Inspire Direct Drive reviewed in Hi-Fi World.

[Audioman]

The Inspire Monarch is launched with a very favourable review by Rafael Todes. It is based on Technics SL1200 electronics housed in a new plinth that can accomodate 12" arms. A heavy aluminium and sorbothane sandwhich forms the platter which is similar in shape to the Technics. There is also a 21v power supply included. Pricey though at £3970.

They have achieved what Dave Cawley was once promising but incapable of delivering. My only initial reservation is that records are placed directly on the grooved steel platter. The review was done with an SME 312S and Ortofon Winfield cartridge.

Verdict (5 globes awarded). 'Startlingly musical performance with blistering speed and dynamics yet smoothness, sophistication and purity of tone too. Superb'

[MartinT]

Interesting. I'll have to buy a copy but that seems to add to claims that the Techie motor and electronics are indeed world class.

[Marco]

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14332

;)

Marco.

[purite audio]

There is a PDF of the review on the Inspire HiFi, site.
Keith.

[MartinT]

Thanks, Keith.

[purite audio]

As a matter of interest Rafael the reviewer is an extremely capable musician and plays in the Allegri quartet,
Keith.

[Wakefield Turntables]

A heavy aluminium and sorbothane sandwhich forms the platter which is similar in shape to the Technics. There is also a 21v power supply included. Pricey though at £3970.


This is VERY cheap. I'm in for about 4 grand (7 grand if I bought everything new) with my 1210, and I'm still spending!

[Marco]

Remember that the price quoted doesn't include a tonearm ;)

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Remember that the price quoted doesn't include a tonearm ;)

Marco.

OK so its not so cheap :stalks: :lol:

[WOStantonCS100]

I'm not sure I dig the "joy stick" thingy. :scratch: I can't remember if the article said the bearing was upgraded. It would have to be upgraded a looooonnnggg way to out due the MN bearing.

[purite audio]

Yes the bearing has been replaced, with a phosphor bronze unit, I wasn't so sure about the joystick when I first saw photographs of theMonarch, but in use it is a real joy, like a small gearshift, forward to start backwards to stop, left and right for 33 and 45, indicated by LEDs .
It is a superb turntable.
Keith.

[MartinT]

The review reads well, like all of the latent strengths we know the Techie design to have.

[purite audio]

I believe as a result of review a Monarch has replaced a 'time step' 1200 and a NA turntable in the reviewers system.
Keith.