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.
All
Raven Anniversary
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Weight Chassis: 30 kg (66.1 lbs)
- Weight Platter: 20 kg (44.1 lbs)
- Weight Motor unit: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
- Weight Motor control unit: 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
- Dimensions: 550 mm x 400 mm (W x D)
- Motor diameter: 119 mm
- Total footprint: 600 mm x 400 mm (W x D)
- Chassis Material: 60 mm TW ACUSTIC's proprietary Delrin-based compound
- Platter Material: 40 mm copper with 20 mm special compound
- Bearing: Bronze bearing, 16 mm hard metal shaft
- Armboard Capacity: Up to three tonearms
Description
For ten years now TW Acustic has been making a lasting impression on the turntable market. To celebrate TW Acustic's tenth birthday in March 2013 we present the "Raven AC Anniversary". The Anniversary represents a new statement in turntable manufacture. It is based on the Raven AC chassis, machined from our well-known proprietary custom compound with a screwed-in stainless-steel plate.
For ten years now TW Acustic has been making a lasting impression on the turntable market. With our first model – the original Raven – perfect build quality became the standard. Not only that, back then we broke new ground and were the first manufacturer to use a custom-developed synthetic compound based on Delrin. Due to its perfect damping properties, it is almost impossible nowadays to think of a better choice of material than this for modern turntable construction. Also, the use of high-torque motors and sophisticated controllers allowed us to set a new benchmark. Thanks to our developments, music-lovers worldwide are able to indulge their audiophile passions with full satisfaction, and to enjoy their fascination with turntables on an impressive level.
To celebrate TW Acustic's tenth birthday in March 2013 we present the "Raven AC Anniversary". The Anniversary represents a new statement in turntable manufacture. It is based on the Raven AC chassis, machined from our well-known proprietary custom compound with a screwed-in stainless-steel plate. The Anniversary's platter is a composite construction consisting of 40mm thick copper fixed to a 20mm thick slice of our proprietary compound. Consequently, the platter is basically equal to that of the Black Night.
Our anniversary model has a very solid armboard machined from 30mm thick aluminium. We can provide the relevant adapt...
To celebrate TW Acustic's tenth birthday in March 2013 we present the "Raven AC Anniversary". The Anniversary represents a new statement in turntable manufacture. It is based on the Raven AC chassis, machined from our well-known proprietary custom compound with a screwed-in stainless-steel plate. The Anniversary's platter is a composite construction consisting of 40mm thick copper fixed to a 20mm thick slice of our proprietary compound. Consequently, the platter is basically equal to that of the Black Night.
Our anniversary model has a very solid armboard machined from 30mm thick aluminium. We can provide the relevant adapt...
Release Timeline
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:
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Raven GT
- Positioning: A compact turntable engineered for dual-tonearm setups at a reasonable price.
- Description: Features a black anodised aluminium chassis and an extremely short belt design that achieves wow and flutter values as low as 0.02%, a technical achievement uncommon at entry-level. In comparison to the later models, it offers reliable performance and flexibility without the added complexity and cost found in the higher-end Raven AC, Black Night, and Anniversary series.
Raven AC
- Positioning: A mid-range model that introduces advanced motor control and multi-motor drive options.
- Description: Uses a three-motor drive with a highly precise motor control unit and finely toleranced pulleys, setting it apart from the GT's simpler design. Compared to both the GT and its successors, it strikes a balance by adding technical sophistication and improved drive stability while keeping costs moderate.
Raven Black Night
- Positioning: An upgraded version in the lineup that refines drive performance and stability.
- Description: Builds on the AC's innovations by offering further enhancements in motor control components and upgraded feet for improved vibration damping, ensuring a tighter tracking performance. Relative to the Anniversary, it focuses on practical improvements in drive precision and operational stability.
Raven Anniversary
- Positioning: The flagship model designed for buyers seeking top-tier technical performance and build quality.
- Description: Combines the advanced elements of the Raven AC and Black Night with premium materials and refined craftsmanship to maximize sonic accuracy and stability. In contrast to all other models in the lineup, it provides the most sophisticated drive mechanisms and structural design.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
517
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
6
Founding Year
2004
Our take on the brand
TW Acustic is renowned for its meticulous engineering, particularly in their turntables which feature unique materials like jet-black compound plinths and copper-dust-enriched polyoxymethylene, developed over years of research. Their turntables use proprietary composite platters filled with special gel and capped with copper plates, while their power supplies are often battery-based to minimize interference from the power grid.
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What if you spend more?
VPI
HW-40 Black
22000
22000
/
7
Reviews
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. The Classic Direct provided a stable, solid foundation for the music, allowing the listener to hear deeply into the recorded grooves to the treasures buried with-in!
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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Our summary
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.
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clearaudio
Reference Jubilee
30000
30000
/
2
Reviews
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
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.
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Our summary
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.
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TechDAS
Air Force III Premium S
22580
22580
/
1
Reviews
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.
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Our summary
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.
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What competes at this price?
Rega
Naia
12995
/
Released
2023
The Rega Naia turntable is the result of years of painstaking development which was used to create the now famous 'Naiad' test bed turntable. The Naia takes the best of this development and technology and transfers it into a production ready version without compromise. The Naia is packed with ground-breaking features, materials and technology developed by Rega over many years to reach new levels of vinyl replay.
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
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VPI
Avenger
12500
/
Released
2022
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. Shortly after the development of the Prime, the forgotten Avenger and its designs were re-discovered!
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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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.
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Linn
Selekt LP12
14560
/
Released
Selekt LP12 is a turntable from which to live out your musical passion and, with the benefit of future upgrades, to continue to explore ever more of the music contained within the grooves of your record collection. This elite Sondek LP12 package is decked out with precision-engineered components from the upper echelons of our range. It sits between Majik LP12, the gateway to high-fidelity vinyl playback, and Klimax LP12, the zero-compromise pinnacle of our engineering endeavour.
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.
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J.Sikora
Initial Max Line
14571
/
Released
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.
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Gold Note
Mediterraneo X
12999
/
Released
2023
Taking its inspiration from the iconic Mediterraneo, this innovative turntable blends tradition with technology to cater for analogue enthusiasts after a next-gen record player with cutting-edge and authentically high-end features.
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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines traditional materials with user-friendly digital technology and contemporary Italian style
- The plinth has a triple-layer architecture of materials with different densities and structures to break resonance patterns and prevent the transmission of vibrations
- Delivers an extraordinary audio experience, with pristine speed consistency, minimal vibration, and an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio
- Has an intuitive touchscreen interface for precise control over motor speed and torque adjustments, playback parameters, and cartridge wear monitoring
- Offers the ability to adjust the torque in five stages while playing, allowing for subtle audio differences
Product Considerations
- Substantial in size, requiring dedicated space
- The felt mat might be considered surprisingly thin for a turntable of this caliber
- May require professional setup for optimal performance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Gold Note X's performance mirrored the original pressing more faithfully, compared to Thorens
Takeaway: The Mediterraneo X is a beautifully designed turntable that offers excellent sound quality and innovative features. The adjustable torque and built-in cartridge timer make it a joy to use and a great choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
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.
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