rubber slip mat on top, remove the stylus guard, and plug in the power adaptor. The clear plastic dust cover fits securely on its hinges and operates smoothly. What immediately stood out was the inclusion of a high-quality rubber mat instead of the standard felt one, a small but significant detail that shows a commitment to better vibration damping and sound quality. The control layout is intuitive, with a single knob controlling power, volume, and function selection, making it approachable even for absolute vinyl beginners.

Deep Dive: A Feature-by-Feature Performance Analysis

After spending considerable time with the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player, we’ve put it through its paces across every feature. We spun everything from the delicate acoustics of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” to the complex, layered electronica of Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories.” We tested its digital capabilities, pushed its speakers to their limits, and explored its connectivity. This is not just a record player; it’s a comprehensive home audio hub that genuinely impressed us with its balance of performance and practicality.

Audio Fidelity: The Heart of the Analogue Experience

The single most important aspect of any turntable is how it sounds, and this is where the MAJORITY Folio immediately sets itself apart from many all-in-one competitors. The key to its success is the pre-installed Audio Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge. This is a highly respected, industry-standard cartridge known for its warm, balanced, and detailed sound profile. It’s the kind of component you’d typically find on more expensive, standalone turntables, and its inclusion here is a massive win for audio quality. From the first needle drop, the difference was apparent. The sound was rich and full-bodied, avoiding the tinny, thin audio that plagues so many players in this category. Vocals were clear and present, and there was a pleasing separation between instruments. The subtle nuances of a recording, like the reverb on a snare drum or the gentle scrape of a finger on a guitar string, came through with surprising clarity.

The integrated stereo speakers perform admirably for their size. They are perfectly suited for casual listening in a small to medium-sized room, like a study, bedroom, or a small living area. They deliver a clear, direct sound that is enjoyable for background music or a focused listening session. However, as expected from small, built-in drivers, they do have their limitations. They won’t shake the room with deep bass, and at very high volumes, the sound can start to feel a bit constrained. But this is where the Folio’s brilliant design comes into play. Using the RCA output, we connected it to our external amplifier and floor-standing speakers, and the turntable truly came alive. The AT3600L cartridge was able to shine, delivering a soundstage that was wide, dynamic, and deeply engaging. This upgrade path is crucial, as it means the Folio can grow with you as your audio ambitions expand.

Bridging Worlds: Bi-Directional Bluetooth and USB Recording

This is arguably the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player‘s killer feature, the one that elevates it from a good record player to a fantastic, modern audio device. The bi-directional Bluetooth is flawlessly implemented and incredibly useful. First, we tested the Bluetooth receiver (input). We paired our smartphone in seconds, and suddenly the Folio became a stylish Bluetooth speaker, streaming a podcast from Spotify with ease. The sound quality via Bluetooth was strong and stable, making it a great all-in-one solution for all our audio needs, not just vinyl.

The real magic, however, lies in the Bluetooth transmitter (output). With the flick of a switch, we were able to transmit the audio from a spinning record wirelessly to a pair of high-end Bluetooth headphones. This was a game-changer. It allowed for a private, immersive listening session without being tethered by a cable. We also paired it with a larger, more powerful portable Bluetooth speaker in another room, effectively creating a multi-room vinyl setup without running a single wire. The connection was robust, with no noticeable lag or dropouts during our testing. This feature alone solves a major modern problem: how to integrate the uniquely analogue experience of vinyl into a wireless, convenient home ecosystem.

Furthermore, the USB recording functionality is a fantastic bonus for anyone looking to preserve their vinyl collection or take their favourite tracks on the go. The process is straightforward: plug in a USB stick, play your record, and press the record button. The Folio converts the track to an MP3 file, which can then be transferred to your computer or phone. While it may not offer the high-resolution options of a dedicated external ADC (analogue-to-digital converter), it provides an incredibly simple and effective way to digitise LPs, and the quality is more than sufficient for personal archives or mobile listening. If you’re looking for a device that effortlessly merges the past and present of audio, you can find out more about this feature-packed turntable right here.

Design, Build, and User-Friendly Operation

A record player is often a centrepiece in a room, and the Folio’s design is a definite highlight. The wooden plinth gives it a timeless, classic aesthetic that feels both warm and sophisticated. It looks and feels like a serious piece of audio equipment. The controls are minimalist and intuitive, with a single, satisfyingly tactile knob for selecting between Phono, AUX, Bluetooth, and USB modes. This simplicity makes it incredibly welcoming for newcomers to the world of vinyl.

