Launched at High End Munich 2019 earlier this year to much fanfare, the new Brinkmann Audio Taurus turntable takes the company’s sophisticated Direct Drive technology to the next level.
The new Taurus turntable – which is shipping now and is available in Australia at a special introductory price (see below) – has been designed to accept up to two tonearms while the new chassis features a 40mm heavy duty ‘Duraluminum’ construction that aims to keep resonance and vibrational distortions away from the tonearm support (‘Resonance-optimised geometry’ in Brinkmann-speak). The tonearm changing system, which Brinkmann Audio calls a ‘Collar’ allows wide compatibility with 9-inch to 12-inch tonearms from just about any manufacturer.
In a move inspired by Brinkmann Audio’s “iconic” Balance turntable and its wired speed selection system, the new Taurus features wireless 33 rpm and 45 rpm speed selection via an engraved machined aluminium disc. The Taurus’ bearing is a lubricated precision hydrodynamic journal unit said to be very quiet and maintenance-free.
Also proprietary is Taurus’ magnetic field motor which has been built to Brinkmann Audio’s strict specifications and which uses the company’s ‘Soft’ speed control. The ‘table is outfitted with the bespoke ‘Performance Power Supply’ or, alternatively, Brinkmann Audio offers the RöNt optional vacuum tube power supply. The Taurus turntable is provided with an easy to clean crystal glass platter mat which sits on the 10kg machined alloy platter.
According to Brinkmann Audio, the Taurus turntable “… delivers deeper, more visceral bass combined with the dynamic agility and forward drive which characterize all Brinkmann direct drive turntables.”
The Taurus caters for wide connectivity options by way of RCA, XLR or feed-through keyway for tonearms with 5-pin DIN connectors. In addition to the optional RöNt vacuum tube power supply, Brinkmann Audio is also offering a bespoke Granite Base and custom HRS Isolation Base as further upgrades.
Harry Ralston from distributor Audio Fidelity told SoundStage! Australia, “Ever since Helmut Brinkmann wrote his White Paper explaining the hows and whys of overcoming the complexities of manufacturing an affordable direct drive turntable, I have come to admire his resolve in introducing the next step up, only when it is just right!” Ralston went on to say, “In present tough times within the audio industry it is rather bold of Helmut Brinkmann to introduce a brand new model to his already well-revered range. It will come as no surprise to me that, through Helmut's passion and dedication, the Taurus with its adaptability will become a top contender and probably a collector’s item amongst the direct drive peers, past and present.”
Brinkmann Audio Taurus Turntable
Price: AU$22,990 (second arm board AU$4399), Special introductory price on request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Australian Distributor: Audio Fidelity
+61 3 9036 2751
www.audiofidelity.com.au
