2017 Customer Reviews

2017 Customer reviews

You wish to invest in Hi-Fi equipment but are having trouble deciding between the large range of products we have to offer at maplatine.com? Maybe our customer reviews in 2017 will help you make your choice.


You will find our customer reviews in 2017 on several products from several different categories: Hi-Fi speakers, turntables, cleaning products for vinyl records, etc.


Our customers comments in 2017 on the vinyl turntables

Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB HC Turntable

Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB HC Turntable

“PERFECT: I finally decided to buy this turntable and I am satisfied. I followed Franck’s advice and equipped it with a new cartridge and a new preamplifier. […]”

Thierry B.


“EXCELLENT: Honestly, this turntable is excellent. The manufacturing is of high quality and it has a beautiful design for a very reasonable price. It is easy to adjust and use daily.

It is very stable as it is heavy and has “damped” feet.

Personally, I use the integrated preamplifier so that I can connect my turntable directly to a Hi-Fi system. I am using this mode for the moment because I do not have a large budget but I am planning to purchase new equipment step by step. Since it is easy to activate or deactivate this preamplifier, I can modify and improve my Hi-Fi system.”

Fally S.


“TOP!: An excellent turntable for this price! A very good quality/price ratio! Its design is clearly similar to the Technics SL 1200 / 1210 GR turntable! Robust, silent, the platter is top! There is nothing to say about the tonearm! The only thing that I would eventually change is the cartridge even though the one that comes with it does the job! The integrated amplifier suits me perfectly as well! When connected to Focal Chorus speakers it will blow you away! :-D […]”

Navard Y.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB DC vinyl turntable

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB DC vinyl turntable

“EXCELLENT: I just received it today. I quickly installed and tested it. What a pleasure. There is a difference in quality thanks to the Connect IT cable. […] Special mention for the packaging. I gladly recommend this product.”

Jean G.


“BRAVO!: […] Regarding this turntable, it has a simple look and good finish. Impeccable sound. Very manual turntable which requires you to take your time because there are a lot of necessary manipulations (tonearm manipulation, speed change, stopping the platter). All in all, this is an excellent product for audiophiles but not for playing music during a party. Careful for the other models of this range that do not have a platter speed change… a pain.”

Eric G.

Pro-Ject 2-XPERIENCE SB DC manual turntable

Pro-Ject 2-XPERIENCE SB DC manual turntable

“EXCELLENT, TO LISTEN WITHOUT MODERATION: I am very pleased with this turntable as well as the service provided. A huge thanks to the team for the supersonic and well protected delivery! My head is filled with tunes and the sound quality of Pro-Ject has a significant improvement. It has a good rhythm and a slight warmth. The presence and clarity meet my standards. I like it.”

Johannes B.


“A PLEASURE: […] Now about the turntable… It is so beautiful!! Only quality materials, the olive gloss finish is sublime! This changes compared to my old Goldring gr1 and my Barthe Rotofluid from the 70’s. After having admired it from all angles, I connected it[…]. Adjusted just so by “maplatine.com”, I immediately took a lot of pleasure listening to it. Even when it is not up to scratch it is fabulous. It is musical, the music flows supplely. Careful, supplely does not means softness. It is very dynamic, full of details. There is depth, height, and breadth. A balanced bandwidth (according to some albums, it is transparent!). The substance is present as well as many other things. I have been smiling for 2 days and only got up from my sofa to change records and I think that this will continue to happen for a while. I have been seized by the music. Thanks to Franck, Elwood and the entire team at “maplatine.com”.”

Isabelle C.


“AN ESSENTIAL TURNTABLE: This turntable is a pure wonder. I wanted to go up in range compared to my previous equipment, the sound difference is enormous (I even ordered it with a Ortofon Quintet Blue MC Cartridge installed by maPlatine before shipping). The sound is of high quality: in terms of the musical spectrum, sound depth, and precision of the instruments. Magnificent. This turntable is very beautiful, simple, and elegant (my turntable has a rosewood finish) and easy to use. I wanted to thank Franck for his help and advice, I do not regret my choice. The turntable was already adjusted when I received it! All you have to do is mount the turntable and install the counterweight and that’s all there is to it! To use without moderation! Thanks to the team at maplatine.”

