Unpacked and easily set up:
The device is "Plug and Play" (connect to power and start right away), that is just purely in the socket, loosen the included felt mat on the platter, a record on top of it, the fuse wire from the tone arm / needle and let's go.
Press the small lever to the rear, the tone arm lifts. This then gently press your hand toward platter, whereupon the latter begins to turn. Now press the small lever forward. The tone arm descends slowly to the record gaaanz. So it must be to avoid scratching! And then the music sounds quite wonderful.
The sound of the integrated speakers is clear and round the volume outstanding! One does not even excessively on the Equaliser. In music such as pop / folk / pop / classical / rock / hip-hop sounds are nice and clean and clear.
One can also external speakers to the existing 3.5mm headset jack (located on the front bottom) connect or disconnect the record player to your stereo via an AUX cable / radio. I have also tested with headphones: Sounds just like a good CD / MP3 player.
The platter is sprung to allow an optimum smooth playback of LP's. For this reason, it is loose in the timber housing (can but raise not remove).
The overall build quality is: very robust housing made of wood with hinged dust cover (transparent) made of hard plastic. The speakers are inserted clean and the playback unit runs with proper accuracy. The tonearm appears designed a little tender, but when dealing him not grossly botched but more gently with him, he certainly keeps forever and ever! He hops not, but playing the board quietly and without interruption from (I tested new 180 gram pressings and older thinner LP's).
According to descriptions of clients (international) are on this model here (=> ION LP MAX) all defects of the previous model (eg inaccurate speed, distorted sound is transmitted) all eliminated and disappeared.
The ION MAX LP is therefore a successful development, which also works reliably.
From the beginning, I've never had a problem and have my joy it daily.