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Turntables, Tonearms, Cartridges & Accessories:
Turntables
Avid [back
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Acutus
Acutus turntable is radically different from current design
theories.
Designed from a clean sheet, leaving nothing unexplored or
unresolved. Setting a standard of musical reproduction others
must now aspire to achive.
In brief, this is a belt drive, sprung subchassis
design and this is where similarity with other designs stops.
On first appearance you can see there is something different
and you would be right.
Vibration caused by the stylus during playback
is transmitted to the subchassis directly through the bearing
and not absorbed into the platter.
This is achived using a unique matting material
and clamping system. External vibrations are isolated by a
unique suspension system. A purpose designed power supply
coupled to a unique hand made motor, 10 times more powerful
than normally used, drive a massive 10Kg platter.
Stunningly finished in Polished Chrome
or Gold Plated, this product is the natural choice of equipment
for those who demand the best.
Volvere
The Volvere turntable uses many
of the unique design elements of the much-acclaimed Acutus
turntable at an affordable price. In brief this is a belt
drive, sprung subchassis design. Built to the same engineering
standard as the Acutus turntable and incorporating a similar
clamping, bearing and suspension design.
Vibration caused by the stylus during playback
is transmitted to the subchassis directly through the main
bearing and not absorbed into the platter. This is achived
using a unique matting material and clamping system. External
vibrations are isolatedby the unique AVID suspension system.
A purpose designed electronic on board power
supply coupled to a high torque motor, drives a heavy 5Kg
platter.
Unique features of this turntable include:
- Integrated 2 speed electronic power supply
- High torque motor drive
- Unique tuneable suspension, adjustable from above
- One piece aluminum casting subchassis
- Tungsten carbide/sapphire bearing
- One piece aluminum platter with unique cork matting compound.
- Stunningly finished in Satin Silver, this product is the
natural choice for the discerning vinyl enthusiast.
Sequel
Sequel is a natural development
forward on the Volvere.
Using the power supply and motor from the Acutus its improvement
in sound quality is great and instantly noticeable.
Improved dynamics, imaging and information retrieval brings
you closer than ever to the performance of the Acutus. Extended
frequency extremes, especially in the lower registers again
make this a class-leading product.
Diva
AVID's accomplished turntable designs;
Acutus, Sequel and Volvere all share a common design philosophy.
Mechanical energy transmission away from the record and isolation.
Seeing the opportunity to embody the same
design philosophy whilst offering greater flexibility of pick-up
arm choice in a more economical package, the DIVA evolved.
Using the same sapphire bearing and a
simplified, yet elegant clamping system as the other turntables
the vibration caused by the cartridge during replay is effectively
channelled to the main chassis. The platter, constructed from
glass and MDF, ensures an impedance miss-match with the record
and with the aid of the clamp prevents energy entering the
platter avoiding sound colourations.
Our unique suspension system allows each
spring to be tailored to the correct frequency, giving optimum
mechanical isolation of the playing surface, resulting in
better information retrieval and resolution.
Suspension points can be extended outwards
to give better stability when using 12" arms.
Unlike our other designs the DIVA has
the option of fitting more than one arm. Most arms from 9"
to 12" can be mounted, allowing your favourite arm/cartridge
combinations to be mounted at the same time.
The external power supply feeds a powerful
stand-alone motor to give excellent speed stability and dynamic
sound.
Constructed from high grade aluminium
to maintain linear energy transmission properties with stainless
steel components critically placed to create mechanical diodes,
the design is free of adhesives or non-linear damping materials
such as rubber so more faithfully reproducing the original
sound without added colouration.
Beautifully finished with minimalist styling,
a timeless piece of engineering excellence and design within
the reach of everyone.
JA Michell[back
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Orbe SE Mk. II
By eliminating much of the
expensive acrylic, the Michell Orbe SE offers most of the
Orbe's qualities in a cheaper, smaller, and to some people
aesthetically more pleasing package. An Orbe SE can always
be upgraded to a full Orbe by purchasing the double plinth
and dustcover. When teamed with an RB250 or RB300 tonearm,
the Orbe SE is a surprisingly affordable entry to the Orbe-class
of performance.
Gyro SE Mk. II
Based entirely on the GyroDec, but without the costly
acrylic plinth and dustcover, the Gyro SE brings the same
qualities in a more affordable and compact package. A Michell
Gyro SE can always be converted into a GyroDec by purchasing
a plinth and dustcover.
Technodec
Our new entry-level turntable, taking the low-noise
DC motor and the impedance-matched platter of the GyroDec,
along with an advanced bearing on a simple solid-plinth design.
The Michell TecnoDec requires no user-setup or maintenance.
