costly rotational music play devices from around the globe
In the world of high-end audio equipment, a select few turntables stand out for their extraordinary prices and exceptional performance. Here are some of the most expensive models currently available.
TEAC TN-5BB
Retailing for around $89,000, the TEAC TN-5BB represents one of the highest price points for a turntable recently introduced. This flagship model offers exceptional engineering, vibration isolation, and audio transparency, making it a sought-after choice for audiophiles.
Vertere SG-1
The Vertere SG-1, when combined with its Imperium motor drive, the Pathfinder tonearm, the XtraX moving coil cartridge, and a top-end mains cable, can reach extremely high system prices. Noted for exceptional engineering and audio transparency, this unit weighs 45kg and is a testament to the pinnacle of turntable technology.
Clearaudio Statement v2
The Clearaudio Statement v2, priced at £136,500, is a unique turntable made from bullet-proof wood sandwiched between aluminium plates. Instead of using an air main bearing, it floats the platter with magnetism. This innovative design, combined with its two-chassis construction, aims to provide a level playing platform free from standing waves.
Other Notable Mentions
- The J.C. Verdier La Platine Magnum turntable, weighing 400kg and featuring a 50cm platter, costs £95,000.
- The Transrotor Artus turntable, made from solid aluminium and acrylic, has a weight of a quarter of a tonne and delivers a completely level playing platform using 'cardanic suspension' and a contact-less magnetic field drive.
- The Rossner and Sohn MOTT turntable, with an overall weight of 325kg, comes with automatic pneumatic adjustment and an air bearing.
- The Audio Consulting R-evolution Meteor turntable, made from a tree that has been dried for at least 20 years, uses a two-chassis construction designed "to avoid any standing waves".
- The One Degree turntable, designed by NASA space engineer Aleks Bakman, eliminates all resonance thanks to liquid suspension and uses "aerospace grade metals". It weighs 23kg and costs £105,000.
- The Basis Audio Work of Art turntable uses a vacuum system to hold the record down on the platter and claims to restore warped records to "exact flatness".
- The Derenville VPM 2010-1 turntable, with an integrated digital scale, HD camera, and touchscreen remote control, has two frequency-controlled motors on the belt, a solid 60kg Corian chassis standing on four air suspension feet, and laser toe angle measurement.
- The TechDAS Air Force One turntable uses an air bearing to support the platter and achieve isolation, and can flatten warped discs onto its platter.
- The Goldmund Reference II turntable has a platter that weighs 20kg, and some 15kg of brass-shielding for the motor.
- The OneDof One Degree turntable, a German model, costs £105,000.
While other audiophile turntables generally range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, these flagship models reach stratospheric prices, catering to a niche market of audiophiles seeking the absolute pinnacle of sound quality.
- The TEAC TN-5BB, an amplifier that retails for approximately $89,000, showcases exceptional engineering and vibration isolation, making it a top choice for audio enthusiast in the hi-fi news.
- The Vertere SG-1, when teamed with its Imperium motor drive, Pathfinder tonearm, XtraX moving coil cartridge, and a high-end mains cable, can command extremely high system prices, being noted for its engineering and audio transparency.
- The Clearaudio Statement v2, priced at £136,500, is a unique turntable, crafted from bullet-proof wood sandwiched between aluminium plates, aimed at providing a level playing platform free from standing waves in the lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and technology sectors.
- Some other notable mentions include the J.C. Verdier La Platine Magnum turntable, which costs £95,000 and features a 50cm platter; the Transrotor Artus turntable, made from solid aluminium and acrylic, known for its cardanic suspension and magnetic field drive; and the Rossner and Sohn MOTT turntable, weighing 325kg and using automatic pneumatic adjustment and air bearing.
- The Audio Consulting R-evolution Meteor turntable, with a two-chassis construction designed "to avoid any standing waves", is crafted from a tree that has been dried for at least 20 years, catering to the preferences of entertainment and self-development enthusiasts.
- The One Degree turntable, eliminating all resonance thanks to liquid suspension and featuring aerospace grade metals, costs £105,000, attracting the attention of those interested in general news, sports, and casino-and-gambling.
- The Basis Audio Work of Art turntable uses a vacuum system to ensure the record lies flat on the platter, promising to restore warped records to "exact flatness" in the education-and-self-development and entertainment markets.
- The Derenville VPM 2010-1 turntable, with an integrated digital scale, HD camera, and touchscreen remote control, offers two frequency-controlled motors on the belt, a solid 60kg Corian chassis standing on four air suspension feet, and laser toe angle measurement, appealing to the tech-savvy audience.
- The TechDAS Air Force One turntable uses an air bearing to support the platter and achieve isolation, catering to those who appreciate innovative solutions in the travel and finance sectors.
- The Goldmund Reference II turntable, with a platter weighing 20kg and some 15kg of brass-shielding for the motor, finds its place among the preferred choices of avid audiophiles in the entertainment and lifestyle spheres.
- Lastly, we have the OneDof One Degree turntable, a German model, priced at £105,000, aiming to please the discerning tastes of audiophiles across various fields.