The
Arezzo Turntable
Review by Jimmy Hughes in Hi-Fi+
"Oscar Wilde claimed to have the simplest of tastes;
he was always satisfied with the best. But, while many of
us would no-doubt - like Oscar - be more than happy with the
most expensive product in a manufacturers range, there is
the small matter of cost. Your available budget doesn’t always
run to the best…..
So, a product that’s keenly priced to begin with and easily
upgradeable, has distinct benefits and appeal. It means you
can start with the standard model, and then upgrade as funds
permit. That’s the big selling point of SRM’s Arezzo turntable.
There are three versions: the basic Arezzo; The Arezzo Kinetic;
and the Arezzo Ultra.
The Arezzo costs £599 and features a resonance-controlled
three part acrylic plinth with three-point isolation. The
AC synchronous motor drives the platter via a ‘Duo Drive’
twin belt system. The Arezzo Kinetic costs £998, and adds
a balanced flywheel alongside the motor, with drive using
five (yes, FIVE!) belts.
The Arezzo Ultra is similar to the Kinetic, but comes with
a high-current power supply, isolation platform, and lift
on/off acrylic dust cover. It costs £1498. The various Arezzo
upgrades are as follows. The Kinetic Drive costs £399. The
High Current PSU costs £399. The isolation platform and dust
cover cost £249. The deck can be bought ready-fitted with
the Moth (Rega) arm. The basic Moth Mk1 (RB-250) with SRM
Resonance-Controlled Counterweight costs £130. With Incognito
wiring, this increases to £245. The Moth Mk 3 (RB-300) with
SRM Resonance Controlled Counterweight costs £165; with Incognito
wiring its £305.
I was pleased to see a lid supplied. With open ‘skeletal’
decks like this one, I always feel the stylus is exposed to
danger - especially with cartridges that do not have a proper
stylus guard. If the turntable is not your main source, and
something only used every now and then, having a lid helps
protect it - and keeps it free from dust.
The deck is supplied with a spongy rubber mat, but the makers
suggest you listen with and without to see which of the two
options you prefer. I felt things sounded better with the
LP on the acrylic platter, but also liked the effect produced
by the ring mat. SRM don’t recommend the use of clamps and
weights, especially if heavy.
The platter runs at 33rpm and 45 rpm, but needs the belts
shifting over to achieve speed change. As previously mentioned,
fitting the belts and getting them running as intended, can
be a bit of a palaver. So, while the deck can be used at 45rpm,
you probably wouldn’t want to swap the belts about too often.
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