Turntables, Part 1
European companies took the lead at CES with many new turntable releases. Pro-ject’s, Debut III USB ($449), distributed by Sumiko, is not only an ideal entry-level turntable, but includes an Ortofon cartridge, a built-in moving-magnet phonostage, an A/D converter, and a USB output so you can transfer your vinyl collection to your computer.

A new RM-5 SE bundle ($899) improves upon the performance of the RM-5 with the addition of an upgraded, multilayer platter, and a pre-mounted Blue Point II cartridge. In contrast to its mass loaded RM9.1 and RM10 designs, Pro-ject’s new PerspX (less than $2000) is a fully suspended table using opposing magnets for the suspension, a sub-chassis made of a very dense Corian-like material, an acrylic plinth, and a sandwich platter with a top section made from recycled records.

The PerspX includes a new single-piece carbon-fiber arm, the Pro-ject 9cc Evolution, improving upon the 9cc with upgraded bearings, a larger bearing housing, and a Sorbothane-ringed counterweight to help damp the arm.

Indeed, magnets are being increasingly applied to turntables. Several Clearaudio ’tables employ its proprietary ceramic magnetic bearing (CMB) technology, lightweight but dense Panzer Holtz plinths, and excellent VTA mechanism which allow continuous VTA adjustment during play, including the Ambient CMB VTA ($6000) and Ambient Magnum CMB VTA ($7500). Magnum versions of the Performance ($4200) and Ambient add 70mm platters instead of their standard 40mm ones, and the new Solution Basic ($3000) can be configured with multiple tonearms and is field upgradeable all the way up to the Maximum Solution AMG Wood CMB.

TransRotor appears to be making a serious push in the U.S. with its extensive line of turntables. Several of its ’tables use magnetic drive, including its flagship Artus ($150,000), or magnetic repulsion to float the platter, like the Enya 12 ($12,000) which also includes TransRotor’s Merlo MC cartridge and 5012 arm, derived from SME’s outstanding 12-inch tonearm.

Continuum’s Criterion turntable ($49,995), based on the Caliburn turntable, was making great music in the VTL, Continuum, Koetsu, and BAT rooms. It uses a magnesium alloy for both the platter and the chassis and includes vacuum hold-down, a unique motion control system, and a new decoupled armboard design using magnetic stabilization. While all the units I saw used Continuum’s “Copperhead” tonearm, the Criterion can be used with other arms. Despite the formidable acoustic challenges of the ballroom floor, the Criterion (coupled with an Air Tight PC-1, Artus electronics and German Physiks Carbon Mk IV speakers) spinning a test pressing of a live Crosby, Stills, and Nash concert was one of the best sounds I heard at the show with natural timbre, fine detail, spaciousness, and image solidity.

Next: Turntables, Part 2

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