Analog Gear News

It’s been a minute, but AVID have announced their first new turntable since 2018 — and it’s a beauty dubbed the Acutus Dark Iron, which takes the place of the prior Acutus Dark Limited Edition model to now serve as the new entry-point table in their top-line Acutus series.

The Dark Iron turntable sports a 10kg aluminium platter, which incorporates a 10mm aluminium disc at the top to, in AVID’s words, “effectively dampen any undesirable ringing noises.” The accompanying record mat is made from a high-quality TMShrunk felt composite. Consumers also have the option to upgrade to the company’s precision-machined resin mat, which AVID suggests be used in conjunction with their aluminum record clamp. (The SRP differentials between these two options appear at the end of this story.)

The following dramatic YouTube clip shows just how the Acutus Dark Iron table has been forged.

The Dark Iron also boasts a new AC motor system with DSP-generated adjustable speed control, coupled to the table’s cast aluminium sprung-suspension chassis. The spindle mounts to an inverted stainless-steel bearing with tungsten carbide ball and sapphire jewel in a self-lubricating sleeve. The dual belt-drive Acutus Dark Iron also supports up to two tonearms.

The Dark Iron’s adaptable, three-point spring suspension system enables accommodation of a single or dual tonearm weight of up to 3kg. Isolation frequency operation is given as 2.5Hz vertical, and 4.5Hz lateral. The AC synchronous motor’s operating spec is given as 24V/140nMm, and voltage input is 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz/20W max.

The dimensions of the Dark Iron table are given as 460 x 210 x 400mm (w/h/d) overall, with the footprint being 410 x 360mm (w/d) and the PSU as 250 x 95 x 215mm (w/h/d). Net weight is 19.0kg (42lb) for the turntable, and 3.5kg (8lb) for the PSU.

Finally, the SRP for the AVID Acutus Dark Iron turntable is £10,000. Adding in the aforementioned resin mat and aluminium record clamp brings the SRP up to £12,950.

For more about AVID, go here.
To find an authorized AVID dealer, go here.