Turntables

The new Rega P2 turntable

FOR almost 30 years, the Rega Planar 2 reigned as the best budget turntable. There were imitators and pretenders, but none could match its simplicity, performance and value. With the new Rega P2 turntable, Rega makes it even better. Improved sound quality is again available from Rega at a comfortably affordable price.

Featuring the classic RB250 tonearm, the Rega P2 turntable comes with a brand new stabilized 22mm platter design for speed and rotational accuracy, high quality main bearing and sub-platter assembly, and refined 12v AC synchronous motor. You'll enjoy more detail and air, firmer bass notes and, more see-through quality.

The Rega P2 turntable is completely British-made and features:

• the classic Rega RB250 tonearm
• brand new 22mm stabilized platter design for speed rotational accuracy
• high quality main bearing and sub-platter assembly
• refined 12v AC synchronous motor with belt drive
• Did we say it's made in England?
• Rega sound quality

- Currently unavailable. We don't know if this item will again be back in stock. For alternative stylus replacements, refer to Related Products below.

The VPI Scout turntable is one of the best-reviewed turntable on the planet! The lowest priced turntable in Stereophile's Class B, the VPI Scout has broken price to performance records all over the world.

For improved stability and damping, the 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 3/8" acrylic and is mounted to an inverted bearing of Teflon and brass on a 60 case hardened shaft. 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 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 a knurled ring to set VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle). As with the more expensive JMW-10 and JMW-12 arms, the tonearm wand 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 VPI Scout turntable and JMW-9 tonearm are offered as a package. It has a retail value of US$1600.00 ($1650.00 with cover) for a savings of $200. The Scout turntable and JMW-9 tonearm are available separately for $900 each. Options are SDS power supply and phono cartridge.

We would be happy to assist you with best pricing and phono cartridge recommendations.

Comparison of VPI Scout, Scoutmaster and Superscoutmaster turntables

	VPI	VPI	VPI
ITEM	SCOUT	SCOUTMASTER	SUPERSCOUTMASTER
SONIC QUALITIES	Class B rated by Stereophile	Quiter, deeper bass, greater speed stability	World class excellence
PLATTER SIZE	1.375 height x 11.55 diameter	1.750 height x 12.25 diameter	1.750 height x 12.25 diameter
PLATTER MATERIAL	Clear Acrylic	Clear Acrylic	Clear Acrylic
AC MOTOR TYPE	12 pole 600 RPM in suqare housing	24 pole 300 RPM in larger square housing	2- 24 pole 300 RPM motors + 12 lbs Flywheel
BELTS	Clear	Black Nitrile	4 - Black Nitrile
RECORD CLAMP	One piece black delrin	One piece black delrin	HR-X periphery and center weight
INVERTED BEARING	Self-lubricating	Self-lubricating and 30% longer	Self-lubricating and 30% longer
RING CLAMP	Will not fit	Optional	Standard
FEET	Aries cones	Aries cones	Aries cones
CHASSIS	Single layer + steel	Dual layer + steel	Dual layer + steel
SPEEDS	33, 45 78 Optional	33, 45 78 Not available	33, 45 78 Not available
POWER CORD	Removable	Removable	Removable
TONEARM	JMW-9	JMW-9 + .375 RISER	JMW-9 Signature + .375 RISER
AUDIO CONNECTIONS	Gold plated RCA	Gold plated RCA	Gold plated RCA
ARM BEARING	Precision Unipivot	Precision Unipivot	Precision Unipivot
EXTRA ARMWANDS	Available	Available	Available
DUSTCOVER	Optional	Optional	Optional
SDS POWER SUPPLY	Optional	Optional	Standard
SHIPPING WEIGHT	38 lbs.	55 lbs.	101 lbs.
SIZE	19W x 14D x 7H	19W x 14D x 9H	22W x 14D x 9H
PRICE	$1,650.00	$2,500.00	$5,500.00

THE ALL NEW REGA RP1 TURNTABLE IN COOL GRAY

Designed and engineered to achieve outstanding performance way beyond the expectations of a product at this price point. (The Rega RP1 has already won the 2010 What HIFI Awards as The Best Turntable up to 300.)

Excellent build quality, reliability and ease of use combine to make a product which will offer a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Omitting all the usual gimmicks allows us to concentrate the manufacturing costs on the high quality parts necessary to reproduce records accurately.

