The drive starts at the Sinus motor, designed by Helmut Brinkmann and used in the Balance since 2012, which is fed with a sine-wave supply to run with little vibration. A precision-ground round belt turns an 18 kg aluminium platter, 316 mm across and 90 mm high, topped with polished crystal glass that gives the record a flat, hard support. The heavy platter stores rotational energy, so brief changes in drive force barely move the speed. The fixed bearing uses hardened stainless steel in sintered brass bushings and is heated by its own solid-state supply, keeping the oil viscosity constant from switch-on. The RoNt II supply regulates its voltage with selected NOS Mullard valves made in the UK. The second arm base has a collar system for any arm the owner picks, which allows a second cartridge, for instance for mono records. The HRS Reference-series base is rated effective from subsonic frequencies to 40 kHz. The kit adds a screw-down clamp, flight cases and a signed book on the history of the Balance.
How it sounds
With a heated bearing and a heavy platter holding speed steadily, sustained piano notes and long string chords stay free of audible pitch wavering. The glass top and isolation base keep stray vibration out of the stylus path, so quiet passages on acoustic jazz or chamber recordings remain clean and the bass of a well-cut record keeps its weight.
1 component
- Turntables
Balance 33rd Anniversary Edition
Inspired by Leica cameras, Brinkmann “33-1/3 Anniversary” Balance is limited to 33 sequentially numbered, two-arm ‘tables, this Collector’s Edition features unique engraving on the arm base, identifying it as unique.