Most beautiful turntable under $5k


Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but thought this might be a fun topic. Obviously the most important thing about audio gear is how it sounds, but I find some of it truly beautiful to look at too, particularly turntables, which almost by necessity are best placed somewhere on display. Some days I love the simplicity of something like the Clearaudio Concept Wood (particularly the dark wood)….other days the “audio jewelry” appearance of EAT or VPI. My personal vote, however, would go to the Gold Note Pianosa. For me it has a timeless beauty and elegance that’s never over the top. I can’t imagine ever tiring of looking at in and think it would look great with a wide array of decor.


What would be your personal choice for most beautiful turntable under $5k? What about cost-no-object options?

ethos123

I have 2 toddlers and know exactly what you mean.

That’s why I ditched my Thorens and Mag Lev that didn’t get much use because of the situation - instead got the 1200G that is living and breathing in my living room and gets lots of use now due to it’s neat design. I simply close the lid while playing when they run around, lot’s of fun on listening and dancing for them as well. The best feature: I use small load strap to keep the lid locked when not listening so they can’t stick their hands between to touch the tonearm and cartridge, I put the clamp on the other side of the table where they can’t reach - takes me 5 seconds to release it and stow aside the table and I am ready to play vinyl again. The solution is elegant, toddler safe yet a pure good looking hi-fi table :)

The Transcriptors Skeleton Turntable by a mile. It was a terrible turntable. I should know. I bought one. It taught me to close my eyes when purchasing audio gear.

 

Without a doubt... the Montegiro Lusso is/was the most outstanding

turntable ever looking at it.

 

That is indeed quite interesting to look at, and the DaVinci arm is no slouch either.

Without a doubt... the Montegiro Lusso is/was the most outstanding

turntable ever looking at it.

Hideous. It might sound like the angel's trumpet, but it looks like hammered dog s&*t....