Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

Speed: 33 / 45 rpm (electronic speed change)

Drive principle: belt drive

Platter weight / diameter: 5,4 kg / 300mm

Speed variance: ± 0,09%

Wow and flutter: ± 0,1%

Signal to noise: 73dB

Tonearm: 9“ one-piece carbon-fibre tonearm

Effective arm length / overhang: 230mm / 18mm

Effective tonearm mass: 8,5g

Tracking force range: 0-25mN

Cartridge weight range from: 4 - 14g

External power supply: 220-240V/50Hz / 15V/1600mA DC

Power consumption: 4W (max.) / < 1 watt standby

Included accessories: Record Puck, Connect it E 5P to RCA phono cable, dustcover, power supply

Dimensions (W x H x D): 465 x 185 x 350 mm lid closed

Weight: 16kg

Xtension 9 Evolution incorporates all our turntable design experience in a slimline size. Choose from our various finish options, either luxury hand painted colours or real wood veneers.
Xtension 9 Evolution incorporates all our turntable design experience in a slimline size. Choose from our various finish options, either luxury hand painted colours or real wood veneers.

Superior Platter Alu, TPE & Vinyl Precision aluminium platter with TPE damping ring inside. The vinyl layer on top builds the best surface for your records.

Hi-Tech Feet Magnetic decoupling Three powerful magnetic feet effectively decouple the turntable & let it float over the surface.

33 / 45 RPM Precision motor control The precision DC-driven AC generator powers the motor for enhanced speed stability. Easily change speeds with the push of a button.

Silent Bearing Special technology The heavyweight platter spins on an inverted ceramic ball bearing with a magnetic support to reduce bearing noise and resonance to an absolute minimum.

Magnetic main bearing To ensure stable speeds a proper platter bearing is needed. The Xtension 9 Evolution uses a special technology. The heavyweight platter spins on an inverted ceramic ball bearing with a magnetic support to reduce bearing noise and resonance to an absolute minimum. Which this solution we are able to relieve the main bearing and ensure that the platter runs ultra-silently.

High End Magnetic Suspension Feet Many turntable manufacturers forget that the feet are one of the most important parts of a turntable. Therefore, we wanted the best...
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Pro-Ject offers a range of turntables and components that focus on simple setup and ease of use, often arriving pre-configured, making them particularly appealing to beginners.
  • They prioritize sonic performance, often incorporating higher-end components like carbon fiber tonearms and Ortofon cartridges, even in their more affordable models.
  • Pro-Ject is known for its all-in-one audio systems that combine a turntable, amplifier, and receiver into a single unit, aiming to provide component-like sound quality in a smaller, more convenient package.

A2

  • Positioning: The entry-level, fully automatic turntable designed for ease of use and convenience.
  • Description: Offers a fully automatic operation with a sub-chassis design that isolates the tonearm and platter from vibrations, making it ideal for small spaces where speakers are close to the turntable. Unlike the more manual and high-end models like the Signature series, focuses on user-friendly features and affordability, making it suitable for those with a limited budget who still want quality sound.

The Classic Reference

  • Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range turntable, combines traditional design with modern technology.
  • Description: Features a high-end EVO 9 AS HG tonearm and a precision motor control system, providing excellent sound quality with a touch of luxury. It offers more advanced features compared to the A2, such as a balanced XLR output.

RPM 10 Carbon

  • Positioning: A high-end turntable known for its innovative design and superior sound quality.
  • Description: With its carbon fiber chassis and 10" Evo tonearm, delivers exceptional sound clarity and stability. It stands out from the Classic Reference with its advanced materials and design.

Signature 10

  • Positioning: A premium turntable that combines mass-loading with magnetically-floating principles for high-end audio performance.
  • Description: Features a 10" single-pivot tonearm and a magnetically decoupled platter, providing a resonance-free listening experience. It offers more precise adjustments and a higher level of performance compared to the RPM 10 Carbon.

Signature 12.2

  • Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Pro-Ject's turntable lineup.
  • Description: Boasts a groundbreaking 12" 3-point pivot tonearm and a flywheel belt drive system, ensuring the most accurate and stable playback. It surpasses the Signature 10 with its larger tonearm and enhanced stability.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
244
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
15
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
105
Founding Year
1991

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded with a passion for analog audio reproduction. Our very first product, introduced in 1991, was a record player – a time when the entire industry was turning its back on vinyl. We didn’t jump on the bandwagon when vinyl became hip – we were instrumental in bringing vinyl back.

We manufacture – not only assemble – 95% of our products in the EU. Raw materials come in – finished products leave the factories. Since we make everything ourselves, we are able offer a 25 year spare part availability!

