Vinyl
Revival? Resurgence? Revolution? Whatever you want to call it, vinyl is still highly prized by audiophiles. Modern pressing techniques encode so much detail onto each LP that digital struggles to keep up. Oh yeah, and people say it sounds warm. Whatever that means. Any which way, we’ve got one of the largest ranges of turntables in the country and all the accessories you need to get the most from your wax slab.
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Acoustic Signature Invictus Neo (without Tonearm or Cartridge)
This incomparable turntable has been assembled with a total of 479 individual, hand-constructed parts.
Up to four tone arms can be added in its construction; the Invictus can be fitted with approximately every tone arm thereby enabling a never before existent flexibility and at the same time fulfilling the highest demands in musicality, rendition and aesthetics.
The base for the Invictus consists of an elaborately shaped lower section optimized in terms of stiffness and low vibration according to the latest knowledge in mechanics and application of finite element methods. A perfectly shaped cover panel is placed over this with the actual Invictus chassis resting on top of it.
These turntables are hewn from their raw materials in the German factory. Nothing is bought in or left to chance. Once you feel and hear an Invictus in person do you understand the pinnacle of engineering upon which it sits.
Built to order in Germany.
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Acoustic Signature Invictus Junior NEO ... not inc tonearm and cartridge
Best in the world ... a limited league. Hearing Roger Waters "Amused to death" on this machine was quite simply the best LP listening experience of my highly saturated with vinyl life. it was at the last Munich Hi Fi Show in a room with a magnificent integrated valve amplifier and a pair of huge loudspeakers that I found this turntable as the source. Now Munich Hi End show is full of amazing ampz and speakers and much of the battle there for the attention of the visitors is the source. This Roger Waters album has been a steadfast demo in our business since we opened in 1990 and to say I know it intimately is an understatement. The experience of hearing it being played from the Invictus Junior will stay with me for the rest of my mortal.
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Acoustic Signature Ascona Neo, without tonearm and cartridge
This is a Turntable that sits pride of place in the reference system here at Carlton Audio Visual. To put this first into context, our reference system consists of the Sonus Faber Flagship Aida 2 Speakers, Audio Research 160M Monoblocks & Ref 6 Pre-amp with a matching CD9SE CD player and PH9 phono stage.
Even though we have an extensive range of turntables, we still didn't have the right one for this system.
It wasn't until Rab went to Munich High-End Hi-Fi show and sat down and listened to the Acoustic Signature's range, that he found THE ONE. He said the Invictus (@ c. $275,000 AUD) was the best turntable he had ever heard BUT this, the Ascona, holds many of the technical details of the Invictus and would also sit perfectly on our ready to go Basso Continuo rack (Invictus was a liiiittle large).
Most importantly, the Ascona brings to life an analogue recording like nothing we've ever had in store. The 3D image of the music is papable. When we play Adele's 21, I feel like I can take a step and touch the microphone that she's singing into.
We made sure to have the TA-9000 Tonearm mounted to this beauty.The TA-9000 is in itself an engineering marvel and I'm not the only person to believe that it is simply the very best tonearm money can buy. They make each of these with a Selective Laser Melting Process Machine millimeter by millimeter so that the inner tube is connected to the outer tubing with a precise tree-branch structure that COMPLETELY does away with resonance effects.
We've finished off the set up with a Van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius cartridge.
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The Yamaha 5000 system ... when a music instrument superpower makes a high fidelity system
This is an ambitious high end single brand system that throws down the gauntlet from Japan to the rest of the World. Needless to say Yamaha have the resources to pull something like this off. Although the elements of the 5000 are firmly based on the iconic NS1000 loudspeakers and the turntable pre and power amplifiers of the time, this system is thoroughly representative of third decade 21st century materials and design. The Absolute Sound on the Yamaha 5000 system Learn More -
Acoustic Signature Montana Neo (without tonearm and cartridge)
Engineered and manufactured in Germany in the corner of Germany where high-end car manufacturers go to have their spare parts made. With this sort of expertise and engineering capability in the area, it's no wonder that Acoustic Signature produce the finest Turntables in the world.
The Montana Neo boasts 3 separate motors uniquely contolled in real time by Acoustic Signature's Digital Motor Controller, a high mass (13kg) platter with 24 silencers embeded into it and an integrated control panel on the chassis.
