Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Compact and elegant design with a small footprint, making it suitable for narrow spaces
  • Improved speed stability due to a thicker, heavier platter
  • Easy to level, thanks to adjustable spiked feet accessible from above
  • Precision build quality with smooth operation of all controls
  • Flexible tonearm cabling options, allowing customers to choose from different Cardas cables or use their own

Product Considerations

  • The tonearm has adjustments but no calibrations, requiring external tools for precise setup
  • The industrial design only provides mounting space for one tonearm
  • The tonearm cable is not included; it must be purchased separately

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • It is the most affordable of the AMG turntables
  • It reminds the reviewer of the SME 10

Takeaway: The AMG Giro MK II is a compact and elegant turntable that is easy to set up and use, with improved speed stability and a high level of precision. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for a high-performance turntable that does not take up too much space.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

Compared to their other products

We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.

GIRO:  

  • Position: The entry-level turntable designed for affordability and compactness.  
  • Description: Uses a straightforward mechanical design with basic vibration control, making it suitable for small rooms and casual listeners. Offers essential functionality compared to models with more refined features found in the rest of the lineup.  

9W1:  

  • Position: The basic tonearm option intended for everyday listening setups.  
  • Description: Provides steady tracking and simple adjustability that serve the needs of standard audio environments. Its performance is practical for casual setups compared to the enhanced precision seen in higher-tier tonearms in this range.  

VIELLA:  

  • Position: The mid-range turntable balancing quality performance with approachable cost.  
  • Description: Features improved tonearm mechanics and better vibration damping compared to the entry-level model. This design supports a clearer sound in medium-sized spaces and shows noticeable enhancements over the Giro's more basic performance.  

9WT:  

  • Position: The premium tonearm built for precise tracking in more demanding setups.  
  • Description: Has advanced damping features and fine-tuned adjustments that offer higher precision than its simpler counterpart, the 9W1.  

VIELLA FORTE:  

  • Position: The flagship turntable aimed at audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.  
  • Description: Incorporates groundbreaking motor control and superior anti-vibration measures that distinguish it from the mid-range Viella.
See all the brand's products

Read the reviews

[{"title":"AMG Giro MK II turntable","link":"https://www.stereophile.com/content/amg-giro-mk-ii-turntable","source":"Stereophile","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer's notes

Further development of the entry-level model from the AMG family as a result of meticulous detail work. Sound dynamics and spatial depth show clear improvements compared to the predecessor.
Further development of the entry-level model from the AMG family as a result of meticulous detail work. Sound dynamics and spatial depth show clear improvements compared to the predecessor.

The platter has gained more mass and with its 5.6 kg, together with the newly developed platter-subplatter interface, ensures significantly improved synchronization stability and convincing auditory performance. The adaptation of the belt transmission also contributes to this.

The ultra-quiet Swiss drive motor runs in its ideal speed range, has been fitted with new damping elements and operates almost inaudibly. In the platter bearing, the manufacturing tolerances have been optimized in the micrometer range, and makes from other manufacturers can now be easily applied to the newly added tonearm base.

In addition to the aesthetic design, the extremely convenient operation via capacitive touch keys has been retained; here, the fine adjustment of speeds 33, 33 and 45 can also be carried out completely without tools. AMG's typical genes, such as the decoupled spindle/bearing design in high-precision execution and the visible and tangible material and workmanship quality are a matter of course in the updated model.
  • Drive Motor: 12V motor from Swiss production, quartz-controlled belt drive
  • Speeds: 33.3 / 45 rpm
  • Weight: 12.8 kg
  • Platter Material: POM (Polyoxymethylen-Polymer)
  • Platter Diameter: 304 mm
  • Platter Weight: 5.6 kg
  • Bearings: Hydrodynamic high-precision plain bearing with 16 mm spindle shaft (hardened steel), decoupled
  • Chassis Material: High-density aerospace aluminium
  • Chassis Color: Shadow Black
  • Output: 5-Pin
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
3
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
301
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
8
Founded
2011

Our take on the brand

AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
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What if you spend a bit more?