Music Hall[back
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MMF 9
The new MMF-9 turntable, our flagship model,
has a three-plinth design using four Sorbothane springs between
each plinth.The motor is external at the front, left corner
of the table and has an electronic speed control that will
run the motor at 50Hz instead of 60Hz. (A slower motor runs
more quietly) Of course a 50Hz pulley is supplied. The acrylic
platter is 1" (25mm) thick and a Ringmat XLR turntable
mat will be supplied as standard with the table. ('Cos it
just sounds so good) The platter sits on an incredibly quiet,
inverted ceramic bearing.
The tone arm is the 'Project
Carbon'. This is a carbon fiber version of the acclaimed Project
9.1 arm. The MMF-9 also has a new cartridge on it. The Music
Hall Maestro is a modified version of the Goldring Eroica.
It is a high-output moving coil and sports a VITAL stylus.
The MSRP of the Maestro is $550. The MMF-9 is available now,
$1699.00 retail. Price without cartridge is $1499.00.
MMF 7
The Music Hall MMF-7 turntable
is 2-speed belt-driven, audiophile quality turntable with
many unique features. It is constructed using a split-plinth
design and features an external motor. The MMF-7 comes in
a high gloss, black piano lacquer finish.
THE
SPLIT-PLINTH
The plinth has three adjustable spiked feet and comes with
a set of small discs (cups). The discs prevent marking of
the surface of the supporting shelf. A spirit level is incorporated
on the top platform. The two platforms of the plinth are separated
by four Sorbothane hemispheres, which act as a suspension
and isolation system. External phono sockets are attached
to the bottom platform. A high quality interconnect is supplied.
THE
MOTOR
The motor is 12 volt AC and comes with an external power supply.
The motor rests in a cutout on the front, left quadrant of
the turntable. It is completely isolated from the table and
sports a blue LED. Placing the motor diagonally opposite the
arm reduces any vibrations caused by the belt from entering
into the cartridge. Any vibrations would be absorbed along
the length of the arm thus bypassing the stylus (The stylus
moves from left to right, not front to back).
THE PLATTER
The belt runs round the perimeter of the acrylic platter.
Acrylic was chosen for it's superior sound quality and isolation
properties. A screw-on record clamp and felt mat are supplied
as standard.
THE ARM
The Project Nine Tonearm has a headshell
and shaft drawn from one piece of aluminum tube. The bearings
are made from hardened stainless steel points set in sturdy
ring cages. The Counterweight's center of gravity is level
with the stylus tip.It is decoupled from the arm and acts
as a resonance damper. The arm also has adjustable VTA, a
damped arm lift and highly flexible internal wiring drawn
from high purity copper.
THE CARTRIDGE
The MMF-7 comes standard with a Goldring Eroica, High Output
Moving coil Cartridge. The Eroica H was chosen for its low
mass, high rigidity body, rare earth Neodymium magnet and
its Gyger II line contact stylus. It is a perfect complement
to the Audiophile qualities of the MMF-7.
MMF 5
The Music Hall MMF-5 Turntable is
a 2-speed, belt driven turntable with many singular features.
It has an original and unique 2-plinth design with
six rubber springs separating the bottom platform from the
top. This gives the turntable an extra level of isolation.
The compliant feet, 2-speed synchronous motor, switch, wiring
and electrical parts are on the bottom plinth while the critical
sound reproducing components, the bearing, arm and cartridge
are mounted on the top platform.
The glass platter and felt mat sit on a high
quality, stainless steel ball bearing sheathed in Teflon providing
fluid and noise-free operation. The bearing assembly comes
pre-charged with lubricant. A metal screw-on record clamp
is standard equipment as is the round spirit level. The
effective length of the tone arm is nine and a half inches.
This allows for a very shallow tracking arc on the record
thus reducing distortion. The tone arm comes mounted with
a high quality Goldring G1012 moving magnet cartridge (a $175.00
value).
MMF 2.1
The Music Hall MMF-2.1 is a true
audiophile turntable at a budget price. The MMF-2.1
is a belt-driven, 2-speed turntable with a high quality tone
arm and a Goldring Elan cartridge mounted at the factory.
The tone arm has adjustable VTA for precise
cartridge alignment. The alloy platter
runs on a high precision, stainless steel and bronze bearing
assembly, which has a Teflon base to provide a fluid and quiet
operation.
Nottingham
Analog [back
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Anna Log
Offering performance that is arguably
just a tad better than the Dais, the Anna Log (pun intended)
pulls out all the stops. Handcrafted from a mahogany beam
salvaged from a 200 year old mill, the Anna Log is not only
a joy to listen to, but a feast for the eyes as well.
Dias
Nottngham's most recently introduced
top-of-the-range turntable, the Dais comes complete with the
Wave Mechanic power supply.
Hyperspace
Tom
Fletcher, Managing Director of Nottingham Analogue, on the
NEW HYPERSPACE
"Before the Hyperspace we made our
now very popular turntable, the Spacedeck. With the Hyperspace,
we have taken the principles of the Spacedeck a long way forward.
