Aries Audio Design 1 Turntable

Play the sort of discs that sound good whatever the system and the differences become more academic. So Benny Carter’s Further Definitions is suitably motive on the Rega, more subtle and creatively layered on the D1, the greater range of colour and extra space helping sort out the elegance of the arrangements. But turn to less polished performers and recordings and the added poise and insight of the Aries design comes to the fore, consistently sorting out the densest of mixes without pulling them apart. Add a cartridge of the quality of the DV 20X or a Lyra Dorian and you build still further on those strengths, while the use of the Moth arm allows the option of an Incognito wiring upgrade that I’d certainly consider. But even in basic form this is an impressively communicative and musical performer that will provide an excellent vinyl source, whether as a starter deck or to play second fiddle to digital with an existing record collection. It’s an attractive and capable addition to the market.