Naia
12995
12995
/
16
Reviews
Rega
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The Naia epitomizes Rega's design philosophies, and its sonic performance confirms this
  • Exceptionally capable, setting a sky-high standard for resolution and transparency
  • Incredibly neutral and transparent for a vinyl source, doing a more effective job of getting out of the way and letting the record itself be the story
  • Genuinely high end and trades blows with the best, but is no more demanding in use than one at a tenth of the price
  • Delivers better timing than 99.9% of audio sources–analogue or digital

Product Considerations

  • The foam edges on the plinth look a little unfinished
  • An otherwise admirably off-hand approach to music-making did leave some wanting more in the way of rhythmic drive
  • Can expose weaknesses in record quality, so upgrades to some of your record collection may be needed
  • Minimalist design and understatement might not impress those unfamiliar with high-end audio
  • The removable dust cover doesn't offer quite the same protection as a more conventional lid and, combined with the fairly small stylus guard on the cart, means Rega is slightly more vulnerable than some rivals

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia brings it closer technologically and, unfortunately, in price, but it is also better in every way, and the measured performance demonstrates that the Naia is a step above the Planar 10
  • Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia gets significantly more information out of records, has a lower apparent noise floor and even better timing
  • Vs Technics SL-1000R, the Rega is significantly better with low-frequency transients, delivering them with greater heft and power while also revealing that the Technics has a slightly sludgy quality in comparison
  • Vs Linn Seleckt LP12, the Naia is more neutral and transparent

Takeaway: The Naia is a high-performance turntable that offers exceptional clarity and detail, providing a very neutral sound. If you want a turntable that reveals every nuance in your vinyl collection, the Naia is worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Naia
page
Product Page
Avenger
12500
12500
/
10
Reviews
VPI

The VPI Avenger Table was originally a project started by Harry over 12 years ago. In the process of the design, the project was dropped in mid-production due to excessive demand by HR-X customers which left the design and proto-type chassis to be mothballed. The good news about the abandoned design is Harry instead shifted his focus to starting and completing the VPI Classic Turntable.

VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
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Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Customizable and upgradable, it can handle up to three tonearms
  • It produces a big soundstage with life-like proportions and scale, which provides a holographic sound
  • Offers an effortless power and control and is unflappable at any volume
  • VPI's chassis is versatile, allowing a different and more complex drive system
  • Has great speed stability

Product Considerations

  • Setup is critical and may require assistance from an experienced dealer or audiophile
  • It can be sensitive to vibrations from the room and speakers, requiring careful placement and isolation
  • It may not suit those wanting a 4/4 beat to everything, because it does not emphasize the beat in the way that a suspended turntable does

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Minimizes resonance problems with both moving-coil and moving-iron cartridges
  • Avenger Direct has the speed stability of the best direct drives
  • Avenger Direct is competitive in overall level of detail and silence, sometimes slightly superior, to the VPI Classic Direct
  • The three-legged layout solves the problem of accommodating two tonearms
  • Compared to VPI Scout 21, the Deep In The Night track has depth and scale to it that's grander in every direction and dimension via the Avenger

Takeaway: The VPI Avenger is a high-end turntable with a customizable design and strong performance, offering great sound quality and the ability to use multiple tonearms. With its solid engineering and powerful sound, it is built to deliver great sound from vinyl records, allowing listeners to hear music with a new level of engagement.

Video review

Our take on the brand

VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Avenger
page
Product Page
Selekt LP12
14560
14560
/
4
Reviews
Linn
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a sweet spot in price/performance terms
  • Delivers a quintessential Sondek sound, and is highly emotional
  • Unlocks the music in real time, making for an extremely immersive sound
  • Strong and taut bass
  • Sounds sweet, refined, and smooth

Product Considerations

  • Setting up an LP12 needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing
  • The Kendo MC cartridge feels very exposed

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Is a definite step up from the Majik LP12

Takeaway: The Linn Selekt LP12 embodies the best of the venerable turntable in its classical form, offering high-quality engineering and an immersive sound. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a significant upgrade in their vinyl listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Selekt LP12
page
Product Page
Initial Max Line
14571
14571
/
4
Reviews
J.Sikora
J.Sikora stands out for being the only hifi brand to use Kevlar in their tonearm tubes, combining this unique material choice with a unipivot bearing design for optimal sound performance. Their tonearms feature a distinctive VTA adjustment mechanism modeled after a photographic lens, allowing precise adjustments during playback, while incorporating a mix of aluminum, bronze, and brass to enhance sound quality.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through beautifully
  • Rock-solid sense of stability and noiselessness on LP after LP
  • Build quality seems very high in most elements
  • Allows differentiation between different components, easily and in detail
  • Operationally, there's nothing really weird or unusual about it

Product Considerations

  • It weighs 112 lb, so it is a beast of a turntable
  • Near the entry level to the J.Sikora line, but it's not an entry level turntable by any means
  • A highly flexible tonearm mounting system gives room to play, and get into trouble
  • Not incredibly difficult to assemble, it does take time to get everything just so

Takeaway: The Initial Max is an outstanding turntable that delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through. It just works and offers a tremendous amount of flexibility if you want to change tonearms.

