Becky always says turntables are the jewelry of audio shows, and there were some beautiful ‘jewels’ at AXPONA this year. But, while some turntables are beautiful to behold, the real question is, “How do they sound?” Here’s a remarkable assortment of turntables that caught both my eyes and ears at the show.
E.A.T. Forte
This turntable from European Audio Team (E.A.T.) featured a new platter and the new F-Note 12-inch tonearm.
Fern & Roby Tredegar
The Fern & Roby Tredegar turntable and tonearm is the reference setup for Fern & Roby, and it was easy to see why.
Well Tempered Lab Amadeus GT 24
The Well Tempered Lab’s Amadeus GT 254 turntable was sounding sweet in the Stereo Haven room. And, what a beautiful wooden cabinet!
Tein Audiov TT5
The Tein Audiov TT5 Turntable with a Viroa Aurora tonearm was certainly eye candy in this striking red color! This was the US debut for this table.
Tri-Art TA2
Starting with a beautiful look, the TA2 turntable offers the option for either a 12″ or a 9″ tonearem.
Air Force TechDas III
Simply beautiful with exquisite sound, the Air Force TechDas III also delivers a sound that has quickly made this brand a choice of high-end connoisseurs.
Kronos Pro
This Kronos Pro turntable with a Black Beauty arm is not to be overlooked. Beauty here is certainly more than skin deep.
TW-Acustic GT2
This beauty, the TW-Acustic GT2 turntable in the High Water Sound room, got quite a workout over the weekend as Jeff Catalano of High Water Sound is an analog guy who has introduced me to a number of albums over the years.
VPI 40th Anniversary Direct Drive
This is a turntable with a history. The HW-40 Direct Drive is an evolution of VPI’s 40-year design and engineering and the look is simply classic.
TachDas Air Force One
Here’s what the big boys were using for million dollar systems! The designer, Hideaki Nishikawa, says, “Incredible music is the outcome generated from air vibration, where the hearts of people are moved and immersed in the sound.”
Mag-Lev Audio ML1
MAG-LEV Audio’s ML1 Turntable visually enhances the experience of listening to vinyl records by levitating the platter. Now that’s something different!
Pure Fidelity Harmony
This Canadian-made turntable with an EAT-2000 tonearm comes from a rich tradition of making turntables that enhance the experience of listening to analog according to the manufacturer. It certainly made a beautiful statement.
