Record Roundup 31: Lamborghinis, Streamers And Wristwatches
Andover Audio's new SpinBase MAX2 speaker system for turntables
Welcome to the 31st edition of Record Roundup, my ongoing coverage of the latest developments in the world of turntables and record players. This edition features several unique turntables, a new speaker system from Andover Audio, a TT-friendly streaming amp and the wristwatch for Technics SL-1200 fans.
For those with deep pockets who are looking for a unique turntable, the Waiting For Ideas Turntable PP-1 should fit the bill. This Paris-based creative studio partnered with Miniot Technology to offer the ultimate in minimalist design: a monolithic block of anodized aluminum (offered in a space gray or black finish) that plays records. There's no visible tonearm, but place a record on the sunken platter and a hidden door opens beneath the record being played to reveal the cartridge and stylus. Pricing for this made to order statement turntable is around $6,000.
Top view of the Turntable PP-1, showing the door that conceals the cartridge
Somewhere, a marketing team produced a Venn diagram showing overlap between music lovers who prefer listening to records and car lovers who have a thing for Lamborghinis. If you are in this demographic, Technics has the turntable for you. A special edition of the Technics SL-1200 Series (a coreless direct drive turntable loved by DJs) offers Lamborghini-inspired paint jobs in a choice of three colors: Arancio Apodis, Verde Shock, and Giallo Athon (or orange, green and yellow for those not in the know). Each of these special edition turntables also includes a Lamborghini-crested slipmat and a record featuring 'the engine sounds of flagship Automobili Lamborghini cars.'
The Technics Special Edition Lamborghini turntable carries a $1599.99 price tag, which is a premium over the base SL-1200, but it's a heck of a lot more affordable than a Lamborghini Revuelto.
Technics Special Edition Lamborghini Turntable in Verde Shock
Massachusetts-based Andover Audio never stops innovating. Two years ago I reviewed the company's SpinBase MAX, a turntable audio system that leveraged proprietary ISOgroove technology and audio engineering expertise to deliver an immersive record listening experience from a single, space-saving cabinet that sits beneath the turntable itself.
Andover Audio has just released the followup SpinBase MAX 2. It's still a space-saver that sits beneath your turntable and includes an integrated PHONO pre-amp. In fact, it looks almost identical to the original. But the new version gets an upgrade to six drivers (four 3.5-inch woofers and two silk dome tweeters), making the 270 degree soundstage even more convincing. And with 100W of total amplification on tap, the SpinBase MAX 2 has the power to fill even the largest rooms.
I have a SpinBase MAX 2 set up in my office, so watch for my take on the latest Andover Audio release in the coming weeks.
The SpinBase MAX 2 uses IsoGroove technology so you can set your turntable on top of it without ... More distortion
Eversolo has very smart-looking amplifier that's designed to deliver the best in modern streaming music capabilities. The Eversolo Play offers multi-room capability (with room correction), a multi-band professional EQ, a 32-bit DAC, extensive high resolution digital file format support and up to 110W per channel of power. The premium, CNC-machined aluminum enclosure features a 5.5-inch HD touch display–perfect for viewing album art from integrated streaming music platforms such as Tidal and Apple Music. You can also use your smartphone for control. Around back, you'll find a wide range of inputs and outputs, including an integrated PHONO stage–plug in your turntable for the best of modern digital and analog music playback.
There's even a version with a built-in CD player, so you can have comprehensive physical media playback capability in a modern amplifier.
Eversolo Play is a modern music streaming amplifier with turntable support
Finally, for those who want to fly their vinyl flag publicly, AndoAndoAndo has the must-have wristwatch. The Vinyl Record Automatic Watch (available in a variety of color combinations) is designed to look like the iconic Technics SL-1200 turntable with a tonearm instead of an hour hand. Maybe not the most practical timepiece, but definitely among the coolest.
The ultimate watch for record fans?
Missed the last Record Roundup? You can read RR30 here.
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