Video review

Our take on the brand

J.Sikora stands out for being the only hifi brand to use Kevlar in their tonearm tubes, combining this unique material choice with a unipivot bearing design for optimal sound performance. Their tonearms feature a distinctive VTA adjustment mechanism modeled after a photographic lens, allowing precise adjustments during playback, while incorporating a mix of aluminum, bronze, and brass to enhance sound quality.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Initial Max Line
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

Majik LP12
5130
/
Released
Linn
Take your first step into high-fidelity vinyl playback. And close the door behind you, you won't be turning back. Experience the legendary Sondek LP12 in its most affordable guise – powered by carefully curated Linn-engineered components. Majik LP12 includes our sandwich-construction aluminium sub-chassis, patented single point Karousel bearing, internally mounted low noise power supply, and low-friction Krane tonearm.
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Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Shares the plinth, bearing and suspension design with higher-end LP12 models
  • Great build quality and finish, made with precision aluminum and stainless-steel components
  • Offers upgrade paths with higher quality phono cartridges, arms, chassis, and power supplies
  • Known for its musicality and ability to make listeners forget about typical audio criteria and focus on enjoying the music
  • Great value package bringing LP12 ownership to a wider audience without major compromise

Product Considerations

  • Requires professional setup and adjustment
  • Speed change to 45rpm requires fitting a pulley adaptor, which may be annoying for some users
  • Footfall and external vibrations can affect performance, requiring a lightweight and rigid support
  • Some reviewers found the bundled Adikt moving magnet cartridge to be the weakest link in the system
  • Lid is an optional extra, which may come as a surprise

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Technics SL-1200G: Majik LP12 offers a more relaxed and beguiling sound, while the Technics is crisper and tighter
  • Vs Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver: Majik LP12 sits in the middle, more relaxed than the Technics SL-1200G—but not as expansive and tonally natural as the Origin Live Calypso Multilayer/Silver
  • Vs Thorens TD160 HD or Michell's Gyrodec SE: Majik LP12 has a relaxed warmth and fluidity that the others do not

Takeaway: The Majik LP12 is a well-built, musically engaging turntable that brings the classic Linn sound to a more accessible price point. It's a great way to get into vinyl and enjoy records without being distracted by technicalities and has plenty of upgrade options available.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Majik LP12
Page
Product Page
TTP
5800
/
Released
2023
Cyrus
The Cyrus TTP Turntable is the perfect complement to our award-winning Classic PHONO preamplifier, unless Moving Magnet is your choice of cartridge, and then any of the Cyrus Classic or XR pre-amplifiers or integrated amplifiers can also be considered as a suitable partner.
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Cyrus Audio is known for its compact half-width designs and proprietary Servo Evolution technology that optimizes CD transport performance beyond basic readability. The brand stands out for being the first to implement voice-assist technology in hifi through their ONE Cast amplifier, which features a hybrid Class D design and high-end DAC, while their PSU-XR power supply employs five independent power supplies to minimize electrical noise.
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Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Heavy weight and high mass design combats resonant frequencies and provides a stable platform for playing vinyl records
  • Delivers a clean, dynamic sound with superb imaging and soundstage
  • The motor is integrated into the chassis giving the turntable a very clean look

Product Considerations

  • No dust cover/lid is included
  • No ground/earth cable included with the RCA's
  • RB330 tonearm is not known for its easy adjustment and cartridge matching

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • TTP has similar solidity of image and body to the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301 idler-wheel turntables

Takeaway: The Cyrus Audio TTP is a well-engineered turntable that delivers engaging music from a stable platform and a clean background. It offers a blend of modern technology, thoughtful design, and flexible upgrade options.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Cyrus Audio is known for its compact half-width designs and proprietary Servo Evolution technology that optimizes CD transport performance beyond basic readability. The brand stands out for being the first to implement voice-assist technology in hifi through their ONE Cast amplifier, which features a hybrid Class D design and high-end DAC, while their PSU-XR power supply employs five independent power supplies to minimize electrical noise.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
TTP
Page
Product Page
M8xTT
8999
/
Released
2023
Musical Fidelity
The M8xTT is a high-end turntable with radical concepts and innovations originating from its legendary predecessor.
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Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Sleek acrylic construction that is visually appealing and acoustically excellent
  • A beautifully open window onto the performance, achieved in a commandingly authoritative manner
  • Muscular sounding, exhibiting a solid grip on the music, especially through the bass and into the lower midrange
  • Utterly coherent, with an uncanny ability to untangle complex music
  • Precision opened up the record, presenting sometimes-busy albums as if they were giant paintings

