Takumi TT level 3.1

Most turntable brands have their own distinctive aesthetic even if individual models will be cut from a superior cloth at the top of the range. Dutch designer, Rik Stoet, has a slightly different vision for his turntable brand, Takumi, for while there’s clearly a family resemblance to the level TT 2.1DC [HFN Dec ’25], the new TT level 3.1, priced £2299, is more than just a quick makeover of its smaller brother. Unlike the TT level 2.1DC, the TT level 3.1 is not supplied as standard with Takumi’s nifty little SpeedPod unit. This adds a digital readout and speed adjustment in ±0.01rpm steps, but it is available as an option for £179. Also available for £219 is the LOW version of the ingenious, beautifully engineered but appallingly named ‘Little Fwend’ end-ofside arm-lifting device [see boxout, p63].

MATERIAL GAINS

Under the TT level 3.1’s skin there are several important changes, all of which promise an uptick in sound quality. Most notable is the plinth which is now a threelayer affair. Top and bottom layers are black acrylic and these sandwich a layer of wood. The outer layers are mechanically decoupled from the inner layer using rubber decouplers, and the wood is available in Beech or Walnut. Also new for the TT level 3.1 is a change of platter material from acrylic to Delrin. According to Takumi, the material was chosen because it has very similar properties to vinyl, providing a good mechanical match and minimising vibrations. Furthermore, Delrin is denser than acrylic so increases the mass of the platter in an effort to further improve its speed stability. Finally, Stoet states that ‘the elegant look of the Delrin platter is the “cherry on the cake” for the level 3.1’

In common with the 2.1 model, the TT level 3.1 is powered by a DC motor which is resiliently mounted in the upper layer of the plinth via two O-rings. Two screws secure the motor housing for transit and these must be loosened or removed before use. A metal cover fits over the motor pulley and has two slots for the belt to exit. These slots are quite slim so some care must be taken in aligning both the belt and the exit holes correctly before the top is screwed back on. Again, like the 2.1, the aluminium sub-platter has an O-ring around its centre spindle which provides some decoupling for the platter when it is fitted. It also has a series of magnets in its underside, which are read by a Hall sensor in the plinth to provide feedback to the motor control system. As a result, speed stability is good [see PM’s Lab Report, p65] and the deck should continue to to turn a steady platter for many years.

A feature of the TT level 3.1 is the integration of its controls into the plinth in a manner which Stoet describes as ‘a typical 1970s configuration’. On the far right is a three-position lever that selects Off, 33.3rpm or 45rpm (or no function if the optional SpeedPod is connected) while the left hand lever directs the cueing device for the tonearm. The latter is now much gentler in operation – the standard cueing platform on the TT level 2.1DC is integrated into the arm itself and is distinctly more abrupt in action. On the TT level 3.1, the arm and cueing platform are independently adjustable for height to obtain correct stylus VTA and optimise the lift/lower cueing height.

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