Amazon Audio Model One (GBP 2500.00 exc arm & cart)

The Model One is a very attractive turntable to look at, but it also happens to be one of the very best sounding units you can buy. We like the elegant simplicity of the design. So often, world beating turntables are designed along the form follows function principle which leaves you with a piece of industrial looking machinery in your living room - not so with the Amazon. The stark contrast of the sharp edged black Acrylic plinth and the pearlescent platter makes for a very elegant unit. Right, that's enough waffle; what do you get for your money?

A substantial platter, with supplied precision clamp, sits on a close tolerance inverted bearing using an ultra hard ceramic ball. The plinth is divided into two layers, with the bearing in the top half, and the bottom half sitting on spikes. Sorbothane energy absorbing pads separate the two layers.

The motor assembly is completely separate, with the DC motor driven by a rechargeable battery pack. Charging circuitry is built in, as is an integral LCD voltmeter to assess state of charge. A 33.3 / 45rpm switch is accompanied by two concealed screwdriver preset speed adjusters. Drive is transferred by a very fine but strong elastic thread.

As with the Model Two, we usually sell the One with a Morch arm - there is a special synergy in that Amazon use Morch as their reference arm, but armboards can be supplied cut for any popular arm, and the armboard is easily changed.

Sonically, the Amazon is very neutral and uncoloured, light footed, and open, very different to the rather dull approach you get from some heavyweights, and very engaging to listen to. The turntable, in other words, doesn't get in the way. The nearest comparison is with the late lamented Pink Triangle Anniversary turntable (with battery supply) - it has a lot of the same strengths, but does much more, and much more consistently too!