UK specialist turntable manufacturer AVID has been around for almost three decades, turning out everything in the chain, from cartridges and tonearms to amplifiers, speakers and accessories. The Cambridge-based company designs and assembles its products in-house to ensure they are “built for life”.
AVID’s latest offering is what is calls the “Dark Iron” finish for its entry-point in the reference Acutus turntable line-up; it’s the brand’s first new turntable offering in six years, replacing the previous Dark Limited Edition version. The finish is less expensive to execute than the familiar chrome of the costlier Acutus models.
The motor system, coupled to the main chassis, is designed to “maintain correct drive-belt alignment, even when the turntable is levelled using the adjustable feet” and “eliminate speed-related issues.” Also, the high-torque AC synchronous motor provides a “tenfold increase in power over competitive turntables” and delivers improved control and stability.
“Utilising twin round-section drive belts, AVID’s design allows free suspension movement without speed fluctuations. The power supply, employing DSP technology, independently generates frequency for precise speed adjustment. Equipped with an 80VA mains transformer, it functions as an integrated amplifier tailored for the high-torque motor,” the company tells us.
The Dark Iron has a 10kg aluminium platter, topped with a 10mm damping disc and a TMShrunk felt-composite mat – buyers can also upgrade to AVID’s precision resin mat.
“The platter sits on an inverted bearing design which lowers the centre of gravity, where a tungsten carbide ball meets a sapphire jewel, eliminating lateral movement and rumble noise. A self-lubricating sleeve ensures silent, maintenance-free operation.”
The supplied AVID single-action clamp is precision-machined from solid aluminium, and works to flattens records onto the platter, “channelling vibrations to the sub-chassis to reduce noise.” AVID also offers a “dual-operation upgrade for greater control over varying record thicknesses, eliminating warps and air pockets for seamless record-platter connection.”
As for the sub-chassis, the one-piece multi-fold aluminium casting offers strength with controlled movement.
“Coated with damping media, it neutralises vibrations, ensuring a linear and time-sensitive sound response. This, coupled to a suspension system, ensures equal tuning for perfect balance with its 2.5Hz isolation frequency preventing skipping and eliminating external vibrations.”
The AVID Acutus Dark Iron is available to order now, and retails at £10,000/€12,000/$13,000.
The mat and clamp upgrade version is £12,950/€15,000/$17,000, while the mat alone is £3,000/€3,500/$4,000, and the clamp on its own is £500/€600/$700.
Leave a Reply