This is Michael Fremer of the Absolute Sound magazine talking about his own Hi Fi system that includes the Acoustic Signature Montana from 15 minutes and 25 seconds into the video:
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Van Den Hul The Grail SX Flagship Phonograph Preamplifier
Van den Hul presents their brand new The Grail SX phono preamplifier, with numerous innovations over its predecessors.
Over five decades ago, we invented our phono cartridge stylus, the van den Hul 1S. During these decades, we produced phono cartridges as well. These cartridges are seen as one the best in their class and famous worldwide. But if you become the class-leading manufacturer of phono cartridges, why do you no invent t your own phono preamplifier?
This is what happened in 2009 when we launched the original Grail. During the years we came up with the Grail SB (balanced in and outputs) and the SE (balanced and a dual mono board).
And now there’s a new and even better kid in town! Meet the successor of the Grail SE and our newest flagship phono amplifier, the Van den Hul Grail SX.
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Acoustic Signature Ascona Mk3 Turntable (No Tonearms)
We are looking to move on this exceptional state of the art turntable to make way something even a bit better. So we are offering it at a very special price.
Priced without a Tonearm please talk to us about options for Tonearms.
This is THE Turntable that sits pride of place in the reference system here at Carlton Audio Visual. To put this first into context, our reference system consists of the Sonus Faber Flagship Aida 2 Speakers, Audio Research 160M Monoblocks & Ref 6 Pre-amp with a matching CD9SE CD player and PH9 phono stage. This is it...
Even though we have an extensive range of turntables, we still didn't have the right one for this system.
It wasn't until Rab went to Munich High-End Hi-Fi show and sat down and listened to the Acoustic Signature's range, that he found THE ONE. He said the Invictus (@ c. $275,000 AUD) was the best turntable he had ever heard BUT this, the Ascona, holds many of the technical details of the Invictus and would also sit perfectly on our ready to go Basso Continuo rack (Invictus was a liiiittle large).
Most importantly, the Ascona brings to life an analogue recording like nothing we've ever had in store. The 3D image of the music is papable. When we play Adele's 21, I feel like I can take a step and touch the microphone that she's singing into.
We made sure to have the TA-9000 Tonearm mounted to this beauty.The TA-9000 is in itself an engineering marvel and I'm not the only person to believe that it is simply the very best tonearm money can buy. They make each of these with a Selective Laser Melting Process Machine millimeter by millimeter so that the inner tube is connected to the outer tubing with a precise tree-branch structure that COMPLETELY does away with resonance effects.
We've finished off the set up with a Van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius cartridge.
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Acoustic Signature Typhoon Neo Turntable ... elemental force of analog
With three separate motors all controled by a digital speed controller and the iconic triple-footed design this turntable is the ultimate balance in performance and proportion.
Many turntables in this price range are over complicated beasts. The Typhoon is sleek and unassuming in comparison. The bare metal finishes are impeccable and show off a raw yet elegant product.
Acoustic Signature produce a sound that is hard to describe because it lacks what other turntable companies may call sound signature. One might argue that this is probably more accurately described as distortion.
One of the absolute joys of being able ot play around with Acoustic Signature turntables is that the sound and tone of different cartridges really shine on these decks. Because the fundamental tone of the turntable is neutral you can really get the most out of a whole range of different cartridges.
All the detail you probably have never even imagined, right before your ears.
Acoustic Signature are German manufacturers of the highest calibre. Everything is done for the sole purpose of making a better sounding turntable - there are no cheap marketing frills. The results and the music are simply sublime.
"The elemental force from Swabia" Analog Sources on the Typhoon NEO
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Acoustic Signature TA-7000 Neo Tonearm
There is no doubt that this Tonearm is a serious High-end tonearm and the sort of unit that brings magic into your living room. There will be many oohs and ahhs when details in musical performance shine through the equipment.
3-D printed internal structure that makes this one of the most resonant free Tonearms available.
It is nearly as good as the TA-9000 Neo. It doesn't have quite the complicated 3-D printed internal structure as the TA-9000 but a slightly simpler version of it. It also has a stainless steel tonearm axis design like the 9000. This gives it rigidity and a super smooth operation.
Some differences are the carbon fibre external tubing and the elegant yet boxier design of the stainless steel axis.
Of course this Tonearm is not cheap, but bear in mind that the TA-9000 Neo is almost double the price and you're pretty much there with this unit.
Currently we have this Tonearm mounted on the Acoustic Signature Verona NEO Turntable. Come in for transportation to your own musical magical forest.