Rémi V.

Rega Planar 3 manual turntable

Rega Planar 3 manual turntable

“SUPERB: The planar 3 is really superb paired with a Yamaha RX 1030 amplifier connected to 4 Focal 826 V speakers, what a pleasure. It is full of emotions and I can only recommend this turntable […]. BRAVO”

Eric L.


“SUPERB SOUND: I recently received it, combined with a Lehmann Audio black cube Statement Phono Preamplifier, the sound is impressive! It is thanks to my friends that made me rediscover the forgotten sound of vinyl records that I wanted to experience this new audio adventure. Combined with my NAIM 5i amplifier and my DYNAUDIO speakers, the sound is airy, the voices of a staggering proximity and softness, the stereo has breadth, the soundstage is beautiful. When switching back to CD, we can clearly see the advantages of vinyl: no fatiguing listening, less harshness. The bass is present. A huge thanks to maplatine.com and their good advice, fast and well protected delivery, the turntable was already adjusted when I received it. In short, just connect it and WOW what a surprise because the band is playing right in front of you!”

Nicolas M.

Rega Planar 6 turntable + NeO PSU

Rega Planar 6 turntable + NeO PSU

“WHAT A PLEASURE!: I have been looking for a turntable for months to listen to my 300 old and new vinyl records (from 1970 to 1990 and in 2017). I was guided by Franck who asked the correct questions regarding my needs, my set up and my budget. […] Franck advised me to purchase the Rega Planar 6 + Neo PSU equipped with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and the corresponding spacer for the tonearm. I have to say that I am truly happy with this combination. The turntable/tonearm/cartridge combination truly respects the quality of the sound recording and the pressing of the vinyl records played. The bass is deep without being “muddy”, the midrange is truly clear and transparent and the trebles increase without any aggressiveness. All of this with a breathtaking breadth and a bluffing respect of the soundstage. In short, a true pleasure for a midrange MM cartridge! I can therefore easily upgrade to a MC cartridge of better quality and a preamplifier in a couple of months, until I manage to save enough money and once again get advice from the team at maplatine.com!”

Thierry T.

MoFi StudioDeck+ turntable

MoFi StudioDeck+ turntable

“WOW EFFECT!: […] I will not paraphrase Franck’s wonderful commentary regarding this turntable, but I can confirm that combining this turntable with the Atlas Element Integra TT phono cable and MoFi phono preamplifier, it offers a remarkable soundstage. An exceptional turntable for this price.”

Emmanuel L.

Clearaudio Concept MC WOOD manual turntable

Clearaudio Concept MC WOOD manual turntable

“MAGNIFICENT!!: This vintage turntable has both a “vintage” and modern look, of a great beauty! And the sound? This “Lady” does not require laces and frills to seduce us. Great presence and depth without adding too much. Seduction in complete discretion! What a relief and what a life!! An absolute wonder! To purchase with your eyes closed and for what a price! For true and passionate music lovers. Bravo for the fast delivery, and thanks to Franck for his advice, patience, and kindness. A very serious website.”

Laurent J.


What our customers say about the phono cartridges in 2017


Audio Technica VM 530 EN MM cartridge

Audio Technica VM 530 EN MM cartridge

“EXCELLENT: I just installed it on my AT Ip5 turntable and replaced the original cartridge to obtain a better sound. Huge difference compared to the original, in short, it is excellent. What a sound… now.”

Ernoux E.

Hana SL MC cartridge

Hana SL MC cartridge

“HANA SL: Superb cartridge, very clear and detailed… It is not yet up to scratch but it already sounds great!! Thank you to Franck and the entire team for their availability, advice, professionalism and passion!”

Baptiste D.


“A SMALL WONDER: Here is a nice cartridge, which for a reasonable price, produces a nice assortment of qualities: lively, bubbly (the hits by Saturday Night Fever made me smile, and I am impatiently waiting for my wife to come back so that I can invite her to dance!), it does not forget the timbres (the test of the grand opera easily passes with elegance), nor the realism of the soundstage. A very good combination with the Music-Hall mmf 9-3 turntable and the Lehmann Black Box SE II preamplifier, in accordance with the advice from maplatine.com.”

Laurent V.


“REBIRTH!: After many years of imprecision, I finally met the right people to take care of my dear LP 12… Franck immediately advised me this superb cartridge. From the opening bars, I was impressed by the absence of surface noise. The sound is soft, neutral but very thorough and does not have any distortion. I had never listened to my records is such conditions… Even on records that are over 35 years old like the albums of The Police, Dire Straits, or AC/DC, purchased when they first came out, its magnificent, […]”

Eric A.


“NATURAL, RICH, AND MUSICAL: This Hana SL installed on my RP3 is amplified by a Lehmann Black Cube SE. It seduces me every time. It is natural, rich, and musical. It has an amazing ability to find the smallest note at the bottom of the groove. If you prefer music to Hi-Fi, THIS Hana is made for you!”

Anthony D.


Rega BIAS 2 cartridge

Rega BIAS 2 cartridge

"VERY MUSICAL: I installed this cartridge on my high performance Rega. After having listened to a Ortofon red and Rega carbon, this one seems faster, more transparent, more neutral, and it produces a better gain […] hard to do better in my opinion.”

Franck T.

SoundSmith Otello Ho cartridge

SoundSmith Otello Ho cartridge

“REMARKABLE QUALITY: Excellent cartridge with unbelievable dynamics and an extraordinary separation. It rocks on all sides. It really sounds like a MC. It is never fatiguing and goes very low in the bass. The midrange is very neutral with lots of details. The trebles go very high in a very clean way without hurting your years. At this price it is a golden deal. There are no cracking sounds and the stereo separation is extraordinary. The soundstage is very large. I highly recommend it.”

Carlos N.

Ortofon Cadenza Black MC cartridge

Ortofon Cadenza Black MC cartridge

“MAGNIFICENT DISCOVERY: I was looking to replace my Karat cartridge and after having disposed of numerous MM and MC cartridges, I did not know how to find the gem I needed to equip my Linn. I therefore had Franck help me. […] This cartridge has nothing in common with what I have listened to up until today. A lively and dynamic listening, this cartridge goes well with all types of music. It flushes out a lot of micro information and gives goose bumps on the double bass playing, the majesty of a piano or the finesse of a harpsichord… […]”

Jean-Paul F.

Ortofon Quintet Blue MC Cartridge

Ortofon Quintet Blue MC Cartridge

“GREAT!!!: I received this cartridge one week ago and since then I am “glued” to my vinyl records. It is my first low output MC cartridge and I should have crossed the line earlier. From the bass to the treble, everything flows with smoothness, finesse, but there is still strength in the lows. I have LP’s that are over 40 years old and this cartridge manages to give details that I had never noticed before… Extra […]!!!”

Maurice M.

“WHAT AN UPGRADE!!!: Hello, first of all a huge thanks to this website that has very good products to offer. Always there to help customers and answer questions. After having exchanged multiple times over the phone with maplatine.com, I decided to cross the line and enter the world of MC cartridges. I own a “vintage” Lenco L75S turntable with the original Jelco tonearm on this turntable and a Lehmann black cube SE 2. Up until now I have always used MM cartridges and have always been pleased. The change this Ortofon Quintet Blue MC Cartridge brings is enormous. First of all, the surface noise is much more discrete (absent on certain records). I gained in openness, the soundstage is large, has depth, the focus on the singer’s voice is perfect. The larger bandwidth, a lower bass that is clean as well. A chiseled treble, not aggressive. And a beautiful midrange… what a realism on the voices. In short, a very good purchase. I highly recommend this cartridge and of course maplatine.com…”

Bernard G.

Dynavector DV 20X2 L MC cartridge

Dynavector DV 20X2 L MC cartridge

“DYNAVECTOR 20X2L CARTRIDGE: I had a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge installed on my Kuzma Stabi S turntable. I do not regret switching to the Dynavector 20x2L. There is much less aggressiveness and it is still very detailed. I can once again listen to all of my vinyl records, records oriented towards the trebles as well as records oriented towards the bass. […].”

Claude L.

Our customer reviews in 2017 on phono stages

Pro-Ject MM DC phono preamplifier

Pro-Ject MM DC phono preamplifier

“VERY GOOD PRODUCT: I have been using this preamplifier for 2 years behind a Rega cartridge installed on a Grace tonearm and a Linn Sondek turntable. For a very reasonable budget, the sound restitution is excellent.”

Jfrancois T.

Pro-Ject Tube Box S phono preamplifier

Pro-Ject Tube Box S phono preamplifier

“MORE CLARITY AND BASS: I have a system that I wish to upgrade and after the advice from maplatine.com, I chose this small model: surprising in size and sound quality. More bass and a gain in the detail of numerous instruments. Unfortunately, the more you improve in quality, the more you want to upgrade your equipment. A sweet illness which pushes you to look for the perfect sound. I am therefore impatiently waiting to see what is next. […] But step by step you get used to it, you learn to build your own system. With the help of the team at maPlatine, it is as great as a pleasure as discovering a good LP that is rare in a flea market in the middle of nowhere. Virus when you got us!”

Amaury D.

“A PLEASURE: A superb product for a superb sound! Not colored and quite neutral. The sound is rich and detailed, there is a good channel separation. Used with a Debut 3 carbon and 2m Blue cartridge, I am always listening to my vinyl records! The customer service at maPlatine is perfect.”

Elie G.

“VERY SURPRISING!: For the first time, I am listening to my vinyl records without thinking about it. The sound is clean, the record’s typical cracking sounds are absent, (very surprising), the dynamics and transparency are present as well as a sense of naturalness. It has almost a clean sound like a CD but the sound is truly analogue and natural. Still in run-in period, this device promises me hours of a thrilling listening experience.”

Joel G.

Lehmann Audio BLACK CUBE SE II phono preamplifier

Lehmann Audio BLACK CUBE SE II phono preamplifier

“ABSOLUTE CLASS AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE: Very simple design and excellent manufacturing quality […]. The numerous settings reveal upgrade possibilities which will be precious in case you decide to change your cartridge. Regarding the implementation, let me highlight the excellent user manual including a part in french that is perfectly written […]; this is not insignificant and witnesses a very good form of respect regarding the customer. Respect? The sound is its fabrication mark: this Lehmann Black Cube SE II belongs to the breed of electronics truly transparent, this means capable of presenting music just like it was engraved. […] This transparency serves for expressiveness, because it is of integrity, the Lehmann remains elegant in all circumstances. And let’s make sure we agree on the term transparency: it is not about the super detailed appearance of some devices putting the treble forward while digging the low midrange to give the illusion of definition […]. In summary, the quality that we expect out of a high end preamplifier for an affordable price.

Here are numerous (good) reasons to combine it with products which are of the same quality. Here we have a Music Hall mmf 9-3 turntable, equipped with the Hana SL […].”

Laurent V.

“SUPERB!: Paired with my CEARAUDIO Concept MC WOOD turntable, this preamplifier is magnificent. Presence, diffused bass, openness, sound restitution, if I can say, is full of liveliness! It has numerous setting possibilities, the “Black Cube” is more than a success! INCOMPARABLE! An affordable price. Do not forget, in my opinion, it is a neutral amp and speakers. In short, in one word, BRAVISSIMO!”

Laurent J.

Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 Phono Preamplifier

Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 Phono Preamplifier

“ANALOGUE: I wanted to expand my system towards digital and then came Franck’s advice to improve my Rega rp40 turntable. First of all switch to a MC cartridge (Hana EL) and then use this phono preamplifier (quality design, restitution, easy to use for neophytes++++).

It is difficult to describe how satisfied I was since this preamplifier represents 1/10th of the budget of my system. (AperturA armoria hegel h300 hegel hd 25 Mac mini Rega apollo r…) .

I should have spent 3 to 4 times more in a DAC to have this openness, depth, and musicality. Now I need to increase my vinyl record collection…”

Stéphane T.

Rega - Fono Mini A2D phono preamplifier

Rega - Fono Mini A2D phono preamplifier

“VERY GOOD QUALITY/PRICE RATIO: This Rega preamplifier completely satisfies me, finesse in the treble, presence of midrange and bass, larger soundstage, compared to my old Vivanco preamplifier. The extra, it has a USB output. Fast delivery.”

Daniel M.

“VERY GOOD: I bought this preamplifier thanks to Franks advice to connect to a Planar 1 Performance turntable. I have nothing to compare this to but excellent sound restitution, everything is there, bandwidth, balance, dynamics, stereo image, substance… Perfect combination.”

Michael D.

“SMALL BUT IMPRESSIVE: It is clearly worth more than this price! I am currently repairing high end equipment, and downstream of an excellent Ortofon 2M black cartridge, I sense that temporary will become permanent for my second turntable. Yesssss.”

François D.

“EXCELLENT: I have no other products to compare this to, but thanks to Franck’s advice I bought this one. I have an audio technica AT-LP 120 turntable. Paired with a AT120EB cartridge, this combination is excellent. I entered in a new sound dimension and am happy to have kept my old vinyl records.”

Thierry B.


Our customer reviews in 2017 on cleaning and upgrade accessories

ANALOGIS 20ml Stylus Cleaner

ANALOGIS 20ml Stylus Cleaner

“USEFUL: Efficient brush and fluid for cleaning the stylus of turntables. The sound is indeed improved. The small negative would be the finishing of the plastic flask: narrow and slightly rounded base, therefore it has trouble staying up straight. Useful purchase, I would even say necessary.”

Laurent F.

Pro-Ject Vinyl Clean

Pro-Ject Vinyl Clean

“ALTERNATIVE…: Changes compared to brushes and other classic products.

Works quite well but is not revolutionary, nevertheless it is also useful to clean the sides of your turntable, the small cavities.”

Laurent C.

“PRACTICAL ON THE SURFACE, LESS EFFICIENT IN THE GROOVES: I bought this famous cleaning compound just to give it a try. The positive point is that it cleans perfectly well the surface of the record (fingerprints and dust). The record comes out clean. However, regarding the grooves, it is not useful and maybe even has a tendency of adding more dust. Anyway, THE cleaning solution is an automatic cleaning machine with vacuum tube system - which will be without a doubt my next purchase as soon as I save enough. However, this compound has very positive antistatic effects. After using this product, no more static loads. And this even after listening multiple times. So yes for a surface cleaning solution, but it is not a miracle product.”

Fabrice D.

Flux-HIFI Sonic stylus cleaner

Flux-HIFI Sonic stylus cleaner

“INDISPENSABLE: In addition to cleaning the stylus (therefore increasing its life span), the restitution is more open, dynamic, has more presence, and the soundstage is better. It is not a monumental change but enough to mention it! All of the team at maplatine.com is always amazing.”

Benoit P.

Nagaoka N-102 antistatic record sleeve

Nagaoka N-102 antistatic record sleeve

“PERFECT: These sleeves are remarkable. Because I tried numerous others, theses ones are much thinner and fit much more easily than the others in the records.”

Antoine S.

OKKI NOKKI Record Cleaner

OKKI NOKKI Record Cleaner

“VERY GOOD, BUT…: I have it in black since 2015 and it is a reliable machine but in my opinion, you need to use Clearaudio products (brush and PureGroove cleaner fluid) for an optimal result. The motor has a tendency of making a slight noise after cleaning 4 vinyl records (each face once in other words 8 uses), but does not affect the functioning of the machine. Nevertheless, the vacuum is efficient and high performance.

My last advice is not to press to hard with the brush on the grooves (you may risk to damage them), but instead let the cleaner penetrate and then vacuum. This will be much more efficient… ;-)”

Eric E.

“EFFICIENT: Cleaning machine delivered in time, well packed. I have had it for 2 weeks and I have already cleaned 50 records. In summary: efficient, the vinyl records come out very clean. When listening to them, there are no cracking sounds nor parasite sounds. However, like most vinyl record cleaning machines, anti noise headphones are necessary during the vacuum phase… Otherwise, the machine is well manufactured, has a solid aspect and gives confidence.”

Pascal D.

“JEAN-PIERRE: Machine delivered in a remarkable packaging, After numerous trials, the efficiency is more than satisfactory. I have put a “procedure” in place: first dust removal thanks to the Mofi Record cleaning brush (of remarkable efficiency), then dry vacuuming of the residues brought by the brushing, and finally cleaning and vacuuming. I am very satisfied by the cleaning, very few residual cracking sounds and above all there is a restoration of the timbre of the instruments and the spatial image. All you have to do is experiment with diverse cleaning products. A very good purchase, highly recommended.”

Jean-Pierre T.

Mist cleaning product

Mist cleaning product

“QUALITY PRODUCT: The product does the job. Cleaning and elimination of static electricity. The difference is audible 80% of the time. Regarding the cleaning, the included microfiber also has a purpose since it can reach the bottom of the groove. Even though it is a little expensive, the flask lasts a very long time since all you need is 4 to 5 sprays on the microfiber to clean the face of your record. Since the spray does not deliver lot of fluid, we use a very small quantity of cleaning solution. I have had the product for 2 months and I still have 2/3 of the flask left. I clean 3-4 records per week. It is not necessary to clean the same record every time you listen to it. In short, I was pleased by the quality of this product and I will order another one when I run out.”

Stéphane K.

ANALOGIS Leather Platter Mat 6

ANALOGIS Leather Platter Mat 6

“ANTISTATIC AND GOOD SOUND: Leather platter mat VS cork platter mat. The leather brings more softness, a richer timbre, good dynamics, airiness, good depth, and does not stick to the records. The cork is more dry, dynamic, lite. Leather: 4.5, Cork: 4, felt: 3.”

Franck T.

“SUPER!!: The delivery was very fast, thanks Franck. I bought this product for my Thorens TD 166 MK II. It has nothing to do with the original platter mat. Excellent platter mat. It is a pure pleasure to rediscover my old vinyl records. Top product...”

Stéphane C.

Stabiliser AT618

Stabiliser AT618

“Excellent: I have records that were slightly warped. I have an audio technica turntable. I let myself go after having listened to Franck’s advise, it magnificent, the cartridge does not jump at certain places and the sound seems different.

Thierry B.

What our customers say about the Hi-Fi speakers and headphones

Focal Chorus 706 Bookshelf Speakers

Focal Chorus 706 Bookshelf Speakers

“EXCELLENT!: Excellent small speakers, good sound depth, clean design, and good quality/ price ratio.”

Phillippe M.

“VERSATILE: Perfect speakers, which adapt well to all my styles of music! A nice impression of sound depth on live vinyl records, in addition to a nice design.”

Clement B.

Monitor Audio Bronze 5 Tower Speakers

Monitor Audio Bronze 5 Tower Speakers

“EXCELLENT SPEAKERS: Very beautiful speakers, loyal restitution whatever the volume. Easy to install, very good material quality and finish, stability. Thanks again to the team at maPlatine.com for the advice before I made my purchase, their availability, reactivity, and the carefully protected packaging.”

Caroline F.

Tower Speakers Focal ARIA 926

Tower Speakers Focal ARIA 926

“HAPPY CUSTOMER: I bought it yesterday and have already installed it today. I cannot wait for it to be up to scratch… but already a very very nice sound, exactly what I expected. Treble, midrange, bass are present… just how I like it. The stereo is indeed present (message for Franck). I want to thank the entire team at maPlatine.com and above all thanks for letting me use the auditorium… to seal the deal.”

Ernoux E.

Grado SR225e Hi-Fi headphones

Grado SR225e Hi-Fi headphones

“EXCELLENT: After several hours of listening, I can give my opinion […]. I find it visually appealing and well designed. In my hands, nothing to say, it is very light. I can barely feel it on my head. It is easy to adjust the size (just 2 shafts to adjust). Regarding the sound, it is superb. At first the trebles were a little saturated when I listened to it at high volume, but it is not the case anymore. I connected it to a Yamaha S-300 amp that I use with my Thorens TD170 turntable. What a precision. I am not an expert in headphones, but I have never enjoyed listening to music this much.”

Antoine S.