It is not just a bigger looking Spacedeck . The bearings are
almost directly from our earlier (and much more expensive)
Mentor turntable. The platter weight is well over twice that
of the Spacedeck. The thrust assembly is unique by having
the oil continually pumped around it - not just relying on
the oil getting between the two surfaces on its own. The motor
is more isolated, which means less resonance and, because
of the ratio of platter weights to motor power, the platter
and armboard hardly know the motor is there at all. The ‘mat’
on the interface between the record and Hyperspace is a 25mm
thick graphite platter – which, when married to the soft
alloy underneath and coupled by the three anti-expansion rubber
rings round the platter, forms a very inert combination indeed."
"To put your record on a non-ringing material
is not the total answer. There is still a speed dissipation
needed from the interface of the styli to record; i.e., every
millisecond in time your styli runs along your record groove
it not only gives you information, it creates heat and resonance.
The resonance does not want to be hanging around until the
next few milliseconds, because we only want to play now -
not history and not future. So the marriage of materials is
all coupled with a motor that your record/styli interface
cannot detect. Shiny pieces of stainless steel and thick slow
transmitting pieces of perspex are not the materials we tend
to use to make beautiful looking machines - I would rather
have a violin made of wood that gold plated brass!"
"With the Hyperspace, fitted with either
our Space arm or Anna Arm, the illusion of music comes over
without you noticing the machinery."
Space
The Space Deck is the "sensible" starting
point for someone wishing to slowly build up to an ultra-high
performance turntable. By eventually adding the "heavy
kit" (and additional platter element) and the Wave Mechanic
outboard power supply, performance can be improved as budgets
allow.
Interspace
Tom Fletcher, Managing
Director of Nottingham Analogue, on the INTERSPACE TURNTABLE
"A few years ago we decided to design a
turntable that was a little more affordable - quite a difficult
task. We never design to a price, so we had to think long
and hard about the least compromising materials to get the
marriage between the audio frequencies. To build on a plinth
is also very difficult because of the coloration in the plinth
itself. For many years the Spacedeck turntable has been our
‘bread and butter’ and a turntable that many people
have taken to their hearts. So we use the same Spacedeck bearing
in the Interspace. This is made up of Admiralty bronze. A
very hard spindle on the outer surface and being relatively
soft inside, it has a lower resonance frequency which helps
to marry to the plinth. The motor is not free standing but
in its own cassette which has a very low resonance and is
hand adjustable for height. Also on this turntable is a twin
arm facility which is used extensively in the Far East. The
platter is made up of a material called HDF. Coupled with
the Spacemat, this is quite good material for damping the
vinyl record but, being a wood based material, it suffers
from lack of inertia. This is fully compensated for by four
lead bronze weights let into outer periphery to give a far
greater inertia. This can be heard or not heard, as the case
may be, in long sustained notes such as piano, violin, voice
etc."
"Like all our turntables if we put a switch
on it and it started to turn we would not want you to buy
it, because if the motor started the turntable from a standing
start, there would be too much power in the motor when it
reached speed. Too much power means resonance; i.e., the record
and tonearm vibrates - try writing a letter when the table
is moving!"
"We think we have succeeded, along with
the Interspace arm to make a package that gives you an illusion
of music for you to enjoy."
Horizon
We'll start with Nottingham's least
expensive turntable, the Horizon, because they only get more
amazing from there. The Horizon, which sells for $800 ($1000
with a Rega RB250 arm), was recently reviewed by Michael Fremer
(Mr. Analog) in the February 2003 issue of Stereophile. It
was up against five other tables from SOTA, Rega, and Pro-Ject.
His conclusion? — "The Horizon delivered 'touch'
and 'feel' that the others, as good as they were, only hinted
at... Where most of the tables produced a slightly glazed
sound compared to far more expensive models, the Horizon mimicked
the sound of multi-thousand-dollar rigs..."
Pro-ject[back
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RM 9
The RM-9 is a new step into high performance
at a very reasonable price point from Pro-Ject. This table
is a mass loaded design with a thick, acrylic platter and
clamp assembly set on top of an inverted thrust bearing. This
gives the turntable great speed stability as it raises the
center of gravity of the rotating platter. The completely
isolated motor and base reduce motor noise to almost nil.
The tonearm uses a carbon fiber arm tube and superior bearing
assembly to give the you the ability to use more massive and
rigid (lower compliant) moving coil cartridges.
Perspective
The Pro-Ject Perspective is constructed using a visually
stunning, clear acrylic plinth. The sub-chassis is suspended
with three adjustable springs, which can then be variably
damped in order to tune for various room conditions. Additionally
included are: an aluminum alloy platter with a vinyl mat,
a threaded record clamp, adjustable cone feet, and a very
stiff aluminum sub-chassis unites the platter and tonearm.