Or if you can't make it in but you'd like to drool over this Tonearm regardless...follow the link here
Available in 9" version and a 12" version. 12" version is $28,600.
Additional price for Black - $1870
Additional price for Gold/Chrome colourway - $11,600
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Acoustic Signature Verona Neo Turntable ... Force and Elegance
The Acoustic Signature Verona Neo may be expensive, but for $22K as a pure drive it is not yet completely out of the question. And it offers massive value in terms of sound, mechanics and appearance.
This is the brand new big brother to the Double X NEO. Incorporating the elegant classic look of the Double X NEO with the capabilities and specifications of the higher range turntables.
The Verona NEO is made in Germany to the exacting specifications of their engineers and designers all of whom work under the same roof. In fact even Gunther and Jacqueline Frohnhoefer live and work in the Acoustic Signature buildings. Gunther founded Acoustic Signature in the mid 90s driven by a passion for analogue music reproduction that was not on trend at the time! His commitment and foresight has paid off and the result is some of the best turntables in the world.
The Verona encapsulates the ultimate in high-end turntable manufacture. The double motors, the inclusion of the DMC 20 (Digital Motor Control), capability for dual tonearms of between 9 and 12 inches means this turntable has the inky black background, quietness and refinement of the big ultra high end metal models in the Acoustic Signature range. All of this within a classic wooden chassis appearance that is an absolute null vibrationally.
"Low Beats" May 2024 on the Verona
"Stereophile" review June 2024 pdf download on the Verona
"Low Beats" review May 2024 on the Verona
"Image Hi-Fi" review Feb 2024 pdf download on the Verona
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Audio Research PH9, Phono Stage
The PH9 phono preamplifier is a great pairing with most cartridge and turntable combinations.
A trio of 6H30 vacuum tubes are at the core of a simple and clear signal path to provide the most transparent preamplification possible.
Five different impedance settings allow for cartridge loading, which can be changed on the fly with the included metal remote. Cartridge impedance, tube hours, auto shutdown, and other features are included in the menu system.
The PH9 forms an integral part of our reference system and sits alongside the Audio Research Ref 6 preamp and 160M Monoblocks that power the Sonus Faber Aida 2s.
We currently run the exceptional Acoustic Signature Ascona Mk3 Turntable with this system.
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Rega Naia Turntable
The Rega Naia has been built as the production successor to the original Rega Niad that was such a beautiful thing, but it could only be ever made one at a time by hand using all the resources of the factory. That's why Mr Gandy and associates decided to produce the Naia, a somewhat more affordable British reference turntable built on the principles of the Niad. Learn More -
Van den Hul Colibri XGW 'Gran Cru Elite'
The new best of the best reference cartridge from Van den Hul.
Utilising the Hawaiin Koa wood for its body which has particular resonant frequencies perfect for cartridge contruction. This wood is very popular in making guitars and Ukeles as its resonant properties are becoming more widely known. Hawaiins have also used this wood to construct smaller, weightier surfboards.
Over and above the Colibri XGW 'Gran Cru' this improved version has reduced thickness and tension in the wiring of the gold coils for an even more dynamic lithe sound. Also upgraded suspension for the canter lever.
And it of course has your hand-wound crystal matched gold wiring coils, an extra magnet for even more resolution.
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Acoustic Signature Hurricane Neo (without Tonearm & Cartridge)
The next level in analogue reproduction. The Hurricane introduces a second motor to stabilise and raise the performance of the already exquisite, Tornado Neo.
These German turntables are high mass engineering marvels. Designers have tried many other ways to build turntables like springs, magnetic levitation and light weight acoustically dampening materials. Essentially they have skirted around having to actually build proper bearings to cope with the loads of real High Mass decks. Building real bearings like those in the new Neo range of Acoustic Signature is hard!
The silencer concept in the Acoustic Signature Turntables have also elimated the resonant frequencies that casued issues in other High Mass turntables.
Dynamics, precision, naturalness and spine-tingles are all there for the taking with the Hurricane Neo.
There are few companies that are truly made-in-house and Acoustic Signature is one of those rare manufacturers. Literally pieces of metal are delivered to Acoustic Signature and what comes out is a perfectly formed Turntable.
This is one of those coveted pieces of Audio equipment that will out live you and probably your children. It is heirloom quality and when you purchase one, I advise putting it in your Will to avoid familial conflicts later on...
