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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

  • Total Weight: 45 kg (without tonearm and power supply)
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 685 x 467 x 334 mm
  • Platter Dimension: 350 mm diameter
  • Platter Weight: 12 kg
  • Speed Ranges: 33.33 and 45 RPM
  • Drive Unit: High torque 12V DC motor, belt drive
  • Power Consumption (Operation): 7.5 W
  • Power Consumption (Standby): 5 W
  • Power Consumption (Off): 0 W
With a reinforced double chassis in marble and aluminium, proportionally combined with a 350 millimetre rotating plate, the TH350 produces an elevated dynamic sound. The engine system with a larger flywheel, magnetic suspensions and screwable clamp combine to an extremely robust assembly, to guarantee the sound greater authority and an expanded sound stage, obtaining an extremely high level of fidelity but also a thoroughly physical listening experience.
With a reinforced double chassis in marble and aluminium, proportionally combined with a 350 millimetre rotating plate, the TH350 produces an elevated dynamic sound. The engine system with a larger flywheel, magnetic suspensions and screwable clamp combine to an extremely robust assembly, to guarantee the sound greater authority and an expanded sound stage, obtaining an extremely high level of fidelity but also a thoroughly physical listening experience.

The TH350 has a turntable with a diameter of 350mm. These dimensions are unusual in traditional turntables and allow for higher inertial torque, i.e. that force which prevents slowdowns or rotation disturbances, which translates into greater dynamics and sound authority when listening.

The stability of the platter is ensured by a reinforced plinth made up of a double layer of black Marquinia marble and aluminium. The aluminium turntable is coupled with another damping and antistatic plastic disc above, in order to reduce resonances.

The plate is fixed by an extremely robust polished pin, inserted in a support with lubricated bushings. This rotation system guarantees rotational stability. The shaft is polished to minimise friction noise and avoid wear and tear to the bushings. The pin is supported by a hardened durable steel ball. Particular care has been taken with the foothold of this sphere in order to minimise resonances.
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:

TH300  

  • Positioning: The entry-level design, focused on affordability and a compact footprint.  
  • Description: Uses a basic circuit design that delivers clear audio performance for smaller rooms and straightforward setups. Offers the essential features needed for everyday listening, especially when compared to the more intricate circuitry and extra connectivity found in the TH350 and TH400 models, with the TH10-TH12 series adding even broader functionality.  

TH350  

  • Positioning: The mid-range option aimed at a balance of performance and value.  
  • Description: Incorporates a more robust power supply and refined analog design, making it a solid choice for larger environments and a step up from entry-level needs. Improves on the simpler setup of the TH300 while remaining less complex and costly than the TH400 and TH10-TH12 series.

TH400  

  • Positioning: The high-end amplifier offering refined circuitry and enhanced audio performance.  
  • Description: Employs improved noise reduction and precise signal handling suited for advanced listening setups and larger spaces. Stands apart from the TH350 and TH300 with superior circuit refinement, yet does not reach the comprehensive digital control and connectivity of the flagship TH10-TH12 series.

TH10-TH12  

  • Positioning: The flagship integrated series focused on comprehensive connectivity and versatile performance.  
  • Description: Features state-of-the-art digital control and broader connectivity options, making it suitable for both home theaters and high-end listening systems. Exceeds the performance and functional scope of the TH400, TH350, and TH300 by offering extra integration features.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
677
 of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products Listed
5
Founding Year

Our take on the brand

Thuono Audio's turntables feature an oversized 400mm platter and magnetic suspension system that provide exceptional inertial torque while minimizing vibrations. The brand uses premium materials like black Marquinia marble, aluminum, brass, and bronze in their designs, with unique features like a patented electromagnetic disc clamp that reduces static charges on vinyl records.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
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Thuono Audio

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What if you spend more?

Product image
VPI
Avenger Direct
36000
36000
/
6
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality and design, utilizing materials like acrylic, stainless steel, and aluminum, contribute to an inert structure
  • The direct drive motor ensures accurate speed control, with feedback loops monitoring platter rotation
  • Designed with three support posts, the Avenger Direct can accommodate up to three tonearms of various sizes and from different manufacturers
  • A 3-point isolation system with adjustable feet provides excellent isolation from external vibrations in both vertical and horizontal axes
  • Despite its high-end nature, the Avenger Direct is easy to set up and operate

Product Considerations

  • The Avenger Direct is a significant investment, placing it in 'turntable grail territory'
  • With a single tonearm arrangement, the tonearm feels further to the back of the deck than one might get from a larger chassis
  • The Avenger Direct's sonic characteristics may benefit from careful cartridge selection

Takeaway: The VPI Avenger Direct is a top-tier turntable offering exceptional build quality, precise speed control, and versatile tonearm options. Its robust engineering and ease of use provide a rewarding listening experience.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Linn
Klimax LP12
30970
30970
/
4
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Capable of an informative, dynamic and exciting presentation
  • Sensational dynamics and surefooted with rhythms
  • Excellent build and finish with carefully honed engineering
  • Lowest noise floor of any vinyl setup
  • Delivers a sound of huge scale and power

