TexasCatDad
New Member
Review Date: 1/5/25
COMO AUDIO ANALOG TURNTABLE
Entry Level, Consumer Grade - $129-$200 At Ebay, Reverb and other online retailers.
2 Year Manufacturer's Warranty, Product is no longer made.
USER REVIEW by TxCatDad
Before we get into the meat of this review, I wanted to touch on my Vinyl past a bit as I've always loved rock music, Blues, Tex-Mex etc. as far back as I can remember and grew up in South Texas in the 70’s and 80’s at a time when this music, at least in my opinion, was glorious. Long before I got a snazzy Sound Design AM-FM/record player/cassette combo extravaganza of my own as a teen, I used (and sonically abused) the family stereo console, a humongous 1964 Magnavox Astro-Sonic Model 1P3721 (above) and I know it weighed as much as a small car because it was crafted of solid Walnut and not one bit of puny MDF!
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s this “stereo” was a superb console. I couldn’t tell you what its specs were, but at the time, as I remember, it could blow your hair back! Some of my favorite groups like ZZ Top, Van Halen, Rush, Queen and so many others all took their turn being showcased live in our living room at really high volume while my mom was at work. The neighbors thankfully never complained and the cops never came knocking.
My audio fun came to an abrupt end with the Astro-Sonic behemoth when I managed to blow one of the main speakers playing the iconic 1980 release Back in Black LP from AC/DC (Atlantic SD16018) as loud as I could get it with the 45W speakers.
This disaster ended up costing my mom a tidy sum to replace the speaker and It never sounded the same after the repair. I don’t know if it was a speaker mismatch, or just my guilt at hurting a friend who had only ever treated me well.
Regardless of the unfortunate outcome, the experience and joy introduced me to music in a way that listening to the radio just couldn't do. I didn't realize it at the time, but Vinyl was magic.
I never really had a “real stereo” after the Christmas present Sound Design of my teen years shuffled off its mortal coil and instead, I did like so many others and embraced CD’s, and ultimately, MP3s, WAV, and other digital formats which could be carried in your pocket and later on your new-fangled “cell phone”. Many years later, I realized I was missing something more corporeal. Digital music formats have their place, and I still have dozens of CD’s and stream, but I missed the tactile and visually appealing world of Vinyl.
From the stunning album artwork to the record labels themselves and scrawled hand etching in the runouts denoting specific pressing plants, sound engineer initials or other hieroglyphs to be decoded at sites like Discogs, there was so much to discover and enjoy.
Consider these introspective comments from YouTube:
“When nostalgia strikes you play records. You don't just listen to music but you look through the years and see your yesterdays. You go through the rituals and the emotions that were familiar to your younger self. That's what playing records means to me these days.” - cubistone
“As a vinyl collector, a lot of the appeal is the ritual of putting on a record. Physically choosing a record from a shelf, looking at the artwork, taking it out of its sleeve and putting it on...the warm crackle, the anticipation of waiting for the record to start. It makes a contrast from spotify etc...which I also use everyday...but there's something about the physical record. It's big, it's an event. I love it, regardless of sound issues. “-Kevinmcnamara73
Starting off, I began researching different turntables, loudspeakers, receivers, and all the related things that went along with returning to this hobby and found that rabbit hole after rabbit hole greeted me, but I was slowly learning and what was old was becoming new again.
I decided to start with a new turntable and I had already picked up a Panasonic SA-HE9 AV receiver at the local Goodwill for a whole $25. If you aren't familiar with that Panasonic model, it's ok because I learned it's identical to the Technics SA-DX950.
After an exhaustive search and exploring many of the affordable options, albeit, “old” (vintage!) offerings from Technics, Audio Technica, Denon and others, I settled on the Como Audio Analog. As mentioned earlier, I discovered that Como Audio had partnered with high end turntable company Pro-Ject to manufacture the turntables so I felt confident I was making a good choice knowing the reputation of Pro-Ject to be an audiophile level source for quality audio equipment.