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Van Den Hul Colibri XGW 'Gran Cru'
The VDH Colibri XGW 'Gran Cru' is the culmination of A.J. van den Hul's 44 years of phono cartridge research and development. The Colibri Gran Cru (a special Grand Vintage, you might say) features hand-wound gold wire coils and a solid boron cantilever while the outer shell, or cartridge body, is constructed from the Koa tree. This is a Hawaiin tree revered for its use in instrument making and some surfboards.
This translates to a targeted set of resonance patterns within the structure leading to pleasing music reproduction.
Pairing this Koa wood with the hand-wound matched crystal gold coils AND an extra magnet for even more resolution means this cartridge hits the next level in performance.
This is an extraordinary cartridge, that gives you everything - Resolution, musicality, huge dynamics and warmth.
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Michell Orbe (no Tonearm)
Michell utilise an inverted oil circulating bearing technology that completely revolutionised turntables when they introduced it. It results in near non existent friction in the bearing that leads to a tight and defined bass sound that other turntable companies can't reproduce.
An extra heavy design that absorbs vibrations creating the perfect inert platform for music playback as well as a spiffed up motor and power supply set this deck apart from other Michell Turntables.
Generally we specify a tonearm like the Rega RB3000 (RRP $2749) on this deck.
For a number of our staff members, the Orbe has been the Turntable of choice. The vinyl obsessives amongst us revel in the dexterity and clarity of sound this deck produces. True HiFi fanatics rejoice...Amen.
This version of the Orbe complete with perspex plinth and lid that keep out pesky environmental disturbances (something as simple as walking around on the floor near the Turntable) to create an even more inert deck and controlled sound.
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Acoustic Signature Tornado Neo (without Tonearm or Cartridge)
Modeled on the High End Invictus Turntable, the Tornado Neo offers the best of Acoustic Signature design at a modest price point.
Complete with 4 silencers on the platter that dampen vibrations, capacity to have up to 3 different tonearms and diamond coated spindle on the bearing, this is a serious turntable from a company that's serious about turntables.
You won't find any mention of colouration, bloom or muddiness in descriptions of this turntable. If you're after the fluffy uncontrolled vinyl sounds of the 70s, there are many other options out there. If you want to hear what modern turntable design of the 21st century can do when every detail of the Turntable is examined for its inertia and low resonance properties, you must look at an Acoustic Signature. The result of though-out engineering coupled with an exposed yet beautiful industrial design is a turntable that is sounds devastatingly clear and musical and shows off its engineering prowess with a raw beauty.
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Van den Hul Colibri XGW 'Master Signature'
Another extraordinary cartridge in the Colibri range of Van den Hul cartridges. This version is made from the Brazillian wood Pau Ferro which has been used for centuries by the most celebrated 17th century Italian violin makers particularly in bow making.
Setting it apart from the Colibri XGW 'Stradavarius' is its extra magnet for even better resolution.
It has the same hand-wound matched crystal gold coils as most of the Colibri range has.
Keeping that effortless musicality but with even more resolution, a beautiful cartridge.
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Soundsmith Hyperion Moving Iron Cartridge
The HYPERION is the cartridge of choice for the most esteemed audio equipment manufacturers. Why? Because when they exhibit their gear at Hi-Fi shows, they want their turntable, amplifier or speaker systems to sound the very best that they can! Peter Ledermann‘s radical design utilizes an actual “cactus spine” for the cantilever. The naturally tapered shape, stacked columnar fibers and desiccated resin damping fit the exact parameters of the perfect cantilever: Low mass, extreme rigidity, internal damping, and tremendous strength. Also available in a Dual Compliance Design for older Linear Tracking turntables as the HYPERION LT. The Hyperions are offered with a choice of CL or OC-CL stylus. Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann - Made in the USA
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Yamaha GT-5000 Turntable...... A Japanese Homage to the monsters of the 70's & 80's
The Yamaha GT5000 ... a turntable uniquely made by its own rules ... I think the tonearm design is excellent. I have sat through days literally of playing the GT5000 to the most critical possible audience at Hi Fi shows and not one indivisual has noted any tracking or balance errors, because there are none. Supremely low noise and precise is the emphasis here and the unique balanced out is a perfect match for a high quality phono stage or, even better, a C5000 preamplifier ...
By the way although this shares a designation of a certain American sports car ... that is far too crude an analogy for the precision and quality of this Record Player. More like a Nissan GT-R Nismo edition ...
Please note the outstanding reviews this turntable has been getting in the description below ...
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