TRANSROTOR ZET-1 manual turntable

The ZET-1 turntable is Transrotor's entry-level model. But take our word for it, you'll be impressed!

JR Transrotor products have no suspension or damping system. The manufacturer relies on mass technology combined with dense and neutral materials. The chassis of the ZET-1 is cut in a solid black or white acrylic plate. It is supported by three adjustable feet. The motor and tonearm mounts are suspended. The platter is built in a block of polished aluminium, thus creating a gorgeous chrome-plated effect. The system is compatible with a great number of properties linked to metal and plastic materials such as mechanical resistance, stiffness and excellent vibration damping ability. The platter undergoes special treatment to minimise vibration and resonance stemming from the drive system, as evidenced by the large concentric ribs on the underside. It has great inertia thanks to its weight (10 kg) and design. The drive principle is quite standard. It features a belt and AC synchronous motor. It uses an outboard power supply. As with most high-end turntables, there is no hub. The belt just slips round the edge of the platter. The stainless steel drive spindle rests on a brass housing. The bearing comprises a ceramic ball-bearing.

The TR 800 S tonearm is from Jelco and, thus, looks very standard (probably because Jelco produces tonearms for Linn, Koetsu, Audioquest and other brands). It uses an S-shaped arm tube with oil damping. Setup is child's play! As the headshell is detachable and universal, the cartridge (and headshell) can be replaced easily and hassle-free.

The ZET-1 comes with an amazing polished aluminium clamp. Like most products by Transrotor, this turntable is upgradable and a motor, a second tonearm, a TMD bearing, a 'Konstant 1' outboard power supply (and more) can be added.

Like many 'rigid' turntables, the system is extremely easy to set up. For optimum musicality, position the plinth and compensate for level using the front towers, position the motor, platter and belt and you're done!

The sound quality of this turntable is clearly on the physical and rhythmic side of the music. The sound is deep and the timbres are full-bodied and fleshed-out. This is definitely a very high end analogue system. The bass is powerful and very well articulated. It is remarkable and highly demonstrative with symphonies and electro music. But it also displays a softer and more subtle side with acoustic recordings. The soundstage is amazing, both wide and deep. It delivers a precise and even combination of definition and softness! Quite unusual for this range! The vocals are clear and suave and sound like they come from an analogue master tape!

This ZET-1 emphasises on neutrality and we like this approach. Thus, it is readily compatible with many cartridges and phono preamps.

For this price range, it is definitely to be reckoned with! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!