Precision Swiss bearings in the tonearm help provide this
turntable system with superior cartridge control. There are
female, chassis mount RCA connectors on the rear panel to
allow for the use of any single ended interconnect cables.
Wood Classic (2.9)
The beautiful pear wood plinth of this table
is the thing that catches your eye; but the high quality performance
is what will impress you the most. This turntable features
the same tonearm, platter assembly, and chassis mount RCA
connectors as the Perspective, but in a non-suspended chassis
design. The suspended motor and record clamp provide the necessary
isolation and rigidity in this easy to set-up and use table.
RM 4
A departure from the standard rectangular turntable,
this "Indy Race Track" shaped table takes the suspended
motor design of the Model 1.2 to a higher level of performance.
The turntable uses a high-density fiberboard platter and a
felt mat for record isolation. The RM-4 also includes the
superior tonearm of the Wood Classic and Perspective to mate
with some of the better cartridges on the market. Dust cover
and record clamp included.
Model 1.2
The Pro-Ject 1.2 includes our Sumiko Oyster cartridge
pre-mounted and adjusted. Just unlock the motor, set the platter
on the spindle, and dial up 2.3 grams for instant music! This
Austrian - designed table features a suspended motor, balanced
alloy platter with felt mat, painted black finish.
Rega[back
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P9
The new P9 is, in our opinion, the ultimate performance turntable
available to the music-loving public. We designed the P9 with
no financial restrictions whatsoever. The ceramic platter
alone costs more to produce than our P25 turntable! With the
right cartridge, you will be astonished at just how much information
this turntable retrieves from your vinyl LP collection. The
plinth is a complex CNC machined skeletal structure encased
in highly ridged phenolic resin laminates. The equivalent
to the carbon fibre 'monocoque' chassis of the formula one
car - an ultra lightweight, ultra rigid foundation for this
high performance turntable. The plinth of the new P9 uses
a brand new material to hi-fi for the inner skeletal structure.
It is an ultra lightweight fibre composite. This results in
the plinth being even lighter than the previous Planar 9 and
improves the performance. The main bearing assembly is engineered
to extremely tight tolerances. This results in virtually friction
free rumble-less performance which, if lubricated correctly,
will last your lifetime! The platter is quite simply the most
exotic material we have used to date in our turntable designs.
It is made from pure ceramic; a material that you would otherwise
find on missile nose cones or maybe insulation tiles found
on Nasa's space shuttle. The reason for using such an exotic
and difficult to produce material? It is the hardest material
known to man apart from diamond! The P9 carries a decorative
surround of exotic solid woods, which you can cleverly interchange
if you so wish to give a different appearance. New technologies
in CNC woodworking machinery have allowed Rega to produce
its first technologically complex surround. The new P9 surround
is considerably more attractive than its predecessor and externally
much larger although through clever machining the new surround
is lower in mass than the old which gives a performance improvement.
P25
The P25 is a celebration designed and produced during our
twenty-fifth year manufacturing specialist hi-fi products.
Our objective was to produce a turntable that would take a
musical step further in performance from the legendary P3
turntable. We quite simply had more money to indulge ourselves
in a more sophisticated design. The minimised high performance
plinth derived from the P3 carries a sophisticated electronically
controlled ultra low vibration motor assembly. With this design,
our skilled production technicians can "trim" the
vibrations from the motor. The plinth has a clever removable
outer surround made from real solid woods with a variety of
finishes allowing you to change your mind about the appearance
of your turntable years after you have purchased it! The platter
is hand crafted from floated plate glass 12mm in thickness.
This makes for a superb platter material as it has few resonance
problems, is extremely flat and has good mass. The P25 carries
a market leading extremely high quality dust cover made from
the highest quality acrylics. The mould tool to produce this
dust cover would at today's rates cost in excess of £50,000
to produce!
Finally, the P25 carries a high performance version of the
legendary RB300 tonearm. The RB600 is lovingly constructed
to extremely high tolerances by a dedicated team of production
technicians. To further improve musical detail the RB600 carries
an extremely high performance Rega designed phono cable assembly
with state of the art Neutrik connectors.
P3
For over twenty years the P3 has been the favourite high performance
turntable for the music loving public, having a beguiling
blend of classically clean looks, high performance and amazing
value for money. This latest version carries some new innovative
changes in design, which make it without doubt the highest
performance and musical P3 to date. Just some of the features
include an ultra low mass micro-fibre plinth laminated with
highly rigid phenolic resin laminate.
The Motor
The P3 motor assembly uses the very highest quality synchronous
motor found in turntables five times the price of the P3!
The motor is itself controlled by Rega's innovative new electronic
circuitry, which results in this already low vibration motor
running almost totally vibration free.
