The renewed interest in physical music formats has usually followed parallel paths. Vinyl has reclaimed its place as a tactile, ritual-driven experience, while CDs have quietly re-established themselves as a practical, high-quality alternative to streaming. The Mixx Analog Plus attempts to bring those two revivals together in a single device, combining a fully automatic turntable with a built-in CD player that’s concealed inside the deck itself.
At first glance, the Mixx Analog Plus looks like a conventional record player. That’s deliberate. Rather than adding a visible CD tray or increasing the unit’s height to accommodate a second transport, Mixx Audio has placed the CD mechanism directly at the centre of the turntable. The result is a surprisingly slim profile at just under 10cm tall, preserving the proportions people expect from a traditional vinyl deck while quietly expanding its capabilities.
The turntable section supports both 12-inch and 7-inch records at 33 and 45rpm and comes fitted with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, a familiar and reliable choice at this price point. Automatic operation and repeat functionality suggest that the Analog Plus is aimed less at purists and more at listeners who want ease of use alongside their physical collection. This is not a component designed to encourage constant tweaking, but one that prioritises accessibility.
The CD player is where the design becomes more unconventional. By hiding the transport within the platter area, Mixx avoids the stacked, multi-box look that often comes with combining formats. Playback is controlled via a small front-facing display and touch-sensitive buttons, with an IR remote included for those who prefer distance control. The unit supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs, which should cover most personal collections.
Connectivity is straightforward but flexible. An RCA output allows the Analog Plus to connect to an external amplifier or powered speakers, while Bluetooth enables wireless playback to compatible speakers or headphones. Both vinyl and CD audio can be routed through Bluetooth, offering an option that blends physical media with modern listening habits.
Priced at £299.99 in the UK, the Mixx Analog Plus sits above entry-level turntables but below many dedicated hi-fi separates. Its value depends largely on how much appeal there is in owning one device rather than two. For some listeners, the combination will feel efficient and uncluttered. For others, especially those drawn to physical media for its nostalgia, separating formats into distinct components may remain part of the appeal.
What the Mixx Analog Plus ultimately highlights is the changing nature of “retro” listening. Vinyl remains about ritual and presence, while CDs are often valued for their convenience and reliability. Combining the two doesn’t necessarily dilute either experience, but it does challenge the idea that physical formats must live in isolation. Whether that convergence feels clever or compromises tradition will depend entirely on the listener.
