Argon Audio has expanded its turntable range with the Argon Audio AURORA, the Danish brand’s first direct-drive model. Built for listeners who want a more refined vinyl experience, the Argon Audio AURORA combines a brushless, cogging-free direct-drive motor with an aluminium static-balanced S-shaped tonearm and the acclaimed Ortofon Concorde Music Blue cartridge, aiming for reference-level stability and detail at a value-for-money price.
A Direct-Drive Motor With Quartz-Controlled Speed
Unlike a belt-drive design, the Argon Audio AURORA drives its platter directly, with quartz-controlled speed regulation keeping rotation consistent over the long term. Argon Audio says the cogging-free motor is engineered to work as part of a carefully controlled playback system rather than around brute force, combining smooth rotation with a heavyweight, damped aluminium platter and a rigid MDF plinth to keep unwanted resonance to a minimum. Vibration-damping feet provide further isolation from the room, helping the stylus stay focused on the information in the groove rather than vibrations from its surroundings.
Patented ATS Technology in the Tonearm
At the heart of the AURORA’s sound is its static-balanced S-shaped aluminium tonearm, fitted with the Ortofon Concorde Music Blue cartridge for high-accuracy tracking. Argon Audio’s patented ATS (Anisotropic Torsion Stabilizer) technology, first introduced on the award-winning TT-4, reduces unwanted torsional resonance in the tonearm and allows the stylus to track with greater stability, revealing subtle details in a record that might otherwise be masked. A detachable headshell also makes future cartridge upgrades straightforward, and the effective tonearm length of 9.17 inches is paired with an effective arm mass of 20 grams.
Argon Audio, born from Europe’s leading hi-fi retailer HiFi Klubben, says the Argon Audio AURORA draws on more than two decades of in-house engineering experience, with every part of the turntable chosen to create a solid, controlled platform for records rather than technology added for its own sake.
Built-In Phono Preamp and Everyday Flexibility
A high-quality built-in MM phono preamp lets the Argon Audio AURORA connect directly to a wide range of amplifiers and active speakers without a separate phono stage, while support for 33, 45 and 78 RPM covers most of a typical vinyl collection (a suitable cartridge is required for 78 RPM records). Rated wow and flutter is kept to 0.10% or less, with rotation speed variation of plus or minus 0.2% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 65 dB. The turntable ships complete with a power cable, RCA cable, cartridge, dust cover and rubber slip mat, and is available in Black (Matte Lacquer) or Walnut (Veneer) finishes.
The AURORA joins a wider Argon Audio catalogue that already spans turntables, active speakers and subwoofers, including the recently launched BERLIN SUB 10 and BERLIN SUB 12 subwoofers.
Pricing and Availability
The Argon Audio AURORA is available now for 1,299 euros, backed by a 30-day return policy and a 3-year warranty.
Key Specifications
- Pickup: Ortofon Concorde Music Blue
- Speeds: 33/45/78 RPM
- Drive type: Direct, brushless, quartz-controlled
- Tonearm: Aluminium, static-balanced S-shaped, ATS technology
- Platter: Aluminium with rubber damping, 1.4 kg
- Built-in MM phono preamp
- Wow and flutter: ≤ 0.10%
- Rotation speed variation: ±0.2%
- Finishes: Black (Matte Lacquer), Walnut (Veneer)
- Price: €1,299
More information is available at argonaudio.com.
