Product Strengths

• Excellent speed stability makes wow and flutter a thing of the past
• Clarity results from speed stability, creating neutral music delivery
• A high level of isolation with a footer system prevents vibrations from reaching the stylus
• A heavy platter contributes to solid sound, especially in the low end

Product Considerations

• The large plinth requires ample space on standard hifi shelving
• VPI asks that the user supply their own cables
• The supplied VPI stabilizer is not considered useful by some reviewers, with one recommending its use as a paperweight only
• Some found that the platter fit was loose

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs VPI Classic Direct—HW-40 is better damped, letting through only a subdued, quick-to-settle 'pop' when the top plate is struck
• Vs Technics SL-1200—HW-40 uses modern materials and construction that exceeds the resolution of the SL-1200

Takeaway: The HW-40 is a well-engineered turntable with a solid build, offering stable and accurate playback. It delivers a detailed and balanced sound, providing an engaging listening experience.

Product Strengths

• The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable has a knack for picking the best aspects from a whole different range of musical styles
• It employs both light and heavy turntable design principles at once to lower resonances and reveal more of the low-level information in the music
• The Ceramic Magnetic Bearing (CMB) produces the effect of the turntable platter effectively floating on an air cushion, reducing noise transmission and decreasing potential friction
• Innovative Motor Suspension (IMS) keeps motor vibrations from entering the Panzerholz plinth
• The Panzerholz plinth has a very low Q Factor, or resonance

Product Considerations

• The arm comes with a set of five different counterweights and will accommodate a very wide range of cartridge weights and tracking forces, but as these are unscrewed from beneath, they are fiddlier than some
• The fine pitch of the weight adjustment screw requires considerable twiddling to effect a decent change
• The cueing device could do with more damping and might be a tad abrupt in action
• Setting up the tonearm can be difficult

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• It is noticeably lighter to lift, carry, and position than the Kuzma Stabi R turntable
• It employs both light and heavy turntable design principles at once, unlike the Rega Planar 10

Takeaway: The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable is beautifully engineered and has a knack for picking the best aspects from a whole range of musical styles. Taking the time to properly set up the Reference Jubilee is amply rewarded.

Product Strengths

• Turn-key vinyl rig that works well at the head in many systems, not just for Burmester completists
• Sound is both refined and has a stentorian bass
• Sound is aimed at uncomplicated, direct emotion, with a focus on a punchy and powerful bass and fundamental range
• Built to an uncompromising standard, putting it among the shining stars of turntable construction
• Music sounds as if it came from somewhere else—from a superior medium, still analog, but better than analog records

Product Considerations

• Replacing the belts is beyond the listener's scope, as it's designed as a sealed unit
• Setting up resistive and capacitive load or cartridge gain involves guesswork for those without a Burmester 100 phono stage
• Only weakly decoupled from its background, meaning the surface it's placed on can affect the sound
• The manual lacks technical specifications on parameters like coil material, resistance, and recommended termination value
• Does not come with a hood

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Burmester 175: Similar 'effortlessness' and 'naturalness' to the sound, but the 175 is a bigger and heavier hitter with more information to process
• Vs Burmester 175: Might even score over the 175 in dynamic range in some cases, especially in systems where the 175's scale can be overpowering
• Pulls away from other players at the latest: the beautifully sonorous recorded drums have even more weight here—and impact, the guitar amps are even more widely distributed in the listening room
• Vs Linn LP12: Even Linn LP12, which is recognized for its powerful bass and format, falls behind, even if the Burmester system is temporarily implanted into it

Takeaway: The Burmester 217 is a well-built and easy-to-use turntable that delivers a balanced and dynamic sound, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end audio experience. It makes listening to records an immersive and enjoyable experience.

Product Strengths

• Heavy (50-pound) gunmetal platter, air-bearing platter drive, quiet air pump, and vacuum hold-down
• Fit and finish are superior to the original Air Force 3, with a more showy cosmetic finish and high-gloss black lacquer
• Computerized program adjusts belt tension, ensuring correct speed
• Very effective isolation from external vibrations due to its gel-like isolation feet, preventing feedback
• Considered the sweet spot in the Air Force line, offering most of the company's technology at a lower price point than the top models and is the number one selling product in the line

Product Considerations

• Not suitable for quick starts, as it is not designed for applications needing instantaneous speed like a disco setup
• Up to three or four tonearms can be mounted at once, but can be crowded and may require guidance for setup to avoid conflicts
• While the pump is very quiet, it is not inaudible

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs OMA-K3: A direct comparison showed that turntables make a huge difference in sound, with listeners having varying preferences between the Air Force 3 Premium S and the more expensive OMA-K3 when using the same tonearm and cartridge
• Vs Original Air Force 3: The Air Force 3 Premium S has a much heavier platter (50 lbs vs a few pounds), superior finish, and greater rigidity due to being machined from a billet—not assembled from multiple parts

Takeaway: The Air Force 3 Premium S turntable offers a great balance of features and performance within the TechDAS Air Force line. With its advanced technology and build quality, it promises a lasting and high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.