Mag-Lev audio ML-1 TurnTabLe

The long-awaited Mag-Lev ML-1 turntable, whose platter is not only supported entirely by magnetic force, but is also rotated by magnetic force—so there is no drive motor or belt—is now available in Australia for $3,495 (RRP). The Slovenian company behind the Mag-Lev ML-1 turntable (Mag-Lev Audio) has not released details of exactly how the platter is rotated, other than to say that there is ‘no motor’, and that it’s powered by a ‘magnetic coil drive’. Wow and flutter is claimed to be ‘0.17%’ (no measurement standard specified) and signal-to-noise ratio as ‘–73dB’ (no reference level specified). The turntable platter is made from an ABS/carbon-fibre composite into which are embedded both sections of metal and neodymium magnets, so it weighs 2.2kg. The platter can be rotated at either 33.33 or 45 rpm.

The Mag-Lev ML-1 comes pre-fitted with a Pro-Ject 9cc tonearm. The arm-tube has an effective length of 228.6mm (9 inches), is made from carbon-fibre and the support pivot has ball-race vertical and horizontal bearings. An automatic tonearm lifter mechanism is incorporated into the pivot which lifts the tonearm from the record surface when it reaches the run-out groove. Here in Australia, the tonearm comes pre-fitted with an Ortofon OM10 moving-magnet cartridge which has a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz ±3dB and an elliptical stylus that can be upgraded to a nude elliptical stylus. For more information, contact Mag-Lev’s Australian distributor, Audio Magic, on (03) 9489 5122 or www.audiomagic.com.au