The celebration of the Japanese brand’s anniversary is accompanied by the release of a vintage yet modern turntable. The latter is supposed to represent the connection between the eras since the creation of the brand in 1962 and the purity of analog sound. The new Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 turntable has a completely transparent design.
A popular cartridge for over 40 years
Founded in 1962 by Hideo Matsushita, the Japanese brand Audio-Technica has built up a solid reputation, both in the professional world and in the hi-fi field. Indeed, all music lovers and sound professionals recognize the qualities of the Japanese brand. The proof is clear with the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge, available for over 40 years and, inevitably, part of this turntable.
The manufacturer’s reputation precedes its creations, which, more often than not, impress us when we are lucky enough to test them. Concerning Audio-Technica’s anniversary, president Kazuo Matsushita states: “It is an honor to bring a quality audio experience to millions of people around the world. What starts as a simple vibration – a subtle movement – results in an emotional connection, whether it’s when listening carefully to an album or sharing your voice with the world.”
The vibrations of which the president speaks are found in the speakers and not in the turntable, fortunately! In addition to giving it an extraordinary look, the 30mm thick transparent acrylic frame and the acrylic platter prevent internal vibrations and drastically reduce the resonance of the different parts.
Shibata Diamond
The Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 adopts a sleek carbon tonearm whose features are on par with the other equipment on this anniversary turntable. The AT-HS4SV headshell holds the AT-VM95SH cartridge, well known by audiophiles. The surprise gift for the lucky owners of this turntable is a Shibata diamond in a transparent shell. The latter is then easily mounted on the cartridge and offers a finer and more detailed sound than with the original stylus.
With their special 60th anniversary turntable, the Japanese brand succeeds in making a model that traces the history of the company without compromising on sound. Even better, the model presented at the PAVS 2022, which was praised by the audiophiles present, is already announced as a future collector’s model.
