Attention all hardcore audiophiles who still prefer their vinyl collection over digital music. British audio brand Naim has introduced it’s first-ever turntable in its 50-year history, and it is called the Summer Solstice. The special edition model has been created in collaboration with turntable specialist Clearaudio. The German brand helped Naim with its extensive experience with record players to create a no-compromise, ultra-premium turntable. In addition to the special edition turntable, the Solstice collection includes an Aro Mk2 tonearm, an Equinox MC cartridge, a Solstice Series Phono Stage, a Solstice Series Power Supply, and bespoke accessories.
As a part of the collaboration, the turntable’s deck, arm and cartridge will be manufactured by Clearaudio. At the same time, Naim will handcraft the phono stage and power supply at its manufacturing facility in Salisbury, UK. Naim created the overall design of the Solstice turntable, and it has been conceived in a way that minimizes the unwanted effects of vibration and reduces noise. The turntable plinth is made from 47 layers of wood to create a low resonance structure with an ‘island’ to maintain alignment between the platter bearing and tonearm. The cartridge sits in a solid housing milled from a single billet of aluminum. The aluminum platter uses a ‘floating’ magnetic bearing to minimize surface contact and mechanical noise.
The Solstice is fitted with the latest version of Naim’s iconic Aro tonearm equipped with an Equinox MC cartridge. According to the famed audio brand, Equinox’s Microline stylus replicates the shape of cutting lathe heads used in vinyl production enables more accurate reproduction of higher frequencies. The cantilever is made from stiff-but-light Boron. Both brands worked closely for two years for this special edition project. The package also includes a commemorative book that illustrates the company’s history and the Solstice’s development. Only 500 units of the Summer Solstice special edition will be made, and you can get yourself one of these for $20,000.