As near as I could learn, Como Audio released the Analog model around 2020 and an earlier model that was essentially the same, was released with Bluetooth approximately a year earlier and it was simply called the Como Audio Turntable and it was priced at $499. Como Audio unfortunately ceased operations in 2023 citing supply chain issues related to the Covid pandemic.
The typical listing of the product specifications doesn't reveal anything particularly superb or potentially troubling regarding expected performance.
Specs for the Como Analog Turntable
Operation Type: Fully Manual
Nominal speeds: 33 1/3 & 45 RPM
Speed variance: 33: ±0.80% 45: ±0.70%
Wow and flutter: 33: ±0.29% 45: ±0.27%
Signal to noise: -65dB
Effective tonearm mass: 0.28 ounces/8.0g
Effective tonearm length: 8.6" (218.5mm)
Overhang: 0.73”/18.5mm
Power consumption: 4W / In standby: 0W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.54” x 4.41” x 12.99”/420mm x 112mm x 330mm
Weight: 11.02 lbs/5.0kg
Technical specifications: Integrated MM Phono pre-amplifier
Gain: 34dB
Output voltage: 200mV/1kHz at 5mV/1kHz input
Input impedance: 47kohms/100pF
Noise floor: -68dB
RIAA EQ curve accuracy: 20Hz-20kHz/max. 0.5dB
Technical specifications: MM Cartridge Ortofon OM5e
Frequency range: 20Hz-25kHz
Channel separation: 22dB/1kHz
Output voltage: 4mV
Recommended load impedance: 47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
Compliance/stylus type: 20μm/mN – elliptical
Recommended tracking force: 17.5mN
Weight: 0.01 lbs/5g
I checked all the parts for any visible issues and found none. The black piano finished plinth was stout and heavy, made of a single, thick hunk of MDF and beautifully finished in high gloss. I really wanted the Walnut veneer version, but no luck at the time. The fit and finish of the other attached parts appeared perfect.
The overall workmanship is first class and the quality was very apparent. Turning the plinth over, the included phono amp was visible with the RCA outputs and the switch for Phono and Line easy to reach. I did find it a little odd that this turntable only has 3 feet mounted in a triangular fashion. The stability didn't seem to be affected though, so far so good. Additionally, the feet are vibration resistant, which is a nice touch.
Continuing with the unboxing and setup process, I located the small bag with the belt and other fiddly accessories such as various interchangeable plug types to let you power the device from just about anywhere in the world. A thoughtful inclusion was an Allen wrench to allow you to remove the cartridge headshell or adjust the tonearm balance, however, these settings are already set for you from the factory making it very easy to get through the setup with a minimal amount of effort.
The tonearm comes pre-set from the factory for the proper balance/tracking and skate. You should only have to adjust the balance (tracking) if you experience issues with playback quality OR if you replace your cartridge to something other than the included Ortofon Om5e. You cannot alter the factory preset skate setting. The tonearm is a typical S type and is held in place for shipping by a cushioned wire bread tie.
The included Om5e cartridge also comes pre-installed from the factory to make your life even simpler in the setup process. The tonearm accepts many different cartridges and the Om10 is one to consider when upgrading, although the 5e is considered by many audio enthusiasts to be excellent. A plastic (not paper) cartridge alignment protractor is also included although you probably won’t need it.
Installing the flat drive belt was a cinch and straightforward as it sits below the surprisingly heavy, steel platter. Como Audio does not recommend the use of any turntable weights as it could cause additional strain on the motor. All of the details I encountered during set-up were constant reminders that this was an expertly designed and well built product. Platter movement was exceptionally smooth.
Ok, Now for A Gripe Or Two…
One trivial issue I did note is the distinct lack of an included instruction sheet or other information that would help a complete novice successfully set this product up beyond a very succinct “how-to” on the warranty card showing the barest minimum. The warranty card included with the turntable was from a company called “Triangle” and when you go to their website, there doesn't appear to be any information on, or about, anything from Como Audio at any time in the past. I realize set up info for turntables are all over the web, but the lack of an included booklet either by Como Audio or Triangle etc. for a discontinued product would have been appreciated.