The Platter
The platter is hand crafted from floated plate glass 13mm
in thickness. This makes for a superb platter material as
it has few resonance problems, is extremely flat and has good
mass.
The Tonearm
The P3 carries arguably the most famous tonearm ever produced,
the legendary RB300. This tonearm will never be found wanting
for performance and will make cartridges work very hard to
provide you with astonishing quantities of musical detail.
Colours
The P3 is our only turntable that is available in a range
of colours.
Planar 78
The Rega Planar 78 mono turntable is designed specifically
to play 78's. The plinth design is of a low mass particulate
core sandwiched by highly rigid phenolic laminates. The P78
uses a derivative of the new ultra low vibration state of
the art rigid mounted motor assembly borrowed from the P3.
The Platter is CNC machined HDF which is then metalized, giving
a platter with good mass and accuracy. Finally, the P78 carries
the legendary Rega RB250 tonearm, (The choice of many other
turntable manufacturers).
P2
For people concerned with budget the P2 could be the turntable
for you. Please do not be influenced by its very affordable
price, this is a high performance turntable carrying many
of the design directions used in its illustrious big brothers.
As for some interesting information, the plinth design is
of a low mass particulate core sandwiched by highly rigid
phenolic laminates. The P2 uses a derivative of the new ultra
low vibration state of the art adhesive mounted motor assembly
borrowed from the P3. The Platter is CNC machined HDF which
is then metalized, giving a platter with good mass and accuracy.
Finally, the P2 carries the legendary Rega RB250 tonearm in
its latest guise (The choice of many other turntable manufacturers).
SME[back
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Model 30/2
With its many original design features
the Model 30/2 is a unique turntable. There are no critical
adjustments or setting up procedures. Its immaculate construction
and finish stem from facilities and uncompromising quality
control which have made SME a byword for engineering excellence.
Judged by Germany’s AUDIO 'the best turntable of all
time' the Model 30/2 can be for the fortunate owner of an
analogue collection the key to lasting musical enjoyment.
SME have built pick-up arms for more than thirty-five years
and the design and engineering experience gained has been
applied in the Model 30/2, a precision turntable created to
compliment the SME Series V regarded by many as: 'the best
pick-up arm in the world'.
In common with this arm the design of the Model
30/2 takes special account of sonic considerations and with
equipment of comparable quality can provide a listening experience
that allows L.P. sound to be re-assessed. Detail, resolution,
and neutrality are of a new order with a dynamic range that
does justice to the original sound.
The laws of physics decree that the higher the mass and stiffness
of a body the less it will flex and vibrate - and this is
reflected throughout the Model 30/2.
The sub-chassis is machined from 19mm thick aluminium alloy
plate and weighs approximately 17kg while the base with its
four supporting pillars adds a further 16kg. This offers the
high mass and stiffness required for uncoloured reproduction
further aided by efficient extensional damping of both components
to reduce the amplitude and duration of their vibrational
modes.
In conventional turntables metal supporting
springs often contribute significantly to colouration. Sometimes
even their size and nature can be identified by an experienced
ear!
The unique suspension system of the Model 30/2,
however has no sonic footprint, it hangs the sub-chassis on
ninety-six strands of rubber in the form of forty-eight purpose
moulded 'O' rings. An ingenious method of anchorage allows
them to be removed or replaced instantly, should this ever
be necessary, even while a record is playing!
The illustration shows how this design also places the centre
of gravity where it will give natural stability with minimal
sensitivity to external influences, contrasted with a conventional
arrangement.
Sub-chassis motion is disciplined by four fluid
dampers, one in each of the supporting columns. These eliminate
overshoot and give almost zero 'Q' recovery, allowing the
user to make record and arm placements with total confidence.
The isolation needed to prevent acoustic feedback is bridged
by the resistive coupling of the damping fluid through which
unwanted reacted energy is conducted away to 'ground'. This
function is adjustable through trimmers which can be used
in conjunction with a gauge to give recommended settings or
varied to suit individual conditions.
Built-in locks one at each corner of the sub-chassis,
enable the suspension to be secured and automatically sealed
for transport.
The moving parts of a fine turntable are of
paramount importance. The spindle of the Model 30/2 is 170,5mm
long and 19mm diameter. The massive sealed housing and individually
fitted sintered bronze bearings in which the spindle runs
are also of the generous proportions needed to ensure that
the 330mm diameter platter weighing 7kg is adequately supported.
The Model 30/2's excellent dynamics and pitch stability are
largely the result of the immense care taken in the design
and execution of these components.
The platter face is machined with a fine scroll
found to interface better than a plain surface. A substantial
reflex clamp ensures maximum contact with the platter even
when severe record warp is present.
Dowels ensure positional accuracy so that if
more than one arm is in use the arm mounting plinth can be
quickly interchanged.The powerful electronically commutated
motor is 'cogging-effect' free and virtually vibrationless
by reason of its 2,5kg weight. It is isolated on urethane
mounts and adjustable for accurate belt positioning.
It can be fairly claimed that the engineering
of the Model 30/2 is unique in a turntable. In the quest for
perfection even the stainless steel motor pulley has received
detailed attention. It is crowned to ensure belt centrality,
concentric within +/- 2,5 microns and secured to its precision
ground tungsten steel shaft with twin grub screws to maintain
rotational balance. From this the drive is transmitted via
a ground rubber belt to a 209mm sub-platter weighing 2,3kg.
This is extensionally damped and incorporates four captive
transit screws allowing the main spindle's vertical thrust
bearing to be off loaded for safe transport.
Model 20/2
This finely engineered precision
turntable offers a new listening experience from your treasured
vinyl and 78's. Massive construction, extensional damping
of major surfaces and lack of vibration from moving parts
ensure tightly controlled detailed sound and stable stereo
imaging. The Model 20/2 illustrated is equipped with the acclaimed
Series V 'the best pick-up arm in the world'.
In an electro-mechanical
record replay system a major problem is extraneous vibration.
This will come from numerous sources including air and structure
borne vibrations from loudspeakers, vibrations caused by groove
modulation and those set up by stray electrical fields and
mechanical imperfections in the turntable's moving parts.
Addressing these problems two simple but important facts influence
design. The higher the mass and stiffness of a body the less
it will flex and vibrate; the duration of a vibration can
be shortened by suitable damping.
The Model 20/2 weighs approximately 18,2kg and
this is especially significant in relation to its size because
in meeting the requirements of mass and stiffness it is density
that matters, a point that is often overlooked , because sheer
size can be impressive!
The sub-chassis measures only 420mm by 320mm
but weighs 6,8kg. Its depth, 9,5mm resists flexing at low
frequencies and its high frequency resonance is attenuated
by efficient extensional damping. The method of suspending
the sub-chassis is particularly important. In conventional
turntables metal springs often contribute significantly to
colouration. Sometimes even their size and nature can be identified
by experienced ear!
The Model 20/2's suspension has no sonic footprint.
It suspends the sub-chassis on 32 purpose moulded 'O'-rings.
The method of anchorage allows the rings to be removed or
replaced in a matter of moments. Vertical and lateral movements
of the suspension are controlled by a large fluid damper.
Sub-chassis decoupling is sufficient to prevent
acoustic feedback. Beyond this a degree of coupling is considered
necessary, allowing unwanted acoustic energy to be drained
away, being partly converted into heat as it passes through
the damping fluid before final dissipation in the mass of
the base and its supporting structure.
When playing a record two sets of mirror image
audio vibrations are reacted, one in the arm and the other
in the platter and both will pass into the sub-chassis in
the course of dissipation. The usual 'closed loop' construction
does not address the problem of their differing phase however
so in the Model 20/2 the interfaces of the mounting plinth
and bearing assembly with the sub-chassis have received special
attention to provide individual paths of the required impedance.
The design aims of the Model 20/2 can be summarised
thus:
Elimination of extraneous vibration effects. Orderly control
of unwanted signal vibrations. Pitch stability. Freedom from
radiated fields. Freedom from critical adjustments and setting
up procedures. Long term dependability. An all embracing list?
Certainly one to which careful attention should remedy most
turntable ills!
Model 10
The SME Model 10 Precision Turntable is built to exacting
engineering standards providing reliability and freedom from
critical adjustments. Build integrity, sophisticated electronics
and vibration free moving parts allow the full capabilities
of any sound system to be fully explored.
The Model 10 is the latest addition to our range
of precision turntables. The designer’s aim; a more affordable
product, preserving as much as possible of the performance
and engineering excellence found in the celebrated Model 30/2
' the best turntable of all time'.
VPI[back
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TNT HR-X
The TNT HR-X is the TNT concept taken to the next level.
The HR-X features a triple
laminated chassis (Acrylic-Aluminum-Acrylic), integral air
suspension (which rejects up to 98% of acoustic feedback)
and an inverted main bearing incorporating a hardened steel
ball running on Teflon.
An outer periphery record
clamp centers on the platter, not the record, to provide vacuum-like
hold down without the problems inherent in a vacuum system.
The drive system uses two low-powered 24-pole motors driving
a 7 pound flywheel, and the flywheel spins at 500 RPM and
has TNT HR-X side view62 times the inertia of a 25 pound platter.
The drive system and the periphery clamp result in wow, flutter,
and rumble that are all below measurability.
The included JMW 12.5 is
bolted to the aluminum portion of the chassis with a double
base mounting, providing the ultimate in rigidity and adjustability.
The SDS power supply (included) rounds out the package and
provides a pure AC signal to the drive system.
