Michael Fremer quote: "I will say for the record and on this video, this is so far the best sound I have heard at the show." AXPONA 2015 Chicago Sunday late afternoon enjoying music playing through the Artisan Fidelity Achates SE.

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/artisan-fidelity-turntables-drew-me-sound-made-me-stay

"The sound being pulled mechanically from the Achates via electrons to the Fuugu, through the Kuzma, and David Berning amps was palpable, engaging, musical, and utterly liquid in its presentation. Big, meaty, and weighty bass, and mids were to be had from Berning’s ZOTL circuit, and I once again reminded myself to seek out more information on these sonically-masterful designs."  AXPONA 2016

Part Time Audiophile
 

Achates SE Idler Drive.  A no holds barred design based on the venerable Swiss Lenco motor and idler drive geometry.  The classic bulletproof cog less Lenco shaded 4 pole ac induction motor is utilized, however, this part is the only vintage portion which remains.  From the internal ancillary linkage, solid billet aircraft aluminum based cnc milled plinth, to the Magnesium alloy and Inox Stainless Steel internally damped precision platter, inverted enlarged bore hardened steel diamond laped Sapphire bearing and custom oil impregnated primary sleeve bushings, this design is by all intents and purposes state of the art.  Accommodates single or dual 9" - 12" effective length tonearms and includes dedicated regulated outboard AC power supply.

Continuing research and development over the course of past years in hopes to further enhance any hidden playback potential of the Achates idler drive platform has resulted in the debut of the worlds first modular inverted bearing and platter system based on the venerable Swiss Lenco idler drive geometry. Essentially, this inverted bearing system features a lower center of gravity and enables the Achates playback characteristics to achieve levels of fidelity previously thought unobtainable. Enhancements easily heard include: vastly lower background noise levels, improved left/right channel separation, increased resolution and improved speed stability. Additionally, this modular inverted design allows for interchangeable upper platter material selection, enabling the user to select a record material interface which suits their own individual tonal and to an extent, playback preferences. Modular upper material selections include: Pure Copper, 7075 T-6 Aluminum, Magnesium, Stainless Steel 316 series. 110v/60Hz N. American and International 220v/50Hz Swiss motors in stock.

The Achates SE platter uses an all new military grade Magnesium Alloy based lower primary section resting under a direct coupled precision machined modular upper layer. The modular upper modular sections materials may be individually selected and subsequently interchanged based on the listeners/users preferences, as each material invariably bestows a slightly different playback characteristic. Micro bead blasted platter surface finish shown above on lower platter section.

Offering a balance of focus, musicality, bass drive and resolution rarely achieved in so many modern analog front ends, the Achates SE idler drive is simply a world class analog front end by any standard. Finish Micro Suede Black.

Individually Hand Crafted