Using a manual speed change rather than an automatic mechanism, eliminates speed inconsistencies and reduces wear of the drive belt. The money saved is spent across the design including a new hand assembled RB101 tonearm, precision main bearing, phenolic resin platter and a high quality low vibration motor which would normally be used on a turntable costing two or three times the amount.

The minimalist design of the Rega RP1 and the use of extremely high quality components ensure that this turntable will last for many years. The RP1 is the first in a new generation of Rega turntables offering far greater performance than their predecessors.

We are confident the performance of this amazing new product will impress you. Rest assured the only thing entry level about the RP1 is the price !

The all new completely British-made Rega RP1 features:
- Brand new Rega RB101 tonearm.
- Precision main bearing and sub-platter assembly.
- High quailty low vibration motor.
- All new Phenolic resin flywheel effect platter for excellent speed stability.
- Ortofon OM5e moving magnet cartridge.
- Rega sound quality at an unrivalled price.

Resources:

Rega RP1 Instruction Manual

DENON DP-500M TURNTABLE
- Discontinued and unavailable, we do not know if and when this will again be available. For alternative replacements, refer to the Related Products.

The Denon DP-500M DP500M turntable, direct drive and meticulously optimized for sound quality.

The Denon DP-500M turntable is unique in the constellation of current production, high quality record playback systems built and designed for sound quality. It is a direct drive turntable. If you will note, there are no other high-end turntables that are direct drive — not anymore. Everything is belt drive.

Denon has been manufacturing high quality direct drive turntables for over 25 years. It's their legacy like their renowned DL-103 moving coil phono cartridge. Building high quality direct drive turntables is one of Denon's many strengths, a technical advantage that has evolved and grown over time. No other existing manufacturer has their expertise. With this in mind, consider the design elements that make the Denon DP-500M turntable an excellent record playback system.

Direct Drive with Encoder and High-Torque Motor
The Denon DP-500M turntable uses a quartz lock servo that controls platter rotation via intervals of optical pulses passing through a slit. This control system ensures accurate rotation with no deviation from the center. The development of a high-torque motor (4.5 kg-cm) has boosted start-up speed to 0.3 second, providing quick operation and stable rotation.

Large 13 inch Turntable with Minimized Resonance
Silicon rubber, a deadening material, has been applied over the entire reverse side of the large diecast aluminum platter to minimize resonance. Hologram vibration analysis was used to improve the ability of the supplied platter mat to "hold" the record. The supplied platter mat is specially designed with a slight cone-shaped taper to improve record adhesion.

High-end Quality and Highly Sensitive Tonearm
The DP-500M's tonearm has been designed for optimum sound quality through the use of diecast parts throughout to boost rigidity and carefully placed deadening material to minimize vibration. This universal-type tonearm accommodates a wide variety of moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges. The removable diecast aluminum headshell allows covenient replacement and use of different cartridges.

Strong, Compact Cabinet Made of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
The cabinet has been constructed in a compact size despite the large platter size to improve rigidity and minimize howling. The MDF material offers performance close to natural wood, while also imparting a soft finish and elegant appearance.

Large Insulating Feet
Four large specially-made insulators for the Denon DP-500M are used to eliminate externally induced mechanical and airborne vibration that could distort sound quality.

RCA Pin-type Output
RCA pin-type output has been used for the Denon DP-500M, providing flexibility and ease when changing RCA cables to match sound quality or cartridge impedance.

A phono cartridge is not included.

We would be happy to assist you with best pricing and phono cartridge recommendations.

Downloads

• Denon DP-500M Product Sheet
• Download Denon DP-500M Owner's Manual

Denon DP-500M turntable specifications

ITEM	Denon DP-500M
Phono Motor Section
Drive System	Quartz lock servo control direct drive manual operation
Speed	33-1/3 and 45 rpm
Speed Deviation	0.002% or less
Wow & Flutter	0.1% or less (wrms)
Rotational Stability Time	0.3 second or less to reach normal speed
Turntable Platter	Aluminum diecast, 331 mm treated with silicon rubber on the reverse side to absorb vibration
Load Characteristics	0% (under stylus pressure 80g)
Tonearm Section
Type	Static balance type, light weight S-shaped tonearm
Effective Length	230 mm, 9.06 inch
Overhang	15 mm, 0.6 inch
Tracking Error	Within 3°
Stylus Pressure Range	0 - 4.0 g (0.25 g increments)
Acceptable Cartridge Weight	5.0 - 11.0 g (including screws & nuts)
Headshell Weight	9.0 g
General Section
Power Supply	120 VAC, 60 Hz
Power Consumption	10W
Dimensions	450 (W) x 170 (H) x 370 (D) mm incl. feet
Weight	10.1 kg, 22.2 lbs.

Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB Turntable Recording System Improved by LP Tunes

With the new Audio-Technica ATLP2DUSB recording system, Audio-Technica and LP Tunes have made it much easier to digitize your records and LPs and make your recordings sound great. Youll find everything you need to transfer LPs to digital files in a single box: Audio-Technicas ATPL2DUSB stereo turntable equipped with a USB output for direct connection to your computer, a built-in switchable phono preamp, recording software - Cakewalk PYRO for PC and Audacity for MAC or PC; an audiophile-quality phono cartridge; and a USB cable and adapter cables.

Audio-Technica ATLP2DUSB Turntable Specifications

• USB output: Connects directly to computer for plug and play use
• Type: 2-speed, fully manual operation
• Speeds: 33-1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
• Turntable platter: Professional aluminum for solid weight and rotational stability
• Cartridge: Integral audiophile Dual Magnet stereo with replaceable stylus
• Tonearm: Dynamic balanced with soft damping control
• Dust cover: Removable
• Accessories included: USB cable, Dual RCA (female) to 1/8 inch mini plug (male) stereo adapter cable, Dual RCA (female) to 1/8 inch mini plug (female) stereo adapter cable, Cakewalk PYRO software,Audacity recording software

Improved Parts Provided by LP Tunes for FREE ($50.00 value)

• A new LP Tunes ATN3600DLX stylus (retail value $29.00) for customer to replace the factory installed stylus. The ATN3600DLX uses an aluminum cantilever which enables the stylus to have a firmer grip on record grooves thus resulting in better tonality, spatial detail and crystal clean sound. (Optional 78 RPM stylus is available. See Related Items below.)
• A better belt (retail value $19.95). Our ViVid replacement belt provides better torque and longevity. With the use of these improved parts you'll be playing records and recording at higher fidelity which then results in digitized material that is closer to the original with sound quality that you can enjoy listening to.

Cakewalk PYRO

• Create MP3, WAV, and WMA files and much more
• Remove clicks, pops, and crackles from noisy LPs with DeClicker
• Clean hiss, hum, and other annoyances from LPs with DeNoiser
• Design full-color CD labels and jewel case inserts

Audacity Recording Software

• Converts records and tapes into digital recordings or CDs
• Change the speed or pitch of recording...to record your 33 1/3 RPM records into Audacity at 45 rpm so you can transfer them more quickly, or you can record 78 RPM records at either 33 1/3 RPM or 45 RPM (even though the turntable does not offer 78 rpm).

Cables

• USB cable
• Dual RCA (female) to 1/8" (3.5 mm) mini-plug (male) stereo adapter cable

System Requirements

• PC or Mac with an available USB port (USB1.1 or higher)
• CD-R or CD-RW writer for burning CDs and installation
• Audacity: For PC and Mac users. (Mac: OS X 10.1 or later; PC: Windows 98 and above)
• Cakewalk PYRO:PC running Windows 2000/XP; 1 GB free disk space

Please note: PYRO is not compatible with Mac or Apple-based computers, or with Windows 98/98SE/Me/95 or NT or Vista

Resources
AT-PL2D-USB Manual
AT-LP2D-USB Software Manual

SOTA MOONBEAM TURNTABLE
- Series II Turntable with S100 Tonearm

The function of any turntable is simply to rotate a record at a precise speed with a total absence of extraneous vibration and noise. However, during the record playing process, every part of a turntable is subject to a variety of internally and externally caused vibrations. To deal effectively with the distortions caused by these vibrations, each distortion-generating mechanism must be addressed and resolved if it is to achieve the goal of bringing you closest to the musical experience.

At SOTA, turntable design has been carried to its logical conclusion with the most comprehensive, scientific approach to identifying all the universal variables that undermine pure signal retrieval. By acknowledging and resolving these issues, SOTA turntables achieve unmatched level of neutrality and accuracy and have rightly garnered their position as one of the world's best.

What sets the SOTA Moonbeam apart from other turntables?

Almost every other turntable in production today uses an aluminum or aluminum-alloy platter. Unfortunately, aluminum lacks internal damping. SOTA has taken an entirely different approach to the MOONBEAM platter design. The platter utilized on the MOONBEAM is made of special high-density polymers. The MOONBEAM utilizes a heavy, 3/8" thick Plexiglas platter. An interface mat is added for the best possible record-to-mat interface.

And because of the energy-dissipative property of polymers, various types of polymer materials are used throughout the MOONBEAM, not only for the main platter, but also for the sub-platter and bearing cup assembly. The Spindle/Bearing Assembly of the MOONBEAM is a state-of-the-art design, and one of the keys to its outstanding performance. Once again, SOTA has turned to the performance advantage of polymers. The bearing cup is manufactured of a high-tech material called Turcite. Turcite is a Teflon-impregnated, self-lubricating polymer designed specifically for ultra-precise bearing applications, and is ideally suited to the turntable spindle/bearing function.

The Drive System of the MOONBEAM consists of a high-density polymer sub-platter driven by a 24-pole AC synchronous motor originally designed for ultra-precise computer use. The motor drives a precision-ground, low-tension belt which provides a vibration-free drive system for the rotating assembly of the turntable. The MOONBEAM and COMET are equipped for both 33 and 45 RPM.

The Chassis and Cabinet Damping System of the MOONBEAM continue the design theme of isolation from noise and spurious vibrations. Environmental isolation means isolating the moving platter from all the physical and mechanical disturbances (footfalls, room resonances, air-borne waves) that ultimately disrupt the retrieval of groove information. The MOONBEAM accomplished this task by way of a monolithic, massive internally dampened cabinet, which effectively isolates the turntable system. Additionally, special energy-absorbing leveling feet are utilized and incorporate a proprietary visco-elastic polymer pad to damp vibrations.

Easy Set-up and Versatility

Each SOTA turntable is designed to be set-up quickly and simply so that it can perform at levels achieved in the lab or reviewer tests. The MOONBEAM turntable includes SOTA's VLMT tonearm, a static-balance, straight-tube, fixed head design utilizing internal damping and precision cone and ball race bearings. The tonearm offers adjustable anti-skating, damped cueing, and can accommodate a wide range of cartridges.

The MOONBEAM turntable package comes with a dustcover.

To complete the turntable system, LP Tunes will include for FREE an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, a moving magnet phono carridge renowned for its superb musicality and fine detailing. This is a $79.00 additional value yours free exclusively from LP Tunes.

Each Sota turntable employs the same concept of comprehensive design and handcrafted excellence. It is manufactured to provide years of dependable musical enjoyment from the treasures in your LP collection.

Specifications

Turntable
Rumble	less than -65 unweighted (10cm/sec @ 1000Hz)
Wow & Flutter	less than 0.1% (DIN 45-507)
Transmission	Belt drive
Bearing	Polished shaft on hardened chrome steel ball in Turcite spindle sleeve
Speeds	33-1/3 and 45 RPM
Weight	18 lb
Dimensions	6"H x 17-1/2"W x 14"D
Tonearm
Type	Static balance, fixed head
Effective Length	228 mm
Cartridge Weight Range	4 - 10.5 grams

REGA RP40 LIMITED ANNIVERSARY EDITION TURNTABLE

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Rega has just introduced a limited-edition turntable based on their award-winning RP3. The RP40 Anniversary Edition is available in a limited quantity supplied on a first come first served basis and is exclusively available during 2013 only. The RP40 is supplied with a special edition white Elys40 cartridge, carefully tested to the highest achievable specification offering improved stereo imaging, balance and detail.

A new Silicon drive belt exclusive to RP40 derived from development work on their ultimate turntable the Naiad (expected later this year). These belts are manufactured on a new tool to guarantee a stable diameter over the full circumference of the belt offering improved speed stability while reducing flutter. A custom TT-PSU hand tuned to each individual motor before fitting to the deck is included (a level of fine tuning only found on the RP8 and previously the Planar 9 turntable). This will maximize the efficiency of the anti-vibration circuit while still offering the convenience of electronic speed change.