Transrotor ZET-1 turntable

The TRANSROTOR ZET-1 is part of the entry-level models of the German manufacturer. However, we can truly say that it’s not just any turntable.

TRANSROTOR ZET-1: CHASSIS

All products from JR Transrotor use no suspension or damping systems whatsoever. The manufacturer relies on a combination of mass technology as well as dense and neutral materials. The chassis of the ZET-1 is made from a black or white solid acrylic plate. It rests on three adjustable feet. The motor and tonearm bases are suspended.

TRANSROTOR ZET-1: PLATTER AND DRIVE PRINCIPLE

The platter is made from a polished aluminium block which provides a beautiful chromed appearance. The whole set allows to combine many of the properties of metals and plastics, including mechanical resistance, rigidity and excellent vibration damping.

The platter undergoes special treatment to reduce vibration and resonance stemming from the drive system. It is visible on the underside and features large concentric ribbing. Its important mass (10 kg) and design result in great inertia. The drive principle is quite standard. It comprises a belt and an AC synchronous motor.

It’s powered via an external power supply. Like on most high-end turntables, there’s no sub platter. The belt drive goes directly around the platter. The stainless-steel drive spindle rests on a brass housing. The bearing is a ceramic ball-bearing.

The ZET-1 is delivered with an excellent polished aluminium record clamp. Just like most Transrotor (See all the products from Transrotor) products, you should know that this turntable can be improved by adding a motor, a second tonearm, a TMD bearing or an external power supply such as the Konstant 1 Reference or the Konstant Eins.

TRANSROTOR ZET-1: TONEARM, CARTRIDGE AND PHONO CABLE

The Transrotor ZET-1 turntable is supplied with a high-end Rega RB880 tonearm.

It was modified and optimised to adapt to the characteristics of the turntable as well as Transrotor’s requirements. It’s an aluminium tonearm with a 9” effective length.

As always with Rega, the phono cable is captive but also of excellent quality with most entry level and mid-range MM as well as MC cartridges.

TRANSROTOR ZET-1: TESTING AND LISTENING

Just like many “rigid” turntables, setting up this Transrotor ZET-1 is really easy. In order to fully enjoy its musicality, you only need to position the chassis and compensate for level using the front towers, position the motor, platter and belt and you're done!

The reproduction of this turntable clearly favours the substance and rhythm of the works. The sound is deep and the timbres are full-bodied and rich. This is without any doubt a very high-end analogue system. Basses are powerful and very articulated. They are outstanding and very demonstrative on symphonies or with electronic music. Yet they are also able to remain discreet and subtle during acoustic recordings.

The soundstage is remarkable, it extends in width as much as in depth. It perfectly combines definition and softness with precision and balance! This is quite rare in this range. Vocals are strong and smooth; they remind us of the voices we can hear on an analogue master tape!

This ZET-1 fosters neutrality, and we personally love this choice. This will thus enable easy combination with many cartridges and phono preamplifiers.

In this price range, this turntable is worth considering!

Would recommend!