CES 2015

Allen Perkins, one of analog audio's most talented designers, walked me through a second generation prototype of the new Spiral Groove Revolution turntable that he says represents, with but a few minor changes, the production version that will soon be in production and for sale.

The new 'table features the same bearing mount, motor and drive system as the top of the line $30,000 SG 1.1 and the $21,000 SG2. The new 'table features a smaller platter than the other models and a larger body (Perkins rejects the use of the word "plinth") that makes it able to be used with arms from 8"-12". The arm board is removable. The final production version will include a groove between plinth layers, a far better finish than what's seen in the photo, and different feet placed in other locations on the plinth, I mean body bottom.

The new Revolution will sell for $15,000 or half that of the top-of-the-line SG 1.1. Perkins says that much of the cost differential is due to the easier to machine design. Shown here with the universal version of Spiral Groove's $6000 Centroid tone arm, which was reviewed in Stereophile along with the SG 1.1.