Проигрыватели виниловых дисков — Wave Kinetics NVS Reference Jonathan Tinn Memorial Edition

The NVS Reference Jonathan Tinn Memorial Edition is a black version of the NVS Reference direct-drive turntable from Wave Kinetics, dedicated to the memory of Jonathan Tinn. Tinn, of Blue Light Audio, importer of darTZeel electronics and a partner in Playback Designs, proposed the turntable to Wave Kinetics' Matt Schuster, a Stanford graduate in applied mathematics and engineering.

Key specs that matter

The NVS Reference plays at 33 1/3 and 45 rpm with direct drive and a laboratory-grade motor control system. Speed accuracy is one part in 1,000. The high-inertia platter combines aluminium and mass-loaded polymer. The body, three support pillars and platform are machined from solid aluminium billets to a tolerance of 0.025 mm on five-axis CNC machines. The pillars include a tuned suspension with custom viscoelastic dampers, and the platform contains proprietary damping material. Two stainless steel armboards, each weighing about 8 kg, allow two tonearms. The controller is a separate brushed aluminium box with two Ethernet communication ports.

Engineering and use context

A direct-drive motor turns the platter without a belt, which removes belt stretch but requires precise speed control. Servo systems correct speed continuously, and poorly tuned ones can overshoot and undershoot, creating speed jitter. Schuster designed the control system to prevent this, and each unit is individually tuned using a model with 17 degrees of freedom. The high-inertia platter adds rotational stability that smooths any remaining corrections. The structure is built from monolithic parts machined from solid metal, reducing joints and connectors that can rattle or transmit vibration. The tuned suspension in the pillars attenuates floor vibration such as footfall, while internal damping addresses airborne vibration and noise from the motor and drive train. The mass-loaded polymer surface of the platter provides a suitable interface with the record. The turntable is built in a California factory that specialises in microrobotics. The controller can be placed well away from the turntable, keeping its electronics clear of the arm and cartridge. The Memorial Edition differs from the standard model mainly in its black finish.

Pairing

The NVS Reference accepts two tonearms of the owner's choice.

Alternatives

Wave Kinetics' standard NVS Reference is the silver version of the same turntable.