Oddly enough, when you look at the art depiction of the turntable found on the warranty card, a different style of turntable is shown and the artwork depicts a Triangle branded product. I started to wonder who’s product I had purchased and wondering what to do if I had a warranty issue somewhere down the line. Como Audio originally warrantied the Analog for two years.
I eventually found an instruction manual online and have included a link.
Como Audio Analog turntable instructions can be found here, PDF available.
Another tiny issue I found to be puzzling about this entire venture thus far is there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of information on Como Audio turntables on the web. I found a couple of reviews at Forbes and MyMac, and a slightly unusual YouTube video of a shirtless guy doing a review, and that was pretty much it.
All the information you do find, expectedly, points back to the long defunct Como Audio website and so there appears to be limited information for people to help them make an informed buying decision. Ultimately, this was the reason why I decided to do a user review of this product in hopes of trying to help others similarly situated.
Performance
I quickly finished the setup, grounded the turntable and connected the Analog out to the Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp, and adjusted the output to the Panasonic. elected to set the Fosi for its lowest output at 39db. The Analog does include a pre-amp, but I wanted to bring the Fosi into the mix and check its performance as well. Once I felt it was ready to go, I brought out a very familiar LP to test drive, “Days of Future Passed” by The Moody Blues (Deram, DES 18012 - US Pressing, 1968).
Beginning to play Side B, there was a horrible hum and plenty of distortion. Nooo! I began troubleshooting and ultimately discovered I was overwhelming the signal being sent to the Phono input. A quick relocation to the unused Tape input solved the issue and the sound from the Analog was clean, not too bright and full of detail. Not having a subwoofer at the moment meant I had to dial in a bit of bass through the knob control on the SA-HE9 feeding two Paradigm Atom V2.s and two Paradigm Micro V2’s. Using the Analogs built in preamp gave a softer response and illustrated the need for a good external phono PA. Using active speakers would probably only need the TT preamp to get good sound.
I was very pleased with the combination of source and speakers. My copy of DoFP is also fairly good and the vinyl itself is pretty quiet. The Om5e pulled a lot of detail from the record and seemed to really shine on "Nights in White Satin", a song which I particularly enjoy. "The Day Begins" leading off the A side sounded wonderful and I had to really up the volume and enjoy it, along with the rest of the album. The sound quality was good and the Analog had no trouble reproducing everything accurately.
The Analogs cueing lever is very supple and responsive in its action. There's no additional noise when lifting the tonearm from the record, or onto the record for that matter. The supplied record mat is a very simple Como Audio branded felt.
Conclusion
As someone who is coming back to vinyl after several decades, I was happy to find a friendly, entry level turntable that gave me good features for the relatively low cost. I had considered the Audio Technica AT60,70 and 120, and even tried to stretch my budget to a Fluance RT85. Mostly, I wanted to ensure the bulk of my smallish budget went to a quality turntable and speakers. After some initial back and forth from one manufacturer to another, I think with all things considered, the Como Audio Analog should definitely be considered as a first turntable or even a slight upgrade as it's really a rather nice quality offering, and at $129-$199, it's a steal.
Components Used
Como Audio Analog Turntable
Panasonic SA-HE9 Receiver
Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp
Paradigm Atom V2 loudspeakers
Paradigm Micro V2 loudspeakers
Standard RCA interconnects
COMO AUDIO ANALOG TURNTABLE
Entry Level, Consumer Grade - $129-$200 At Ebay, Reverb and other online retailers.
2 Year Manufacturer's Warranty, Product is no longer made.
USER REVIEW by TxCatDad
Introduction
Discovering vinyl for the first time, or as in my case, re-discovering vinyl after several decades, comes with a few challenges. As vinyl enthusiasts, we want the best quality vs. features that we can afford. We don’t want something “cheap” that will likely give us a bad experience, nor do we want to knock a huge hole in our bank account. This is where the Como Audio Analog turntable comes in. This is a surprisingly affordable entry level, consumer grade turntable offering good features, ease of use and built with quality materials in a collaborative partnership with the high end turntable manufacturer, Pro-Ject. This is a Como Audio turntable built by Pro-Ject, who are world leaders in audiophile turntable design.For the love of Vinyl, a hearty welcome to the new and returning enthusiasts!