Several thoughtful features enhance the daily user experience. The Auto Stop function is a prime example. At the end of a record, the platter automatically stops spinning, which prevents unnecessary wear on both the stylus and the record itself. This is a small but crucial feature that provides peace of mind and protects your investment. The inclusion of a rubber slip mat, as opposed to the cheaper felt mats often supplied with turntables, is another nod to quality. Rubber provides better grip on the record and is superior at dampening unwanted vibrations from the motor and the environment, leading to a cleaner sound. The tonearm operates smoothly, and the cueing lever allows for gentle and precise lowering of the stylus onto the record, preventing accidental scratches. Every aspect of its operation feels considered, designed to make the process of playing a record as enjoyable and foolproof as possible.

What Other Users Are Saying

While we conduct our own exhaustive hands-on testing, we always find it valuable to look at broader user feedback to see if our experience aligns with the general consensus. The sentiment surrounding the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player is overwhelmingly positive, with many users echoing our own findings. A common point of praise is the superb out-of-the-box sound quality, with many noting that the Audio Technica cartridge delivers a far richer audio experience than they expected from an all-in-one unit. One user mentioned it was “the perfect blend of old-school cool and modern tech,” highlighting the seamless Bluetooth functionality as a major reason for their satisfaction.

Another frequently praised aspect is the ease of setup and use, making it a popular choice for those just starting their vinyl journey. On the critical side, a few users confirmed our assessment of the built-in speakers, stating that while they are clear and perfectly adequate for a bedroom, they aren’t powerful enough to be the primary sound system for a large party or living space. This feedback is entirely fair and underscores the importance of the RCA outputs as a vital feature for those seeking bigger sound in the future.

How Does the MAJORITY Folio Compare to the Alternatives?

The MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player occupies a competitive space, but its feature set gives it a distinct advantage. To understand where it sits in the market, it’s helpful to compare it directly against some notable alternatives.

1. Fluance RT81 Elite Turntable Walnut

The Fluance RT81 is a different beast altogether. It’s a pure, high-fidelity turntable designed for those building a component-based audio system. It boasts a superior Audio Technica AT95E cartridge, an adjustable counterweight, and a high-mass MDF plinth, all geared towards squeezing every last drop of detail from the record groove. However, it has no built-in speakers, no Bluetooth, and no USB recording. You must connect it to a separate amplifier and speakers. The Fluance RT81 is the superior choice for a dedicated audiophile who prioritises raw sonic performance above all else. In contrast, the MAJORITY Folio is for the user who values convenience, versatility, and an all-in-one design without making a major compromise on core sound quality.

2. Mersoco Belt-Drive Turntable with Bluetooth

The Mersoco turntable is a very close competitor to the MAJORITY Folio, sharing many key features. It also includes a belt-drive system, an AT-3600L cartridge, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB output for digital recording. This makes it a direct rival, and the choice between the two may come down to subtler factors. The MAJORITY Folio distinguishes itself with its specific modern-classic wood design, the inclusion of a rubber slip mat (which is often a better performer than standard felt), and, crucially, the backing of a 3-year extended warranty upon registration. This extended support can provide significant peace of mind and speaks to the brand’s confidence in its product’s longevity.

3. KozyOne Record Stabilizer Clamp

This is not a turntable but an excellent accessory that can improve the performance of one. A record weight stabilizer, like the KozyOne, sits on the spindle over the record’s label. Its weight helps to flatten minor warps in the vinyl and improves the contact between the record and the platter, which can reduce unwanted vibrations and resonance. The result is often a tighter bass response and improved overall clarity. This isn’t a necessary item for a beginner, but for an enthusiast looking to upgrade their listening experience, it’s a fantastic and affordable addition. It’s a perfect next-step purchase for a user who has bought the MAJORITY Folio and wants to optimize its playback fidelity even further.

Our Final Verdict: Is the MAJORITY Folio Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player is a resounding success. It masterfully navigates the fine line between respecting analogue tradition and embracing modern convenience. It sidesteps the pitfalls of cheap, all-in-one players by including a genuinely high-quality Audio Technica cartridge, a solid wooden plinth, and essential connectivity for future upgrades. The bi-directional Bluetooth is not a gimmick; it’s a brilliantly executed feature that fundamentally enhances the way you can interact with your vinyl collection.

This is the perfect record player for the modern music lover. It’s for the person rediscovering their parents’ old LPs, the recent convert to the vinyl revival, or anyone who wants a simple, stylish, and superb-sounding hub for all their audio needs. While hardcore audiophiles will still gravitate towards a separate component system, the MAJORITY Folio offers an exceptionally compelling and complete package for almost everyone else.

If you’ve decided the MAJORITY Folio Bluetooth Record Player is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.