Going Loco on a larger scale
AVM Audio, which has been in business since 1986, chose last year to enter the turntable market with two models that reflect the company’s brushed-aluminum/blue LED visual aesthetics.
It doesn’t take a forensic turntable scientist to figure out who manufactures both of those turntable models. Clearly, Pro-Ject1 does—although some audiophiles might recognize only a few key parts. Other elements, especially the two different tonearm models, may appear unique to AVM, having been built to their specs.
For me, the first hints that the AVM Rotation R 2.3 came from Pro-Ject’s Czech Republic factory were its carton and packaging. The second was its dustcover (even though this was a little more “deluxe” than the Pro-Ject norm and sported an angled top). The third was the phono cables.
Beyond that, on the surface at least, this ’table appears to be a unique AVM design, built to spec. I speculate that the built-in speed controller is probably identical or similar to those built into some Pro-Ject turntables.
As you can see from the measured speed accuracy and consistency (see the figs. on p.26), this $4990 ’table spins at the correct speed, and its consistency rivals that of far more expensive turntables.
An inboard DC motor topped with a crowned aluminum pulley drives a heavy, well-machined aluminum subplatter/bearing spindle assembly—this is similar if not identical to what’s now being used on Pro-Ject’s new Classic EVO turntable—via a flat belt.
The spindle itself and the permanently lubricated bronze bushing in which it rides appear familiar and could be longer versions of ones usually found on less costly Pro-Ject turntables—as opposed to the ceramic ball–equipped inverted bearings found on some of the company’s more costly designs. However, as the measurements indicate, the design and execution are precise, of very high quality, and