TNT Mk.V
New! TNT Mk.V Hotrod. The Hotrod comes with a JMW-12.5 tonearm
directly mounted to the TNT chassis, completely eliminating
the armboard. The three-pulley system is removed, and the
motor drives the flywheel and the flywheel drives the platter
directly.
The TNT Mk.V is the flagship of VPI's line of
turntables, embodying designer Harry Weisfeld's latest thoughts
on turntable design and the application of high-tech materials
to analog playback.
A 21 lb. stainless steel motor assembly and
high-inertia flywheel rotate the massive, laminated platter
smoothly and with vanishingly low noise. The motor assembly
is grounded from motor to power supply to AC power source
for even quieter operation. A voltage reduction circuit reduces
power to the motor once the platter is up to speed, minimizing
the transmission of motor vibration to the platter. The materials
comprising the platter (aluminum and lead-filled acrylic)
have been carefully matched to damp unwanted vibrations in
the vinyl disc. A properly-designed reflex clamping system
provides vacuum-like hold down without the hassles and noise
of pumps. VPI's Synchronous Drive System (included) provides
accurate speed control (for both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM operation,
78 RPM available at additional cost) and power line filtration
in a single package. All of this results in rumble, wow and
flutter specifications below the limits of current measuring
equipment.
TNT Jr. Turntable
Sonically, the TNT Jr. is a significant step up from the HW-19
Mk.IV. Its huge sound stage and rock-solid presentation are
unprecedented at its price point. The Jr. is capable of clearly
defining the rear of the concert hall and the very outer edges
of the soundfield. The speakers seemingly disappear as instruments
appear from well beyond their boundaries.
The TNT Jr. incorporates many of the technical
advances found in the TNT series of turntables, but at a considerably
lower price. The Jr. utlizes the same heavy duty motor, 21
Ib. stainless steel motor assembly, spindle and bearing as
the TNT, but borrows the platter from the HW-19 Mk.IV. In
lieu of the TNT's stainless steel corner posts and spring
suspension , the TNT Jr. uses solid machined Delrin corner
posts and Sorbothane as the isolation material. Using the
same plinth as the TNT, the TNT Jr. is easily upgradeable
to full TNT status at any time.
The TNT Jr. can optionally be fitted with a
motor flywheel, the Synchronous Drive System speed controller,
and an isolated three-loop pulley drive system.
Aries 2
The Aries 2 is the perfect choice for those looking for near-TNT
performance in an HW-19 sized package. The 1.75"-thick
platter is comprised of black acrylic and incorporates an
inverted bearing similar to that used in the TNT HR-X. The
bearing shaft is 60 Rockwell hardness, ground and polished,
and rides on a Teflon thrust plate. The motor assembly utilized
for the Aries is the same as that used in the TNT, but is
1" shorter and weighs 4 lbs less.
For improved stability and damping, the Aries'
chassis is made from two-inch thick MDF with a 10-gauge steel
plate bonded to its underside. Three layers of polished black
polyester provide a durable, attractive finish. The plinth
is supported by four aluminum tiptoes, the bottoms of which
are composed of hardened steel balls. The Aries 2 tiptoes
no longer incorporate the Neoprene rubber suspension previously
used in the Aries.
The Aries circular armboard is 1" thick
black acrylic and mates well sonically with the MDF chassis.
The Aries 2 is available in three models: The
standard Aries 2, the Aries 2 Extended, which utilizes a wider
plinth capable of accommodating the JMW-12/12.5 tonearm, and...
Aries 2 Black Night
The Aries 2 Black Night is a standard Aries 2 packaged with
the JMW-9 tonearm and priced at $2800.
The Aries 2 can be taken to the next level by
adding VPI's flywheel and Synchronous Drive System.
Aries Scout and JMW-9
The Aries Scout is a smaller, more affordable version
of the groundbreaking Aries, with a footprint measuring only
19" W x 4" H x 13" D.
For improved stability and damping, the Aries
Scout's chassis is made from 1 1/8" thick MDF bonded
to a 12 gauge steel plate. The massive platter is composed
of 1 1/4" acrylic and is mounted to an inverted bearing
of Teflon and brass on a 60 case hardened rod. The AC synchronous
motor is contained in a separate steel housing and drives
the platter via an Aries belt for smooth, quiet operation.
The JMW-9 tonearm is the perfect complement
to the Aries Scout., offering all of the advantages of a unipivot
tonearm at a bargain price. The arm has a low friction bearing
mounted on a solid stainless steel rod with markings to set
VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle). As with the more expensive
JMW-10 and JMW-12 arms, the tonearm assembly of the JMW-9
can be removed and replaced in seconds, allowing instant cartridge
changes with multiple armwands. An RCA junction box allows
any RCA-terminated interconnects to be used.
The JMW-9 uses the same geometry and mounting
as the Rega RB300 tonearm and can be dropped right into the
Rega arm hole with no modifications.
