XL DC

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. We first introduced the concept of a modular turntable in which each of the principle elements (platter, tonearm and motor) were completely separate and independent in 2002. Building on our established designs and materials, we created massive standalone structures that admit no mechanical compromise and are heavy and stable enough to maintain their precise placement despite the total absence of physical contact.

On the XL DC, everything is oversized, from the huge 22 kg aluminium/acrylic laminated and internally damped platter to the massive 28 mm diameter diamond-polished inverted bearing shaft and ruby ball that support it, the solid brass housing that supports the bearing to the oil baths and proprietary thrust pad and sleeve that ensure silent running. The high-torque DC motor is housed in another, massive standalone brass housing, driving the platter via our unique, non-elastic, precision machined polymer belt. Complete physical separation of the motor and platter together with the rotational accuracy of the moving parts, the stiff belt and the external power supply ensure both remarkable speed stability, precision pitch control and ultra-quiet operation.

The XL DC’s machined from solid brass arm tower is a mechanical work of art. Totally independent of the platter/main bearing, it can be placed to accommodate any tonearm of any length – and is heavy enough to remain exactly where it’s put. But more than just heavy, it is clever too, incorporating continuous, zero-play height adjustment, complete with re-settable digital readout in 0.01 mm increments, allowing precise settings for each cartridge/record combination. VTA adjustment on the fly has never been so precise or so repeatable. Completely free-standing, you can use as many as four XL arm-towers at any one time.

To extract the tiniest of analogue signals requires the most massive and rigid structures. Despite the cleverest engineering, there’s no substitute for sheer mass – and the XL DC turntables are as massive – and as musically magnificent – as possible.

Note: Any XL DC turntable can also be rebuilt into the flagship XL AIR.