TURNTABLE AVID SEQUEL SP

We never got to hear the original Avid Sequel, which from all reports was a fantastic bit of kit. But we were delighted to spend time with this improved version, the Avid Sequel SP, which now benefits from the newest version of Avid’s DSP variable speed power supply, as well as its twin-belt drive and the latest (improved) version of the company’s famous ‘upside-down’ main bearing.

EQUIPMENT

The single most important component on a turntable, after the motor, is the bearing. It’s the major source of noise (or, hopefully, lack of noise) during playback, it can be contribute to wow and flutter, and can also cause frequency-induced modulation distortion.

Avid is one of very few companies to use an inverted bearing, ‘upside down’ compared to those used by the majority of turntable manufacturers. Inverted bearings are rare because they’re more difficult and expensive to manufacture, and a bit ‘fiddlier’ to assemble. It comprises an inverted stainless steel thrust shaft, at the tip of which