Today, we offer one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, speakers, and a variety of accessories designed to enhance your system and vinyl care.

What's your approach to customer support?

 Pro-Ject Audio Systems has a worldwide network of dealers and distributors. We ensure that our team members are highly knowledgeable in the field of high-fidelity audio setup and repairs. In the event of a need for support, the first point of contact is the local dealer. If the dealer cannot handle the problem, the second tier is the distributor in the respective country. By handling as many problems as possible locally, we can ensure the quickest and smoothest resolution. 

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

Aside from one of the audio industry’s widest range of high-fidelity products, Pro-Ject also produces limited runs of high-quality vinyl records. 7Ray’s Jazzy Zoetrope is a double album of fine Jazz standards played by 7Ray and his quartet. One of the two records was recorded live at our headquarters in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria. We produced the whole album in AAA for the highest analog purity. Here’s a link to the records we offer, which double as fine reference recordings across multiple musical genres.

https://www.project-audio.com/en/category/lps/

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
Shareef Karl Fahim
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Linn
Majik LP12
5130
5130
/
10
Reviews

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. Beyond this lies your first choice: will you commence your Linn journey with a moving magnet (MM) or a moving coil (MC) cartridge?

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

  • 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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Product image
Cyrus
TTP
5800
5800
/
5
Reviews

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. Precision machined from solid aluminium blocks, the plinth and platter are extremely stable for superb vinyl playback capability, while the lightweight arm provides an excellent mounting point for your choice of cartridge. The synchronous motor has a custom-designed digital control circuit, ensuring very low wow and flutter with exceptional speed stability.

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

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Musical Fidelity
M8xTT
8999
8999
/
4
Reviews

Antony Michaelson‘s idea of music was big scale, warm and mighty with details in colours. His amplifier creations are a rare expression of this sound character. In 2002 Antony asked Mr. Lichtenegger to help with a design with all these attributes. Also, the design was very important and should match the mechanically stunning amplifiers. The Musical Fidelity M1 was born and a great success. The base idea was to combine the inert mass of metal alloys with zero resonating acrylic. The motor was effectively decoupled from the tonearm and platter with the dual chassis construction. The new M8xTT is following the same design philosophies with even more expressive technical features.

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

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Product image
MoFi
MasterDeck
5995
5995
/
4
Reviews
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.
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Our summary

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Pro-Ject
X8
4000
/
Released
2022
The X8 is our most affordable mass-loaded turntable yet. Positioned neatly between the X2 and Xtension 9, the X8 adopts and breaks down its bigger siblings' features to make mass-loaded high-end design principles as accessible as never before.
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Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality with a heavy MDF plinth, a machined aluminum platter, and a quality finish
  • The 9cc EVO carbon tonearm is known for its stiffness, adjustability (VTA, azimuth), and performance
  • Mass loading (heavy plinth and platter), TPE damping, and adjustable aluminum feet minimize vibration and resonance
  • The inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support ensures smooth and stable platter rotation
  • The X8 allows for a balanced connection to a phono preamplifier, which can reduce noise and improve sound quality

Product Considerations

  • The included cartridge may be a limiting factor for some users, and upgrading is often recommended
  • To take full advantage of the balanced connection capabilities, a separate balanced phono stage and a DIN to XLR cable need to be purchased
  • The X8 is a completely manual turntable, lacking auto-return or auto-stop functions
  • Some reviewers found the location of the power button underneath the plinth slightly clunky
  • Some users found the finger lift on the tonearm uncomfortable or insecure to use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The X8 uses the same tonearm and bearing assembly as the more expensive Pro-Ject Extension 9, with differences primarily in the feet (TPE damped vs magnetic levitation) and platter (bare aluminum vs recycled vinyl mat)
  • The X8 has a superior platter, bearing and tonearm compared to the Pro-Ject X2

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject X8 is a well-built turntable that offers high-end features and performance. Its solid construction and quality components make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to upgrade their listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Pro-Ject
X8 Special Edition
2728
/
Released
2023
The X8 turntable is a true high-end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10. For the new sensationally low price you get the heavy, TPE damped mass-loaded platter, which is precision lathed and balanced out of a single piece of aluminium. It is supported by a neodymium magnet which decreases the load on the bearing.
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Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Excellent value for money
  • The lid is great for protecting the deck and keeping dust off
  • Functions smoothly and is large and spacious without being too big

Product Considerations

  • The review sample appeared to have very slight free play in the arm bearings
  • The reviewer noticed a slight lack of uniformity in the machining of the turntable platter

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Vertere MG-1: The X8 did not quite equal the subtlety and relaxed authority of the more expensive Vertere deck

