One of the most visually striking turntables not to sell for crazy money just got an update. Vertere’s ‘entry-level’ belt-driven DG-1 has become the DG X. The new model comes in three colours – gloss black, red and white – and features a new tonearm, a redesigned plinth/chassis and a better bearing.
Let’s take a closer look.
The DG X’s “Precision Synchronous” motor system has been derived from the British company’s €31,000 RG-1 flagship: an internal microprocessor and D/A converter precisely generate the sine and cosine signals required for consistent rotational speed. From the press release, “The signals generated are then amplified to the correct level using two bridged-balanced amplifiers”.
The platter that spins up top turns on a stainless steel spindle that rides atop a tungsten carbide bearing and is lubricated for long-term use. A speed switch is located at the rear of the top plate. Materials enthusiasts will want to know that the pulley is machined aluminium, the belt is silicone rubber, the platter is an aluminium alloy whose upper surface is made from bonded PETG and the vinyl record sits on a cork-and-neoprene mat.
Those same enthusiasts will also want to know that the supporting plinth is made from three layers of acrylic. The motor and electronics are attached via a steel chassis, whilst three adjustable feet sit below — because three feet are easier to level than four. The mechanically isolated sub-plinth is designed to keep vibrations away from the vinyl record as the stylus tracks its grooves.
The tonearm on the DG X is Vetere’s Grooverunner X whose flat-profiled design isn’t what we’d typically find on most other turntables. According to the press materials, the tonearm’s five-layer sandwich sidesteps the resonance issues associated with tubular tonearms. The arm mount allows for the full adjustment of tracking angle and azimuth and is designed to be removable for safer turntable transit. Vertere’s own Sabre Lite MM cartridge is fitted at the factory and a dust cover is supplied.
Price? £4150, €4299 or US$5400.
Further information: Vetere Acoustics