Before we get into the meat of this review, I wanted to touch on my Vinyl past a bit as I've always loved rock music, Blues, Tex-Mex etc. as far back as I can remember and grew up in South Texas in the 70’s and 80’s at a time when this music, at least in my opinion, was glorious. Long before I got a snazzy Sound Design AM-FM/record player/cassette combo extravaganza of my own as a teen, I used (and sonically abused) the family stereo console, a humongous 1964 Magnavox Astro-Sonic Model 1P3721 (above) and I know it weighed as much as a small car because it was crafted of solid Walnut and not one bit of puny MDF!
Throughout the 70’s and 80’s this “stereo” was a superb console. I couldn’t tell you what its specs were, but at the time, as I remember, it could blow your hair back! Some of my favorite groups like ZZ Top, Van Halen, Rush, Queen and so many others all took their turn being showcased live in our living room at really high volume while my mom was at work. The neighbors thankfully never complained and the cops never came knocking.
My audio fun came to an abrupt end with the Astro-Sonic behemoth when I managed to blow one of the main speakers playing the iconic 1980 release Back in Black LP from AC/DC (Atlantic SD16018) as loud as I could get it with the 45W speakers.
This disaster ended up costing my mom a tidy sum to replace the speaker and It never sounded the same after the repair. I don’t know if it was a speaker mismatch, or just my guilt at hurting a friend who had only ever treated me well.
Regardless of the unfortunate outcome, the experience and joy introduced me to music in a way that listening to the radio just couldn't do. I didn't realize it at the time, but Vinyl was magic.
I never really had a “real stereo” after the Christmas present Sound Design of my teen years shuffled off its mortal coil and instead, I did like so many others and embraced CD’s, and ultimately, MP3s, WAV, and other digital formats which could be carried in your pocket and later on your new-fangled “cell phone”. Many years later, I realized I was missing something more corporeal. Digital music formats have their place, and I still have dozens of CD’s and stream, but I missed the tactile and visually appealing world of Vinyl.
From the stunning album artwork to the record labels themselves and scrawled hand etching in the runouts denoting specific pressing plants, sound engineer initials or other hieroglyphs to be decoded at sites like Discogs, there was so much to discover and enjoy.
Consider these introspective comments from YouTube:
“When nostalgia strikes you play records. You don't just listen to music but you look through the years and see your yesterdays. You go through the rituals and the emotions that were familiar to your younger self. That's what playing records means to me these days.” - cubistone
“As a vinyl collector, a lot of the appeal is the ritual of putting on a record. Physically choosing a record from a shelf, looking at the artwork, taking it out of its sleeve and putting it on...the warm crackle, the anticipation of waiting for the record to start. It makes a contrast from spotify etc...which I also use everyday...but there's something about the physical record. It's big, it's an event. I love it, regardless of sound issues. “-Kevinmcnamara73
Fast forward a few decades…
As I write this In late 2024, I decided to take on vinyl again after a 45+ year break. I realized in short order that things had changed a lot since I had last punished the long gone ponderous Magnavox. I should add that I’m not interested in creating a collection with monetary value. I want to find quality over assigning a dollar value and to play & enjoy decent pressings for my mental health and happiness.Starting off, I began researching different turntables, loudspeakers, receivers, and all the related things that went along with returning to this hobby and found that rabbit hole after rabbit hole greeted me, but I was slowly learning and what was old was becoming new again.
I decided to start with a new turntable and I had already picked up a Panasonic SA-HE9 AV receiver at the local Goodwill for a whole $25. If you aren't familiar with that Panasonic model, it's ok because I learned it's identical to the Technics SA-DX950.
After an exhaustive search and exploring many of the affordable options, albeit, “old” (vintage!) offerings from Technics, Audio Technica, Denon and others, I settled on the Como Audio Analog. As mentioned earlier, I discovered that Como Audio had partnered with high end turntable company Pro-Ject to manufacture the turntables so I felt confident I was making a good choice knowing the reputation of Pro-Ject to be an audiophile level source for quality audio equipment.
