Roberts Stylus light oak

Roberts Stylus takes over from the RT100 and RT200 models, offering a simplified approach to vinyl without sacrificing the style that has made this nonagenarian British brand famous. With its real light oak veneer, belt drive, and switchable preamp, this semi-automatic turntable caters to newcomers as well as music lovers looking for a convenient secondary setup. The built-in USB port allows you to digitize your records, while the pre-mounted Audio-Technica cartridge avoids the hassle of initial setup.

A solid base clad in real wood

The Stylus features an MDF plinth about 20 millimeters thick, covered with a real light oak veneer with a satin varnish finish. This choice contrasts with entry-level turntables typically covered in plastic, giving the unit a warm presence on a shelf or dedicated stand. Four rubber feet provide vibration damping, allowing the platter to keep spinning even if the stand is lightly brushed.

Unlike the RT200, which sported a brushed aluminum front panel, the Stylus opts for simplicity with a clean design where wood covers the entire surface. The tinted, removable dust cover protects the mechanism while letting you glimpse the turntable in action. Total height with the lid closed remains at a compact 140 millimeters, making it easier to fit into tight spaces.

A traditional belt drive

The Stylus goes back to basics with a belt-drive system, a different choice from the RT200, which favored direct drive. This transmission mechanically decouples the motor from the platter, limiting the transmission of unwanted vibrations to the groove. The platter, likely die-cast aluminum based on visual cues, rests on a bearing whose quality determines rotational stability.

Two speeds are available: 33 and 45 RPM, covering LPs and 45s. Switching speeds is done manually by moving the belt, a simple operation that doesn’t require disassembling the unit. This traditional system has the advantage of being easy to repair and relying on few mechanical parts, which bodes well for longevity.

The tonearm: aluminum with precise adjustments

The Stylus’s black aluminum tonearm differs from the RT200’s higher-end carbon-fiber arm. This material offers a good balance between rigidity and mass for a moving magnet cartridge. The top-mount headshell design simplifies cartridge replacement: just unscrew a few elements to install a new headshell.

A graduated counterweight lets you set tracking force (2.5 to 3.5 g for the AT-3600L cartridge), while an anti-skate dial counteracts centripetal force. These basic settings allow for future upgrades, such as replacing the factory cartridge.

Finally, the semi-automatic function makes daily use easier: the platter starts as soon as the arm is moved over the record and stops automatically at the end of playback, protecting the stylus and motor.

The Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge: a proven classic

Roberts chose the Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge, a classic reference for entry- and mid-range turntables. Praised for its reliability, affordability, and balanced sound, it delivers solid results without needing complex adjustments.

Its 0.6 mil conical stylus, mounted on a reinforced plastic cantilever, ensures good contact with the groove even in the event of slight tonearm misalignment—an advantage for beginners. With an output of about 4 mV and a 20 Hz to 20 kHz response, it provides full coverage of the audible spectrum and a respectable stereo image.

Its sonic character is warm, with present bass, smooth treble, and natural mids. While a conical stylus is less precise than an elliptical profile, it’s more forgiving with worn records. Lifespan ranges from 300 to 500 hours, and replacement styli (ATN3600L) are inexpensive and easy to find.

A switchable phono preamp for all systems

The Stylus includes a stereo phono preamp that can be turned on or off via a switch on the rear. This flexibility is a major advantage for adapting to different setups. When enabled, the turntable outputs a line-level signal compatible with any auxiliary input: an amplifier without a phono stage, powered speakers, a Roberts radio with a jack input, or even a Bluetooth speaker with a wired input.

For those who already have a higher-quality external phono preamp or an amplifier with a dedicated phono input, disabling the internal preamp unlocks the cartridge’s full potential by handing amplification off to more sophisticated electronics. The supplied cables include a pair of RCA plugs for standard connections and a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack for connecting the Stylus directly to consumer gear like certain radios or portable speakers.

USB port: digitize your record collection

Beyond pure analog playback, the Stylus includes a USB-B port for connecting the turntable to a computer. This feature appeals to owners of rare or out-of-print vinyl who want to archive their collection digitally. Simply install audio recording software (Audacity is often cited for being free and effective) and start capturing while the record plays. The computer receives a digital stream that can then be split into tracks, edited, and exported in the desired formats.

This feature won’t turn the Stylus into a professional audio interface, but it addresses a practical need for those who want to take their vinyl on portable players or create backups. The recording passes through the internal preamp, so it’s advisable to keep it enabled during this operation.

A measured evolution from previous models

The Stylus replaces the RT100 while retaining belt drive, whereas the RT200 opted for direct drive. This technical decision positions the Stylus as a less expensive alternative to the RT200 while offering more refined finishes than the RT100. The aluminum tonearm succeeds the RT200’s carbon-fiber arm but keeps the essential adjustments (counterweight, anti-skate) that were missing on some earlier versions.

The RT200 benefited from a 3-millimeter aluminum front plate claimed to improve damping, as well as an AT-95E cartridge with a more precise elliptical stylus. The Stylus returns to the conical AT-3600L cartridge, which is more forgiving and economical, and trades the metal plate for an all-wood design. This intermediate positioning targets buyers seeking a balance of practicality, polished aesthetics, and reasonable price, without aiming for absolute audiophile performance.

Technical Specifications

Main Features

• Built-in switchable stereo preamplifier
• Playback speeds: 33, 45 rpm
• Belt drive
• Semi-automatic
• Audio-Technica cartridge (AT-3600L)

Functions

• Adjustable counterweight
• Anti-skating adjustment
• Automatic stop function
• Removable dust cover

Connectivity

• USB port for computer connection and digital recordings
• 3.5 mm mini-jack analog audio input

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions with closed cover: 448 × 140 × 366 mm
• Dimensions with open cover: 448 × 425 × 415 mm
• Weight: 4.5 kg

Included Accessories

• Power adapter (UK and EU plugs)
• USB cable
• Audio cable:
  • Two RCA plugs
  • 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack