The Audio-Technica Sound Burger is a deliciously impractical nostalgia trip

When Audio-Technica first introduced the Sound Burger (officially the AT-SB727) in the 1980s, it was a novel concept—a portable record player that looked like it could be served with a side of fries. Originally designed as a solution for vinyl lovers on the go, it became a cult classic among audio enthusiasts. After a limited anniversary re-release in 2022 that sold out almost immediately, Audio-Technica has brought this quirky device back for 2025 with some modern upgrades, and my god, it looks heavenly.

Portable record players aren’t new—suitcase-style turntables have dominated the entry-level market for years—but the Sound Burger is perhaps the most compact design we’ve seen. Unlike suitcase players that fully enclose the record, the Sound Burger’s unique clamping jaw design leaves the vinyl disc exposed, creating a striking visual as the record spins mostly outside the device. It’s both a functional design choice that keeps the unit slim and an aesthetic statement that draws attention wherever you set it up.

The Sound Burger arrives in delightful packaging designed to look like a burger box, and comes in three colorways—classic black, clean white, and a striking yellow that draws immediate attention. Under the hood, it’s equipped with proper Audio-Technica components, living up to the brand’s reputation for quality. It features a belt-drive system, a dynamic balance tonearm, and a replaceable ATN3600L stylus—all packed into a remarkably compact form factor.

In terms of sound quality, the Sound Burger delivers surprisingly warm audio that captures vinyl’s characteristic richness without the high-end definition you’d get from a full-sized turntable. Compared to other portable audio options, it offers a more engaging listening experience than digital formats, though discerning listeners will note some limitations in soundstage depth and detail retrieval.

The 2025 model differs from its ’80s predecessor in its connectivity options. The original Sound Burger required physical headphones or speakers, but this modern incarnation adds Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity alongside the traditional line-out port. The USB-C charging port powers the impressive 12-hour battery life, and the satisfying clicky buttons let you switch between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records. This extended battery performance is one of the few genuinely practical features in an otherwise whimsical device, allowing for multiple listening sessions without frequent recharging.

Not quite fast food

Despite being marketed as a portable turntable, the Sound Burger’s mobility has significant limitations. Yes, there’s a convenient handle on the side for carrying it, but you’ll need a separate bag for your records, unlike the all-in-one convenience of a classic Walkman or Discman. And forget about listening while on the move; the fragile needle and spinning record require a stationary setup to function properly.

Want to take your vinyl experience outdoors? Be prepared to haul the Sound Burger, a collection of records, and a Bluetooth speaker — a cumbersome package that quickly diminishes its grab-and-go appeal. The absence of built-in speakers further hampers its portability, requiring you to always pair it with external audio equipment or plug in with a pair of headphones.

The Sound Burger is also remarkably sensitive to its environment. Walking near it or even minor vibrations can cause the needle to skip, an issue compounded by the lack of a proper counterweight. This sensitivity did have me concerned about potential long-term damage to my vinyl collection from improper tracking force.

I had also hoped to mount the Sound Burger on my wall as a display piece when not in use, but quickly discovered this wouldn’t work. Attempting to play records vertically will inevitably scratch them and cause damage. The device only functions properly when placed on a relatively flat, stable surface. In essence, while the Sound Burger is grab-and-go, you’ll need to sit down and set it up to actually enjoy your music.

Finding the secret sauce

Despite these limitations, the Sound Burger does shine in specific scenarios. The most enjoyable experience was taking it camping, where I connected it to a portable Bluetooth speaker around the campfire. There’s something magical about listening to vinyl under the stars that a Spotify playlist can’t match.

It’s also ideal for those living in small apartments with limited space for a full turntable setup. I could easily move it from room to room, satisfying my vinyl cravings without dedicating precious square footage to a permanent setup. For vinyl enthusiasts with an established collection who want the flexibility to listen throughout their home rather than being tethered to one listening station, the Sound Burger offers genuine value.

At $280 (a $30 increase from the 2022 limited release), the Sound Burger is in an awkward price bracket. For the same investment, you could purchase a quality entry-level turntable like Audio-Technica’s LP70XBT or the Fluance RT80, pair it with decent speakers, and have a superior listening experience—albeit one confined to a single location.

Sound Burger verdict: A tastefully impractical conversation starter

The Audio-Technica Sound Burger isn’t trying to be the most practical audio device on the market. Like vinyl itself in the age of streaming, it’s deliberately inconvenient in ways that somehow enhance its appeal rather than detract from it.

What makes the Sound Burger special isn’t that it’s the best way to listen to records—it certainly isn’t. Rather, its charm lies in how it creates moments and sparks conversations. Whenever I brought it out around friends, it immediately became the center of attention, leading to discussions about music, technology, and nostalgia that digital formats rarely inspire.

If you’re looking for the most cost-effective or practical way to enjoy vinyl, this isn’t it. But if you value the unique experience, the tactile joy, and the social currency that comes with such a delightfully absurd device, the Sound Burger delivers in spades.

The Sound Burger is best suited for vinyl enthusiasts who already own a proper turntable but want something fun for occasional portability, collectors of audio curiosities, or anyone who prioritizes conversation-starting design over absolute audio performance. If that sounds like you, this little burger joint is definitely worth visiting.

In a world where practically everything is optimized for efficiency, there’s something refreshing about a device that prioritizes fun and conversation over pure functionality. The Sound Burger may not be the most sensible audio purchase you’ll make this year, but it might just be the most memorable.

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