Thales TTT-Slim II, Simplicity II, X-quisite CA turntable, arm and cartridge

With really big bands like the National Symphony Orchestra [España, Chasing the Dragon] you get a really inky black background that allows the solo voice of Rosie Middleton to project a powerful image, the backing delivering real dynamics thanks to the solid low end of the turntable. With the contemporary folk rock vibe of Ryley Walker’s Golden Sings That Have Been Sung [Dead Oceans] it feels like the Thales is opening up the recording and giving a sense of expanded time, the relaxed nature of the songs and the depth of tone being particularly enthralling.

This Thales package combines technologies like battery power and a tangential headshell that few other record players offer. Build quality is in the premier league and finish superb, so there’s a lot to like. But ultimately it’s the way it makes all manner of music engaging and accessible that’s important; these technologies have been harnessed in the service of the music, which is the way it should always be.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

TTT-Slim II

• Type: Battery-powered, DC-drive turntable.
• Rotational Speeds: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM.
• Drive Mechanism: Belt driven via brushless DC motor
• Speed Control: Closed loop controller with ultra-precise reference voltage
• Platter Type: 12-inch aluminium platter with high density rubber mat
• Platter Weight: 4kg
• Bearing Type: hardened carbon tool steel in sintered bronze bushing in graphite cast iron housing
• Plinth Configuration: Rigid, on optional damped base
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 100 x 423 x 305mm
• Weight: 12kg
• Simplicity II tonearm
• Type: Five axis micro bearing-equipped tonearm.
• Tonearm Length: 9 inches
• Effective mass: 18g
• Offset Angle: variable.
• Signal Cable Length: Various options available.
• Weight: 650g
• Price: £11,250 including Simplicity II arm

X-quisite CA

• Type: Low output moving coil phono cartridge.
• Stylus/Cantilever: Micro-ridge diamond tip on monobloc ceramic cantilever.
• Tracking Force: 1.9 – 2.1g
• Load: 400 – 800 Ohms
• Compliance: 12µm/mN.
• Output (at 5cm/s): 0.3 mv
• Weight: 14.8g
• Load: 400–800 Ohms
• Compliance: 12µm/mN
• Output (at 5cm/s): 0.3 mv
• Weight: 14.8g
• Price: £7,500

Manufacturer: HiFiction AG

URL: tonarm.ch

UK Distributor: Fi Audio

Tel: +44 (0)1563 574 185

URL: fiaudio.co.uk

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