Home Audio/Video Naim Audio Launches First-Ever Turntable

Naim Audio Launches First-Ever Turntable

Naim Audio Turntable

Naim Audio’s new Solstice Special Edition turntable blends a sleek vintage look with cutting-edge audio performance. This unique piece is the first turntable ever made by English manufacturer Naim Audio, which is based out of Salisbury, England. The Solstice Special Edition name pays homage to Salisbury’s neighboring World Heritage site, Stonehenge, which perfectly frames the movements of the sun. Though the connection to Stonehenge does not define any of the product’s technical makeup, it is representative of the turntable’s classic place in music history.    

The special edition package includes the Solstice Turntable with an updated version of Naim’s classic Aro Tonearm. Made from tungsten and carbon fiber, the Aro MK2 Tonearm adds no-compromise bias, as well as arm height and azimuth adjustments. These horizontal balance adjustments of the cartridge allow it to sit in a more perpendicular position to the grooves of the record, which limits distortion and improves sound quality. 

In addition, the package comes with the Solstice Series Phono Stage, Naim’s first phono stage to include the discrete regulator technology that allows for a crisp signal transmission from the turntable to the amplifier. Also in the package is the Solstice Series Power supply, which provides two completely isolated power supplies to both the turntable and the phono stage. Rounding out the special edition bundle is the Solstice Accessories Set and a curated collection of superb-quality True Stereo recordings (Naim’s record label of remastered recordings by audio engineer and producer Ken Christianson). 

The Solstice turntable incorporates core Naim design philosophies such as multiple levels of mechanical decoupling, which protects audio from outside noise and vibrations (like an  “an audio air-raid shelter,” as Naim Brand Ambassador Jason Gould explains it on YouTube). 

The turntable is further set apart by its magnetic main bearing system that supports a high-mass aluminum platter with a self-calibrating motor drive system, whereby an optical sensor underneath the platform monitors and adjusts the turntables rotation speed in real-time. The end result is a system that accurately compensates for variations caused by temperature, wear of components, viscosity of oil, and even variations in the mains-power supply.  

Currently available for pre-order, Naim Audio’s Solstice Special Edition will be unleashed on the market starting in late July. Naim Audio has limited production of the Solstice Special Edition to only 500 units at a price of $20,000 per unit.