Product Considerations

  • Expensive
  • Installation requires a certified, trained LP12 specialist
  • Some may find the presentation tonally lean

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Luxman EQ-500: Klimax lacks natural warmth and spaciousness, preferring a more forward presentation, but renders the sound with more precision and agility
  • Vs LP12 Akurate: The Linn LP12 Klimax has even lower noise floor
  • Vs LP12 Majik: The Linn LP12 Klimax is very unique, smooth, more lively and more appealing with deep bass and extreme high-end air

Takeaway: The Klimax LP12 is a top-tier turntable delivering exceptional sonic performance and a very enjoyable listening experience. It represents the pinnacle of Linn's turntable technology.

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
Product Page
Product image
J.Sikora
Standard Max Supreme
32796
32796
/
2
Reviews

The J.Sikora company celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. On this occasion, we have prepared a special product line for the anniversary year. 

In 2009, the founder, Janusz Sikora, completed the design of his first turntable. It was the progenitor of the current Standard Max model. It was on this occasion that we decided to build and recreate the Standard Max turntable according to the original design and material assumptions. 

Janusz Sikora implemented many of the technical solutions known from the later Reference model in the Standard Max model. One could even describe this original design as a Standard Max with the soul of a Reference. Experiments using brass and bronze resulted in two perfect versions of this model, according to the designer. The bronze one was built in only two copies and there are no plans to resume its production. However, we decided to introduce the brass version to our regular offer now on the occasion of the company's 15th anniversary. In 2009, the implementation of such an ambitious project was very difficult to finalize due to costs.

The new, anniversary Standard Max is a unique turntable. It contains unique combinations of metals and alloys, known from Reference. Aluminum elements were replaced with brass in the turntable suspension. The separators at the base of the platter are made of steel, copper and solid brass plates. The motor housings, as in the Reference turntable, are made of 1 cm thick stainless steel, with special, improved internal damping, and the bases are made of a 2 cm thick slice of brass. Material changes have also been introduced in armboards. The new armboard is made of brass, steel and aluminum. 

The use of brass in key places of the turntable allowed us to get closer in most sonic aspects to the pattern set by the Reference turntable. Additionally, the anniversary Standard Max will only be available with a power supply known from the Reference line, and the first 15 sets will be numbered.

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

  • The J.Sikora Standard Max Supreme 15th Anniversary turntable brings music in an unbelievably 'laid back' way
  • It delivers a precise, open, very resolving treble
  • The turntable suppresses pops & cracks and other distortion
  • The sound is velvety, deep and almost warm

Product Considerations

  • The bass is somewhat soft

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs TechDAS Air Force One—the Standard Max Supreme plays with less freedom and three-dimensionality
  • Vs SME 20/3A—the Standard Max Supreme is less precise and open
  • Vs Rega Naia—the Standard Max Supreme is not as effortlessly playing
  • Vs Kuzma Stabi XL—the Standard Max Supreme has a deepening of the sound that is comparable

Takeaway: The J.Sikora Standard Max Supreme 15th Anniversary turntable is a top hifi product that offers a quiet and natural sound, allowing one to focus on the music. It is designed to work well with all types of records, regardless of their condition.

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

What competes at this price?

VPI
HW-40 Black
22000
/
Released
2022
Harry Weisfeld's 2012 CLASSIC DIRECT direct drive turntable was an outstanding technical achievement, earning Stereophile Magazine's Class A+ rating. This award-winning table was loosely based on the VPI Classic Series table technology and included a thick aluminum plinth and armboard and an inverted platter bearing riding on a PEEK thrust disc. Combined with a cutting-edge BLDC direct drive motor, the CLASSIC DIRECT was created.
Check Amazon
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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
clearaudio
Reference Jubilee
30000
/
Released
2022
The new Reference Jubilee turntable marries the best of 'Clearaudio past, present and future' to usher in a new era of analogue precision. It delivers lifelong synchronized rotational speed, astonishingly low levels of both resonance and friction, and a breathtaking moment of torque.
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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.
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Our Summary

No items found.

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.

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
Product Page
Product Page
Burmester
217
25000
/
Released
2021
The 217 is Burmester's first turntable introduced to its renowned Top Line series. The 217 prioritizes optimal playback quality above all – and utilizes highly intuitive operability. During the research and development process of the 217, Burmester was able to draw on more than 35 years of processing experience with the highest-quality phono signal and make excellent use of its know-how to offer a broader product portfolio in the vinyl playback field.
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Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
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Our Summary

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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.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
TechDAS
Air Force III Premium S
22580
/
Released
Building on the success of our hugely popular model – the Air Force III Premium, we can announce the additional variant: Air Force III Premium S. The S model features our newly designed suspension feet which enhance the flexibility of installation in various environments as well as improving the sound performance by achieving higher vibration isolation.
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TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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.

Video review

Our take on the brand

TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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