Product Considerations

  • Consistency of speed was not what was expected from a turntable of this pedigree
  • The headshell lacks sufficient offset angle, so rotation of an MM or MC slightly inwards may be needed
  • If a cartridge is less than about 17mm tall, spacers may be needed to use it with the M8xTT's arm
  • Acrylic scratches easily and shows dust, so care must be taken when cleaning

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The M1 was always a little soft at the low end, but the Musical Fidelity's new model couldn't be more different

Takeaway: The M8xTT is a wonderful turntable with exceptional sound quality and outstanding construction. The crystalline chrome-and-acrylic chassis and visual effect of the spinning platter make it a thrilling machine to use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
M8xTT
Page
Product Page
MasterDeck
5995
/
Released
2023
MoFi
Unveiling the pinnacle of vinyl reproduction: the MasterDeck Turntable, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned Allen Perkins. Born from a collaboration of vinyl enthusiasts, this reference-grade turntable is engineered for those who seek to unearth the true essence of music embedded in the grooves of their cherished vinyl LPs.
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MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Designed by Allen Perkins, incorporating groundbreaking technologies and design principles.
  • Every component is designed to work in perfect harmony, extracting every nuance and detail from vinyl collection.
  • Features a three-point isolation system with Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) feet.
  • Has a 10-inch dual-pivot carbon-fiber tonearm with Cardas Audio internal wiring.
  • Offers speed options and trim control.

Product Considerations

  • Setup is extremely critical and may require assistance.
  • The tonearm rest requires a strong pull to secure the arm, which can cause the arm to ricochet if not handled carefully.
  • Additional head shells should be purchased with the turntable, if the user anticipates swapping them to use different cartridges.
  • Maintenance parts may be difficult to secure for the next 40 years.
  • The design is not for those looking to customize the table with different tonearm mounts and components.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to StudioDeck and UltraDeck, the MasterDeck's collar screw drive VTA adjustment is easier to set and more precise in its movement.

Takeaway: The MasterDeck is a well-engineered turntable that delivers realism and detail while keeping the musical enjoyment alive. Its innovative design and precision components provide a high-quality listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.

Video review

Our take on the brand

MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
MasterDeck
Page
Product Page
TD 1600 TP 160
5035
/
Released
2021
Thorens
The TD 1600, featuring the new TP 160 tonearm, represents a consistent evolution of the TD 1600. It possesses a classic wooden plinth, a two-part machined aluminum platter with an internally run ground drive belt.
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Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Extremely well built and beautifully finished, demonstrating extraordinary tolerances between mating parts.
  • A quiet and stable platform for playing records.
  • Its tonearm is very flexible in cartridge support.
  • It provides balanced outputs via XLR, which is unusual, but phono cartridges are inherently balanced.
  • It provides an accurate and consistent rate of spin.

Product Considerations

  • The antiskating mechanism is effectively uncalibrated and extremely sensitive to correct adjustment.
  • The manual provides very little detail about attaching the cartridge to the tonearm.
  • The manual lift has to be operated carefully because it is located on the moving part of the player.
  • The manual TP 160 arm's lift lever is less damped, and any non-linear hand movements are transferred to the sub-chassis—incurring wobble.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Thorens TD 1601: The TD 1600 is fully manual, while the TD 1601 is semi-automatic.
  • Vs Linn LP12: Both models fall into the same audiophile category and are also quite close in price in terms of basic equipment.

Takeaway: The TD 1600 turntable is a well-engineered, beautifully finished turntable that offers a quiet and stable platform for quality vinyl playback. With its flexible tonearm and robust construction, it should provide years of listening enjoyment.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
TD 1600 TP 160
Page
Product Page

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.

Product Strengths

  • Compact and elegant design with a small footprint, making it suitable for narrow spaces
  • Improved speed stability due to a thicker, heavier platter
  • Easy to level, thanks to adjustable spiked feet accessible from above
  • Precision build quality with smooth operation of all controls
  • Flexible tonearm cabling options, allowing customers to choose from different Cardas cables or use their own

Product Considerations

  • The tonearm has adjustments but no calibrations, requiring external tools for precise setup
  • The industrial design only provides mounting space for one tonearm
  • The tonearm cable is not included; it must be purchased separately

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • It is the most affordable of the AMG turntables
  • It reminds the reviewer of the SME 10

Takeaway: The AMG Giro MK II is a compact and elegant turntable that is easy to set up and use, with improved speed stability and a high level of precision. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for a high-performance turntable that does not take up too much space.

How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we  discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.

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