HW-19
Series
The beginning of the
journey into High-End analog music reproduction starts with
the HW-19 Jr. The Jr. is VPI's most cost effective turntable.
It combines the drive system of the MK. III & MK. IV,
with a cost effective platter and subchassis, to give real
value for the dollar.
The HW-19 Jr. features a six pound, one inch
thick clear acrylic platter with a reflex record clamping
system so effective that when the clamp is released, the record
stays locked to the platter.
One of the hallmarks of the VPI playback system
is proper mating of the record and the platter. Terminating
the resonances excited by the stylus/vinyl interface is critical
for lifelike reproduction of the low level nuances normally
found in live music. In the HW-19 series of turntables, the
resonances are terminated without vacuum, pumps, peripheral
clamps, etc. Simple yet precise solutions are always the best.
All tumtables must be isolated from the outside
world. The Jr. uses sorbothane as the isolation material.
The subchassis is set upon four sorbothane pucks that keep
a large percentage of motor noise and acoustic feedback from
reaching the platter and cartridge.
All the wood-finished bases are made from solid
hardwoods. Veneer over particle board is never used. We use
real oak naturally finished, real oak lacquered in semi-gloss
black with the grain showing, and real walnut in a natural
finish. As a premium option, a piano black high gloss finish
is offered.
The Jr. uses the same drive motor as the MK.
III, and MK. IV, a low noise precision AC Synchronous type
with quiet bearings, and high torque. The drive belt is a
unique pyrothane material that lasts many years with excellent
serviceability. It has a round cross section for excellent
speed stability and low noise. The motor pulley is machined
from black delrin with a concentricity of +/- .0002".
The Jr. is fully set up at the factory and can
be up and running in less than 10 minutes. If your Jr. is
ordered with a factory mounted tonearm, all you need to do
is install the cartridge.
HW-19 Mk. III
The HW-19 Mk. III is the logical next step in the progression
towards realistic musical reproduction. All the weak points
of the Jr. are addressed in the Mk. III. Better yet, the improvements
incorporated in the Mk. III are available as upgrades to the
Jr.
The Mk. III changes the platter to a black acrylic
material incorporating a six pound lead ring. This material
is closer to the makeup of vinyl itself, providing more effective
absorption of the vibration generated by the moving stylus.
The inertia of the platter is four times that of the Jr.'s,
resulting in more powerful bass, quieter backgrounds, and
greater clarity.
The subchassis changes from one inch thick MDF
to a non-magnetic, 10 gauge, stainless steel sheet laminated
to a 1/2" shiny black acrylic top plate and tonearm board.
The tonearm board is removable for easy arm changes.
This rigid, highly damped subchassis system
is then floated on four concentrically wound springs for improved
vibration isolation, and a more open and airy soundstage.
The entire floating system uses damping in the springs to
control random motion. Upgrading to the Mk. III subchassis
results in tighter bass, greater detail retrieval, and a lower
feedback level.
HW-19 Mk.IV
For improved bass, imaging, focus, detail, and lower noise,
the answer is the Mk IV. The HW-19 Mk.IV turntable includes
the same wood base, precision AC-Synchronous motor/pulley/belt
drive assembly, and stainless steel-acrylic subchassis as
the Mk. III.
All this makes a great sounding turntable, but
the Mk.IV goes further to become a Super Table. The Mk.IV
borrows three critical parts from the state of the art TNT
turntable: the platter, the bearing, and the suspension.
The Mk.IV features the 1.5" thick, 20 pound,
four layer, lead impregnated, precision machined, acrylic
TNT platter. This platter has four times the inertia of the
Mk.III platter and reduces noise, increases focus in the bass,
and throws a soundstage far beyond the boundaries of your
loudspeakers.
This high inertia platter is mated to the noise
reducing bearing of the TNT. By mounting the platter on a
three-point suspension,and mechanically grounding it to the
spindle, no random motion is allowed to enter the rotating
system. The spindle itself is machined from stainless steel
with sintered bronze bushings as the lateral wearing surface.
The vertical thrust plate is virtually indestructible 92 Rockwell
Tungsten Carbide.
The platter and bearing assembly work as a unified
team. They lower noise, increase low level detail, and provide
a degree of focus that was previously only available with
turntables costing a minimum of twice as much.
All of this would be irrelevant if the turntable
suspension was not up to the task. In the Mk.IV, we borrowed
the suspension springs from the TNT and floated the entire
assembly at 2.5 Hertz. The Mk.IV is very resistant to all
forms of acoustic feedback and environmental noise.
How good is the Mk.IV? The Mk.IV was ranked
"Analog Source of the Year" by Stereophile magazine..
"A big thumbs up to Harry Weisfeld and his Mk.IV"...
The Mk.IV's rewards greatly exceed its cost... congratulations..."
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