In an effort to achieve the perfect spin speed and counteract any external vibrations, top-notch turntable creators craft remarkable systems. When there are no restrictions on the cost of the turntable, they pull out all the stops – utilizing everything from air or magnetic bearings to maximizing the weight of the turntable. Now, let’s delve into the priciest and most captivating vinyl players available for purchase in 2024.
10. Clearaudio Master Innovation
The latest Clearaudio turntable, the Master Innovation model, showcases the continuation of features from the company’s flagship turntable, Statement. It utilizes a three-beam platform constructed from aluminum and wood, but the standout feature is the magnetic drive. By employing powerful magnets for full decoupling and levitation of the support system, along with the optical speed control system (OSC), this turntable ensures minimal distortion and exceptional rotation precision.
9. Bergmann Galder & Odin
Bergmann Galder & Odin employs a pneumatic mechanism – a pneumatic bearing centers the spindle in a polymer cage with a delicate layer of air, while the vinyl record is securely held to the support disk by a pump. The tonearm (up to four can be installed) also utilizes an air bearing as the norm – this effectively eliminates any impact from acoustic feedback and ensures outstanding rotational stability.
8. Transrotor TOURBILLON FMD
The Transrotor TOURBILLON FMD player is undeniably a classic in its genre. It incorporates well-established techniques found in high-end chronographs, utilizing a blend of metal and acrylic. The system operates with three separate engines that are mechanically isolated from the platter, ensuring utmost precision. The rotation of the disk is achieved through magnetons, transferring power from the belt. Additionally, the sub-disc system enhances the moment of inertia, resulting in optimal performance.
7. SME Model 60
The Model 60 by SME is the epitome of excellence, with its top-notch price, engineering, and playback quality. This new flagship boasts an array of impressive features, including a completely revamped SME 5A tonearm, an aluminum body, a modified version of the proprietary surround, and a silicone bath for the main bearing. With these innovations, SME has set a new industry standard that will endure for years to come.
6. Kalista Dreamplay Twenty-Twenty
Kalista has just unveiled their latest turntable, the DREAMPLAY Twenty-Twenty edition. Following the design cues of its parent company, Metronome Technologie, this device exudes elegance. Jean-Marie Clauzel, the proud owner and designer of Kalista, expressed his excitement about this release, stating that it’s the perfect tribute to their 20 years of success. Packed with impressive features like a touch screen, three anti-vibration mounts with magnetic fluid, and a copper disk suspended magnetically, this turntable is truly exceptional.
5. Esoteric Grandioso T1
The Esoteric Grandioso T1 comes with a unique feature called the Esoteric MagneDrive System. Unlike traditional turntables that use belts, this system uses magnetic drive to synchronize the rotations of the magnetic driver and platter. It’s pretty cool, right? And if you want even better playback quality, you can sync the 10 MHz engine clock frequency with the Grandioso G1X Master Clock. Plus, the Magne-Float module reduces spindle bearing friction, and the three-layer chassis gets rid of vibrations. It’s a job well done by the company! Bravo!
4. Nagra Reference Anniversary
The Nagra Reference Anniversary player took a whopping four years to develop, and according to its creators, it pushed the boundaries of vinyl record sound. Weighing in at 80 kilograms, this beast of a device boasts a sandwich chassis, with a layer of aircraft-grade aluminum swapped out for phenolic resin. Its turntable’s electric motor is made up of two brushless rotary motors and is accompanied by a belt drive. To ensure optimal tension, there’s a “parasitic” roller in place. The support plate is crafted from a material called Exium AM, which is 60% heavier than titanium and offers exceptional damping properties. The bearings, calibrated with Swiss watch precision, are a blend of steel and copper. Truly a one-of-a-kind device!
3. TechDas Air Force One Premium
This vinyl record player, the TechDas Air Force One Premium, stands out as one of the top choices on the market right now. With features like vacuum clamping, pneumatic bearings, and the Disc suction system, it offers an impressive Wow & Flutter ratio of 0.03% (WRMS), surpassing even some direct drive devices. The support can be made of non-magnetic steel SUS316L, weighing 19 kg, or titanium A7075, weighing 6 kg.
2. American Sound AS2000
This incredible gadget has the power to obliterate almost all the shelves available in the market nowadays. The spinner is crafted entirely from stainless steel and boasts an astonishing weight of 230 kg. Those fortunate enough to witness this marvel in action are captivated by its impressive sound and bass, making it a rare contender against the titanium American Sound AS2000.
1. VPI The Vanquish System
The highest-end and priciest product by VPI is The Vanquish System. It features a direct drive system with a 12″ aluminum platter and a 14″ gimbal tonearm 3D Gimbal Fatboy, inspired by VPI HW-40 solutions. It’s truly top-notch. The turntable utilizes ABEC 9 bearings manufactured in Japan and is housed in its own VPI Vanquish rack, delivering sound quality that can impress even the most discerning audiophiles.
