Turntables — Auris Audio Auris MYSTiK

The Auris MYSTiK is a compact belt driven record player from Auris Audio of Serbia, with a body of Kerrock composite and the T809 tonearm. Auris combines traditional handwork and modern technology in it and aims it at both audiophiles and casual listeners. It is sold as a plug and play package with an Audio Technica AT-95E or AT-95C cartridge pre-installed and a cable for connection to an amplifier.

Key specs that matter

Speeds of 33.3 and 45 rpm are chosen with a switch. The platter is 299 mm in diameter, and the main bearing pairs a bronze cylinder and a ceramic ball. The T809 arm has an effective mass of 11 g, an 18 mm overhang, a tilt angle of 24 degrees and tracking force adjustable from 5 to 40 mN. The turntable measures 400 x 300 x 110 mm and weighs 4.6 kg. Auris lists the MYSTiK at EUR 840 including tax.

Engineering and use context

Kerrock is a composite that Auris selects for vibration resistance and durability. The DC motor runs from 9 V to 12 V and is mounted on special rubber spacers that keep motor vibration out of the plinth, and the maker says it holds a steady speed regardless of electrical fluctuations. A 10 mm shaft carries the sub platter, which Auris credits with high inertia, and a cemented carbide metal plate with a hardness of 90 Rockwell sits under the precision ball bearing. The main hub uses a bronze central bearing, which Auris prefers over traditional brass for service life and reliability. The T809 arm is designed with vibration damping in mind. The feet use a special rubber compound for isolation and offer height adjustment for a level plinth. Its space saving dimensions are chosen so that the MYSTiK fits on standard equipment racks.

Pairing

Because a cartridge and a connection cable are included, the MYSTiK needs only a phono preamplifier, internal to the amplifier or separate, to start playing records.

Alternatives

The Auris Bayadere 1 is a heavier Auris turntable with a solid aluminium body, a synchronous AC motor and the W9 carbon tonearm.