Droplet LP5.0
Droplet LP 5.0 is not simply a turntable, rather it is a 'system' consisting
of turntable and stand, it is constructed from two slabs of polished
pale marble separated by massive, triangular section, anodized-alloy
columns - all tensioned by threaded rods running through the structure.
The shape of the marble echo's the curves of the turntable, with the
columns directly beneath the cones on the base of the turntable.
We have done is kept the design relatively simple and followed well
established 'best practice' - it is a conservative design. In essence
it is a solid plinth design carrying a massive, tool-steel, inverted-bearing
sleeve/shaft with a ceramic ball as the actual load bearing structure.
Enjoy the music extract
Is the entry fee a little steep? Yes and no.
For the guys looking for a decent sounding, affordable table (read =
under $2k complete with arm), this table is completely out of the question.
But, for those of you looking for that last 5%, the Opera
Droplet LP5.0 is a downright steal. It's scary
good for the money. Very few of the
other turntables in this (or nearly any other) price range offer the
features and the sound quality of the LP5. In fact, none of them in this
price range comes with an integrated stand.
To sum up my thoughts on the extremely sexy Opera Droplet LP5.0 turntable,
I'd have to say that if you are in the market for a quality turntable,
you may buy different but you won't necessarily buy better.
This table comes with my highest recommendations.
read full review
Source Components
For those of you looking for that
last 5 percent, the Opera Droplet LP5.0 is a downright steal. It's scary
good for the money. Very few of the other turntables in this (or nearly
any other) price range offer the features and the sound quality of the
LP5. In fact, none of them in this price range comes with an integrated
stand. This table comes with my highest recommendations. — Scott
Faller
Features :
Suspension: Mass-laoded on 3 point solid aluminum domes
Plinth: One piece machined anodized aluminum.
Platter: Machined 67mm acrylic contoured to match record surface (indent
for record label)
Bearing: Large diameter inverted fixed spindle with polished ceramic
ball on teflon thrust plate.
Motor: German manufactured precision hi torque AC motor with pulli(33+45rpm).
Control: Power supply,speed concontrol (33+45rpm) with fine speed adjustment
mounted off plinth in a separate chassis for complete decoupling of motor
and bearing vibrations.
Drive: Mono filament, non clastic drive belt.
Tonearm: 1 tonearms available only.
The German AC motor lives in a separate housing which then
sits on a cork base within the wooden section of the plinth.
- The main bearing and mounting board of the arm is
rigidly linked. Both are bolted to a 1 cm thick alloy plate which sits
via three alloy cylinders onto the wooden part of the plinth.
- The drive is taken via a fishing-line, nylon thread
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MICHELL
TecnoDec Michell's new TecnoDec is essentially a latest-spec
GyroDec with the expensive bits stripped off. To wit, it has
no suspension to speak of, and lacks its bigger brother's beautiful
suspended weights, in all their gold-plated splendour. Frankly
though, if I was going to strip bits off the Gyro to slash cash,
these are precisely what I'd bin. The advent of the new DC motor
(its source still a well kept secret!) has made the new TecnoDec
even more speed-stable than the old, QC-aspired AC Orbe complete
with that massive massloaded acrylic platter. In the new DC powered
world, weighty platters would appear less essential. |
Michell GyroDec
SE Once you hear the Gyrodec SE Mk.II (or rather, don't hear
it), you know it’s going to be in your system for the long
haul. With a naturally balanced cartridge, I have not heard reproduced
music sounding closer to live than through the Gyrodec. I don't
see the need to spend more on a turntable, even after hearing
the big boys at various high end shows. This turntable is designed
to provide long-term satisfaction, and is most highly recommended. Brad
Morrical - Positive Feedback |
SME
Model 10 The SME Model 10 is a welcome addition to a very
fine range, handling all sorts of material with an open and persuasive
balance that encourages you to keep on listening and hunting
for more vinyl (it is out there by the way). As well as being
stylish it's ridiculously well made - so forget your BMWs and
your Lexii. This is Rolls-Royce Aerospace grade hi-fi and it's
a bargain at the price. - JK, Hifi Choice |
Brinkmann LaGrange The
Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without a doubt the best source
component I have ever had the chance to enjoy over an extended
period of time. It represents a level of perfection and emotional
connection to music that I have never heard before. - Danny Kaey
extract from Positive Feedback |
Origin
Live Resolution “In fact, this arm-table
combo is one of the finest performers I’ve heard at any
price....I could make a case for preferring this $4465 spread
to the $20,000+ version .....“The Resolution Modern works
brilliantly, is well-built, and its price is right. But regardless
of price, this is one of the truly special products I’ve
reviewed in the past 18 years.”
($4,465 is for Encounter tonearm & Resolution. $20,000 reference
is Michael’s Simon Yorke S7, Kuzma Air Tracking Arm, Sounds
of Silence platform).
- Michael Fremer, Stereophile July 2004 |
SME Model 20/2A If
I have appeared to be too uncritical of this player, then I apologise
but it is one of the few truly great components to come my way
in recent years. As an evaluation and demonstration tool the 20/2A
is unsurpassed. On occasions I have tried to set up top class systems
only to be frustrated when, despite hours of setting up and fine
adjustment, the system simply fails to gel. This never happened
with an SME player at the front end! - HiFi Choice David
Wiley |