As near as I could learn, Como Audio released the Analog model around 2020 and an earlier model that was essentially the same, was released with Bluetooth approximately a year earlier and it was simply called the Como Audio Turntable and it was priced at $499. Como Audio unfortunately ceased operations in 2023 citing supply chain issues related to the Covid pandemic.
The typical listing of the product specifications doesn't reveal anything particularly superb or potentially troubling regarding expected performance.
Specs for the Como Analog Turntable
Operation Type: Fully Manual
Nominal speeds: 33 1/3 & 45 RPM
Speed variance: 33: ±0.80% 45: ±0.70%
Wow and flutter: 33: ±0.29% 45: ±0.27%
Signal to noise: -65dB
Effective tonearm mass: 0.28 ounces/8.0g
Effective tonearm length: 8.6" (218.5mm)
Overhang: 0.73”/18.5mm
Power consumption: 4W / In standby: 0W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 16.54” x 4.41” x 12.99”/420mm x 112mm x 330mm
Weight: 11.02 lbs/5.0kg
Technical specifications: Integrated MM Phono pre-amplifier
Gain: 34dB
Output voltage: 200mV/1kHz at 5mV/1kHz input
Input impedance: 47kohms/100pF
Noise floor: -68dB
RIAA EQ curve accuracy: 20Hz-20kHz/max. 0.5dB
Technical specifications: MM Cartridge Ortofon OM5e
Frequency range: 20Hz-25kHz
Channel separation: 22dB/1kHz
Output voltage: 4mV
Recommended load impedance: 47kohms/amplifier connection – MM-input
Compliance/stylus type: 20μm/mN – elliptical
Recommended tracking force: 17.5mN
Weight: 0.01 lbs/5g
Unboxing and First Impressions
I found an Analog model on eBay for $129, “New”, with free shipping. While collecting this off of my front porch after delivery, I realized that this box is heavy and navigating through the obstacle course that is my main hallway was a slight challenge due to a couple of my cats trying to trip me, but I made it to the room and began to unpack. The outside of the box was in good condition, which gives me a clue as to the potential condition of the contents. Damaged shipping boxes make me nervous. My worries were unfounded and everything was well secured and packed very carefully from the factory with plenty of stability enhancing Styrofoam pieces for immobilizing the contents.I checked all the parts for any visible issues and found none. The black piano finished plinth was stout and heavy, made of a single, thick hunk of MDF and beautifully finished in high gloss. I really wanted the Walnut veneer version, but no luck at the time. The fit and finish of the other attached parts appeared perfect.
The overall workmanship is first class and the quality was very apparent. Turning the plinth over, the included phono amp was visible with the RCA outputs and the switch for Phono and Line easy to reach. I did find it a little odd that this turntable only has 3 feet mounted in a triangular fashion. The stability didn't seem to be affected though, so far so good. Additionally, the feet are vibration resistant, which is a nice touch.
Continuing with the unboxing and setup process, I located the small bag with the belt and other fiddly accessories such as various interchangeable plug types to let you power the device from just about anywhere in the world. A thoughtful inclusion was an Allen wrench to allow you to remove the cartridge headshell or adjust the tonearm balance, however, these settings are already set for you from the factory making it very easy to get through the setup with a minimal amount of effort.
The tonearm comes pre-set from the factory for the proper balance/tracking and skate. You should only have to adjust the balance (tracking) if you experience issues with playback quality OR if you replace your cartridge to something other than the included Ortofon Om5e. You cannot alter the factory preset skate setting. The tonearm is a typical S type and is held in place for shipping by a cushioned wire bread tie.
The included Om5e cartridge also comes pre-installed from the factory to make your life even simpler in the setup process. The tonearm accepts many different cartridges and the Om10 is one to consider when upgrading, although the 5e is considered by many audio enthusiasts to be excellent. A plastic (not paper) cartridge alignment protractor is also included although you probably won’t need it.
