Ballfinger has launched its first turntable, which is called the T 002 B. Ballfinger is known for its reel-to-reel recorders, and with the announcement of the T 002 B, the company appears to be looking to enter a new market. In terms of shape, the T 002 B bears a slight resealable reseal recorder, the M 002 P, which, incidentally, can only play back, not record.
According to the designers, the Ballfinger T 002 P is a compact, high-quality turntable in a class of its own: the iconic design, ease of use, and above all the sound quality make this turntable an outstanding product in today's highly competitive market for audiophile turntables. The radically minimalist design, including the layout of the controls, is directly adopted from the M 002 P reel-to-reel player .
The technical developer was Helmut Thiele, who has been designing audiophile turntables for various manufacturers for nearly five decades and recently applied his expertise to the Thorens New Reference. The T 002 B is offered without a tonearm or with a choice of two tonearms: the T 002 B with the uncompromising Thiele TA01 Zero Tracking tonearm, or, for enthusiasts of the classic radial tonearm, the Zavfino Crossbow TZ-1 9?. Just like the reel-to-reel recorders, the T 002 B is available in two color combinations: matte silver with gray side panels and matte black with black side panels.
Ballfinger T 002 B: technique
The chassis of the T 002 B consists of a solid, cross-laminated bamboo block that effectively dampens unwanted resonances. Bamboo has a cellular structure with air spaces between long, parallel fibers. This structure acts as a natural shock absorber and dampens unwanted vibrations and resonances more effectively than many hardwoods. Thanks to the cross-lamination and the varying orientation of the fibers within the layers, noise-disturbing vibrations are dampened and neutralized more quickly. Additionally, a solid damping weight is invisibly incorporated into the block, secured with a precisely defined, permanently elastic plastic connection. This forms the basis for a clear sound image with razor-sharp definition.
Two highly accurate spirit levels are built into the top left corner. Using the three height-adjustable feet, the player can be accurately leveled. This precise horizontal alignment is necessary for the proper operation of the Thiele TA01 tonearm.
The turntable is driven by a synchronous motor that follows a highly accurate, electronically generated sinusoidal voltage. These synchronous motors are manufactured to the highest possible standards for smoothness and are subsequently carefully selected. The motor power is transmitted to the sub-spoke via a precision-ground flat belt. The platter bearing has a diameter of 10 mm and consists of a precision-ground, specially hardened steel shaft rotating in a bronze bushing. Axial support is provided by a ceramic ball running on an annular Delrin bearing. This special bearing construction generates precisely defined friction. All components are precisely matched, resulting in a speed deviation of 0.020% or less.
Ballfinger T 002 B: available tonearms
1. Thiele TA01: The complex kinematics of the uncompromising Thiele TA01 Zero Tracking tonearm combine the precise and rigid tracking of a three-point tonearm with the advantages of a tangential tonearm. This design guides the cartridge across the record with a maximum tracking error of 0.036 degrees. The tonearm tube is double-walled and filled with a two-component gel for optimal damping. The result of this design is unique spatial resolution, extreme detail reproduction, and perfect tonality.
With an effective mass of 14 grams, the TA01 has a recommended tracking compliance of ~20 µm/mN. The tonearm is connected using the Zavfino Solid Pure Silver tonearm cable. For this tonearm, we recommend the Ortofon MC Verismo and the Ortofon MC 90X. The TA01 is just as easy to use as a standard radial tonearm.
2. Zavfino Crossbow TZ-1: On this tonearm, the housing, tonearm tube, and headshell are made of 6061 aluminum and finished with a ceramic coating; the vertical bearing housing is also made of 6061 aluminum. The enlarged mounting base is also made of 6061 aluminum. The counterweight bar is made of precision-machined SUS-303 stainless steel and is silicone-damped.
The TZ-1 utilizes a highly precise miniature stylus bearing. The vertical bearing housing is robustly constructed, and the bearing thickness is 16.2 mm. The oil/gel-based damping effectively reduces vibrations and contributes to tracking stability, even during demanding passages on the record. With an effective mass of 15 grams, the TZ-1 has a recommended stylus compliance of ~20 µm/mN. For this tonearm, we recommend the Ortofon MC 90X.
The first delivery will take place in the course of June 2006. Without a tonearm, the recommended retail price of the Ballfinger T 002 B is approximately $16,000.
