Dark Iron, baby.
“Dark Iron” refers to the new finish found on the new Acutus Turntable, a darker ‘sparkling iron’ finish that reduces cost compared to the chrome-finish Acutus models.
Shown here with the optional upgraded dual-operation clamp, the Acutus Dark Iron sports a new integrated high-torque AC synchronous motor system, twin round-section drive belts, a self-lubricating inverted bearing which lowers the centre of gravity, where a tungsten carbide ball meets a sapphire jewel, eliminating lateral movement and rumble noise, and a DSP controlled speed adjustable external PSU.
The Acutus Dark Iron is available now from AVID retailers starting at $13,000.
Here’s the complete press release from AVID:
Acutus Dark Iron Transforms AVID’s High-End Entry Point
AVID has greatly improved the affordability of its acclaimed Acutus turntable with the new Dark Iron
1 May 2024, Cambridgeshire, England: AVID, the British founder-owned-and-run analogue hi-fi manufacturer, has launched the new Acutus Dark Iron, its first new turntable in six years and the first to benefit from a pivotal new integrated motor design (£10,000/€12,000/$13,000).
Designed, engineered and hand built in Cambridgeshire, England, the Acutus Dark Iron directly replaces its predecessor, the Acutus Dark Limited Edition. Following customer demand, AVID has introduced a striking new darker ‘sparkling iron’ finish which significantly reduces the cost compared to the labour-intensive chrome-finish Acutus models.
Key to the Acutus Dark Iron is a new motor system, which sees the motor coupled to the main chassis. The new design maintains correct drive-belt alignment, even when the turntable is leveled using the adjustable feet, and eliminates speed-related issues.
The motor system enhances operational smoothness while ensuring precise belt alignment. With a high-torque AC synchronous motor providing tenfold increase in power over competitive turntables, it delivers improved control and stability, too.
Utilizing twin round-section drive belts, AVID’s design allows free suspension movement without speed fluctuations. The power supply, employing DSP technology, independently generates frequency for precise speed adjustment. Equipped with an 80 VA mains transformer, it functions as an integrated amplifier tailored for the high-torque motor.
High-Mass Platter and Upgradable Mat
The turntable features a hefty 10 kg aluminium platter, topped with a 10 mm damping disc and a TMShrunk felt-composite mat. Buyers can upgrade to AVID’s precision resin mat, enhancing vibration transfer through the grounding clamp for superior sound quality.
The platter sits upon an inverted bearing design which lowers the centre of gravity, where a tungsten carbide ball meets a sapphire jewel, eliminating lateral movement and rumble noise. A self-lubricating sleeve ensures silent, maintenance-free operation.
Upgradable Clamp
The supplied AVID single-action clamp, which is precision-machined from solid aluminium, flattens records onto the platter, channelling vibrations to the sub-chassis to reduce noise. AVID offers a dual-operation upgrade for greater control over varying record thicknesses, eliminating warps and air pockets for seamless record-platter connection.
Sub-Chassis
The Acutus Dark Iron’s one-piece multi-fold aluminium casting offers strength with controlled movement. Coated with damping media, it neutralises vibrations, ensuring a linear and time-sensitive sound response. This coupled to a suspension system that ensures equal tuning for perfect balance with its 2.5 Hz isolation frequency preventing skipping and eliminating external vibrations.
Acutus Dark Iron buyers can access discounts on AVID’s range of tonearms and cartridges, plus the mat and clamp upgrade, when ordered with the turntable.
Price and Availability
The Acutus Dark Iron is available to order now from AVID retailers.
Acutus Dark Iron: $13,000
Acutus Dark Iron with mat and clamp upgrade: $17,000
Mat upgrade alone: $4,000
Clamp upgrade alone: $700
Company Website: AVID
Specifications
Drive: Twin Belt Drive
Speeds: 33.3 & 45.0 RPM (Adjustable)
Platter Mass: Aluminium 10kg
Bearing: Inverted Stainless Steel
Thrust Point: Tungsten Carbide/Sapphire
Suspension: 3 Point Spring Vertical 2.5hz, Lateral 4.5hz
Tonearm Fitting: SME Template
Adapters Available: Yes—Single or Twin Tonearms
Motor: 24v 140mnm Ac Synchronous
Power Supply: DSP Vari-Speed Control Unit
Voltage Input: 100-240vac 50/60hz 20 Watts Max.
Dimensions:
Turntable (overall): 460 X 400 X 210mm (Wxdxh)
Turntable (footprint): 410 X 360mm (Wxd)
P.S.U.: 250 X 215 X 95mm (Wxdxh)
Net Weight: 19.0kg (42lb) Turntable Only, 3.5kg (8lb) PSU Only
About AVID
AVID is an exclusively British founder-owned-and-run hi-fi manufacturer, specialising in complete analogue systems ‘from groove to ear’. AVID’s innovative portfolio includes uncompromising turntables, tonearms and cartridges, plus precision-engineered amplifiers, loudspeakers, cables and accessories.
Established in 1995, AVID leads the charge for quality in mechanical design and construction. The company uniquely designs and builds virtually every component itself at its headquarters in Cambridge, England, using high-precision CNC machines with exacting tolerances, with hand assembly by its passionate team of expert technicians.