Installing the flat drive belt was a cinch and straightforward as it sits below the surprisingly heavy, steel platter. Como Audio does not recommend the use of any turntable weights as it could cause additional strain on the motor. All of the details I encountered during set-up were constant reminders that this was an expertly designed and well built product. Platter movement was exceptionally smooth.
Ok, Now for A Gripe Or Two…
One trivial issue I did note is the distinct lack of an included instruction sheet or other information that would help a complete novice successfully set this product up beyond a very succinct “how-to” on the warranty card showing the barest minimum. The warranty card included with the turntable was from a company called “Triangle” and when you go to their website, there doesn't appear to be any information on, or about, anything from Como Audio at any time in the past. I realize set up info for turntables are all over the web, but the lack of an included booklet either by Como Audio or Triangle etc. for a discontinued product would have been appreciated.
Oddly enough, when you look at the art depiction of the turntable found on the warranty card, a different style of turntable is shown and the artwork depicts a Triangle branded product. I started to wonder who’s product I had purchased and wondering what to do if I had a warranty issue somewhere down the line. Como Audio originally warrantied the Analog for two years.
I eventually found an instruction manual online and have included a link.
Como Audio Analog turntable instructions can be found here, PDF available.
Another tiny issue I found to be puzzling about this entire venture thus far is there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of information on Como Audio turntables on the web. I found a couple of reviews at Forbes and MyMac, and a slightly unusual YouTube video of a shirtless guy doing a review, and that was pretty much it.
All the information you do find, expectedly, points back to the long defunct Como Audio website and so there appears to be limited information for people to help them make an informed buying decision. Ultimately, this was the reason why I decided to do a user review of this product in hopes of trying to help others similarly situated.
Performance
I quickly finished the setup, grounded the turntable and connected the Analog out to the Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp, and adjusted the output to the Panasonic. elected to set the Fosi for its lowest output at 39db. The Analog does include a pre-amp, but I wanted to bring the Fosi into the mix and check its performance as well. Once I felt it was ready to go, I brought out a very familiar LP to test drive, “Days of Future Passed” by The Moody Blues (Deram, DES 18012 - US Pressing, 1968).
Beginning to play Side B, there was a horrible hum and plenty of distortion. Nooo! I began troubleshooting and ultimately discovered I was overwhelming the signal being sent to the Phono input. A quick relocation to the unused Tape input solved the issue and the sound from the Analog was clean, not too bright and full of detail. Not having a subwoofer at the moment meant I had to dial in a bit of bass through the knob control on the SA-HE9 feeding two Paradigm Atom V2.s and two Paradigm Micro V2’s. Using the Analogs built in preamp gave a softer response and illustrated the need for a good external phono PA. Using active speakers would probably only need the TT preamp to get good sound.
I was very pleased with the combination of source and speakers. My copy of DoFP is also fairly good and the vinyl itself is pretty quiet. The Om5e pulled a lot of detail from the record and seemed to really shine on "Nights in White Satin", a song which I particularly enjoy. "The Day Begins" leading off the A side sounded wonderful and I had to really up the volume and enjoy it, along with the rest of the album. The sound quality was good and the Analog had no trouble reproducing everything accurately.
The Analogs cueing lever is very supple and responsive in its action. There's no additional noise when lifting the tonearm from the record, or onto the record for that matter. The supplied record mat is a very simple Como Audio branded felt.
Conclusion
As someone who is coming back to vinyl after several decades, I was happy to find a friendly, entry level turntable that gave me good features for the relatively low cost. I had considered the Audio Technica AT60,70 and 120, and even tried to stretch my budget to a Fluance RT85. Mostly, I wanted to ensure the bulk of my smallish budget went to a quality turntable and speakers. After some initial back and forth from one manufacturer to another, I think with all things considered, the Como Audio Analog should definitely be considered as a first turntable or even a slight upgrade as it's really a rather nice quality offering, and at $129-$199, it's a steal.
Components Used
Como Audio Analog Turntable
Panasonic SA-HE9 Receiver
Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp
Paradigm Atom V2 loudspeakers
Paradigm Micro V2 loudspeakers
Standard RCA interconnects