Brinkmann Balance Anniversary Turntable + 12" TA+EMT-Ti+RoNt+HRS isolation base
Original: NZ$ 54,995.00 (incl. GST) Saving: NZ$ 10,000.00 (incl. GST)
Considered some of the world’s finest turntables out of Germany Brinkmann introduction:
In June 2009 the »Anniversary« was released, it is the best sounding »Balance« ever. No small feat, considering that this turntable has been in production for 25 years,(in its standard incarnation notabene - it is considered an absolute reference turntable by renowned audio publications), therefore, the »Anniversary« special edition, limited to 25 individually numbered turntables is especially unique.
The »Anniversary« consists of a »Balance« turntable equipped with a new tonearm base which for the first time (in 25 years!) allows the use of 12-inch arms on this turntable. Add to this a »12.1« arm, an »EMT-ti« cartridge, a tubed »RöNt« power supply for the drive circuit and a solid-state supply for the bearing heater plus a custom isolation base built by HRS specifically for the »Anniversary«. Moreover, Helmut Brinkmann has optimized the »Anniversary« in many details (for instance the ebony collar on the arm base or different caps in the drive circuit) until he was sure that in all those 25 years, no »Balance« has ever sounded better. And he takes pride in tuning each of the 25 »Anniversary« turntables personally. Note: only a very limited number are every become available.
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Helmut Brinkmann has optimized the »Anniversary« in many details such as:
12.1" Brinkmann tonearm.
EMT-ti titanium cartridge.
Seperate RoNt tubed power supply for the drive circuit.
Seperate solid-state supply for the bearing heater.
HRS custom isolation base built specifically for the »Anniversary«.
Ebony collar on the arm base.
Different caps in the drive circuit
Drive precision ground round belt
Platter weight 18 kg, Ø 316 mm, height 90 mm.
Platter surface planar polished crystal glass (recessed mounting)
Included in delivery turntable, screw-down record clamp, solid state power supply, tools
Dimensions - turntable: 550W x 400D x 140H
Weight - turntable: 33kg
Dimensions - HRS isolation base approx: 584w x 430D x 75H
Weight - HRS isolation base: approx 28kg - 62lb
The »Anniversary« is the bestsounding »Balance« ever. No small feat, considering that this turntable has been in production for 25 years.
The »Anniversary« is the bestsounding »Balance« ever. No small feat, considering that this turntable has been in production for 25 years.
I could describe how cymbals, drums, bass, wind instruments and strings sounded and the way we were drawn into the words from singers - both contemporary and classical - but this misses the point. The music was presented as a whole with an even, realistic, and believable frequency response across the full spectrum with musical details I have never heard before.
Terry,
It's been many years since we started our Tuesday night listening sessions alternating between each of our homes.
Over the years we have had many memorable evenings trying out equipment that most people only read about in high-end audio magazines. However, nothing prepared me for last night's listening evening.
As a vinyl and music enthusiast and the owner of three highly regarded turntables I reluctantly agreed to look after your turntable while you move house. Unfortunately, for me, the Brinkman turntable has revealed that the journey isn't over yet. It's not the first time that you have done this to me but last night I expected an incremental improvement and we were stunned by what we heard.
I had expected to hear authority and detail but the musicality of this turntable took me by surprise. To hear such a clear and natural presentation of the music with realistic timbre, separation of instruments and voice and tremendous dynamics - well, it was like being at the musical event.
Another surprise was the impression that I had changed every component in my system. Even my Martin Logans decided to lift their performance and say "I like this turntable!" Gone was the sometimes bloated bass from the active bass unit and the imaging, timing, and speed were the best I've heard.
I could describe how cymbals, drums, bass, wind instruments and strings sounded and the way we were drawn into the words from singers - both contemporary and classical - but this misses the point. The music was presented as a whole with an even, realistic, and believable frequency response across the full spectrum with musical details I have never heard before.
It's interesting that the cartridge I use in my main turntable costs more than the Brinkman modified EMT fitted to the Anniversary Balance. The EMT certainly doesn't sound like a cheaper cartridge.
It is going to be a sad day when you return to pick up the Brinkman Balance and take it to your new home. I thought that looking after your Maserati while you were in Munich was as good as it gets but again I was wrong.
To think that we had one of only 25 examples of these engineering marvels playing in a modest room in Hamilton New Zealand was like a dream.
My sincere thanks for sharing this with me.
Kind regards,
David B.
"For me, it is the absolute dream-turntable."
The BALANCE won the Gold Medal in the turntable category at the Image HiFi Millennium Awards 2000. Don't be misled by the Balance's ease of setup and use. It offers the ultimate in high-resolution playback and must be matched with like-minded components. Match it properly and you will be rewarded with exceptional and exception-less performance from the moment you drop the stylus into the groove until you decide to give it a rest - something, I suspect, you will rarely be inclined to do.The Brinkmann Balance presents music the way you hear it live: as an organic whole, not as disconnected parts. Nevertheless, no information has gone missing and a listener intent on following particular musical parts is surely free to do so. It is all there as every aspect of the music on an LP is available for those inclined to listen analytically or as through a microscope. Still, the Brinkmann discourages detached,analytic listening. It invites the listener to embrace and be moved by the music, not to study or scope it."