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject X8 turntable package delivers truly high-end vinyl performance at a surprisingly reasonable price, especially when its balanced input/output options are used. It is a nice turntable to use and is well worth an audition.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Thorens
TD 1500
2999
/
Released
2021
In 1965, the Thorens TD 150, an inconspicuous little turntable, came on the market and thus started a technical revolution in record player manufacturing. For the first time, a spring-suspended sub-chassis with an inner platter driven by a flat belt was used in a mass-produced unit. The principle proved to be very successful and found many imitators in the years since. Like its famous predecessor, the new Thorens TD 1500, which will be operated purely manually, features a sub-chassis that decouples the turntable and tonearm shelf from the motor and frame by means of three conical springs.
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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.
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Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Improved clarity and detail retrieval...
  • Superior TP 150 tonearm with better build quality and adjustability...
  • Easy to set up and adjust, with user-friendly features like the adjustable springs...
  • Superior speed stability compared to older Thorens models...
  • Includes both RCA and balanced XLR outputs, providing connectivity options...

Product Considerations

  • Sensitive to footfall, requiring a stable placement or additional support...
  • The stock power cord is considered underwhelming...
  • Some reviewers felt that the bass wasn't as tight as it could be, though still solid...

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the TD 150 (Original), the TD 1500 offers superior build quality and a much better tonearm...
  • Compared to the Rega Planar 8, the TD 1500 does not move music along with the speed of a Rega Planar 8...

Takeaway: The Thorens TD 1500 is a well-built and refined turntable that pays homage to its classic predecessor while offering modern improvements in sound and functionality. It is a great choice for audiophiles who appreciate the Thorens legacy and want a high-performing turntable with a touch of vintage appeal.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Gold Note
Giglio
3839
/
Released
Giglio sums up the history and ideas of Gold Note, in what is to all intents and purposes considered one of the company's best creations: it reinterprets the classic turntable shape using high-quality materials and technical solutions that combine respect for tradition and cutting-edge technology.
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Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Gorgeous looks and solid build, reminiscent of great belt-driven decks from the 1980s
  • Stability akin to a direct-drive unit
  • The plinth structure adds mass and rigidity without introducing excessive resonance
  • Delivers exceptional performance that translates to remarkable sonic accuracy (low wow and flutter, rumble)
  • Melodious nature, with excellent control and musical depth

Product Considerations

  • Limited anti-skate adjustment
  • Stubby tonearm finger lift
  • Careful setup is required for optimal performance
  • Size may require substantial shelf space
  • Some cartridges require a higher amount of anti-skate

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Recalled an old Linn Sondek LP12 from the 1980s in tonally rich and melodious signature, the focus is on the rhythm rather than the drama

Takeaway: The Giglio turntable is a great choice for people who love music and want a beautiful, well-made piece of equipment that sounds amazing and brings out the best in their record collection. It's an investment in excellent music listening that will bring enjoyment for years.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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clearaudio
Concept Signature
4000
/
Released
2024
Striving for perfection is one of the guiding principles at Clearaudio. All products from the high-end manufacturer in Erlangen embody this DNA. This includes the concept, which was introduced in 2009 and has since been very successful with over 20,000 units sold. As an entry-level package, the concept already created a revolutionary sound package with an undisputed price, design, and performance ratio, featuring a specially developed tonearm and cartridge. After more than 10 years of consistency, the best gets even better, and the concept undergoes several updates under the new name concept Signature.
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Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Ready-made turntable that is perfectly adjusted at the factory and ready to play at a high level
  • Features Tacho Speed Control (TSC) that monitors and corrects the platter speed, recalibrating itself to account for temperature and belt tension
  • Offers various customization options for tonearms and phono cartridges
  • The new model has a coreless design, with a flat belt transmitting power to a sub-platter made of solid aluminum, whose spindle is mounted in a sintered bronze bearing
  • Opens up an almost gigantic soundstage, pushing the lower registers with almost regal sovereignty

Product Considerations

  • The hard power switch is located on the back, right next to the 12-volt input
  • The reviewer suggests that the Signature plays a little too tidy and is missing "snottiness of Gallagher"
  • The reviewer suggests ordering the larger power supply unit at the same time as buying the turntable, because it is a good investment

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Clearaudio Innovation Basic: The Innovation Basic distinguishes itself with slightly more space, definition, and clarity in complex passages
  • Vs Concept active: The new Concept had the upper hand, because it had more to offer in terms of fine dynamics, worked with significantly more precision and reproduced the music with more "air" overall

Takeaway:

The Clearaudio Concept Signature is a well-crafted, German-engineered turntable that offers precise speed control and a high level of sonic detail. It is suitable for those seeking a complete, customizable package that is easy to set up and delivers high-end performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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