When MoFi Electronics decided almost 7 years ago to get into the turntable category, that decision came with some risks; the company which is financially connected to Music Direct, was already one of the largest distributors and retailers of high-end turntables in the world. Engineering a new lineup of turntables that would compete directly against VPI, SOTA, Pro-Ject, Technics, Rega, and Thorens took some guts.
It also took a lot of money.
The other interesting part of the story was the decision to engineer and manufacture everything in the United States; specifically in Ann Arbor, Michigan where one of MoFi Electronics’ most important team leaders had a long-term history of creating some of the best high-end digital components ever made.
Spinal Groove’s Allen Perkins was hired as a consultant to create the lineup and there is no question that the products offer a taste of his high-end designs at a much lower cost.
But playtime appears to be over.
With the price of high-end turntables escalating in response to the renewed interest in vinyl playback, $6,000 has become the new benchmark for some; a trend which we think is not going to attract as many new buyers as one might think.
Putting aside the price for one moment — did MoFi create a new deck to take on VPI in its own backyard? It would appear so.
The new MoFi MasterDeck features an “all new” dual-pivot carbon-fiber 10-inch tonearm that offers the best balance of precision, control and friction-free tracking.
This tonearm uses a removable headshell and allows for the optimization of virtually any cartridge by facilitating adjustable horizontal angle (azimuth), vertical tracking angle (VTA), overhang and anti-skate.
As well, all internal tonearm wiring is provided by Cardas Audio.
The MasterDeck achieves precision playback in part with an optically regulated speed controller using a three-phase brushless DC drive motor, housed in an isolated container.
Fine speed adjustments are available for 33, 45 and 78 RPM and are displayed on a four-digit display.
The 1.75 inch thick platter is a high mass hybrid material constructed exclusively from Aluminum and Delrin. This platter sits atop an ultra-high quality Encapsulated Spiral Groove inverted bearing.
Isolation from both environmental noise and feedback is accomplished by effectively floating the MasterDeck using custom Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) Isolation Feet.
Finally, with respect to “functional” cosmetics, a solid wood frame, in either Walnut or Black Ash finish, is wrapped around a constrained-layer body of wood and aluminum to eliminate all resonances.
Ultimately, the MoFi Electronics MasterDeck effortlessly exceeds the performance of many turntables perched above the 5-figure price threshold and is the ideal companion for the MoFi Electronics MasterPhono preamplifier.
Features:
- 33.33 / 45 / 78 RPM belt drive turntable
- Unique and highly adjustable 10-inch hybrid tonearm design = 1.75-inch aluminium and Delrin platter
- Four-digit display shows fine speed adjustment
- Cardas Audio internal arm wiring
- Solid wood frame available in black ash or walnut finish
- Custom Anti-Vibration feet designed by HRS
- Black constrained layer damped aluminum top
- Dimensions (w x d x h): 20 x 14 x 8” / 50.8 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm.
- Weight: 43 lbs. / 19.5 Kg.
Price & Availability
The MoFi Electronics MasterDeck will be available in December, 2023 with an MSRP of $5,995.00 at mofielectronics.com (USD).
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Bob
December 17, 2023 at 11:41 am
Who would buy a turntable at any price from a company that has just paid out $25-million in settlement of a fraud class-action case in audiophilia.
MoFi. Finished
Ian White
December 17, 2023 at 1:30 pm
Bob,
Between Music Direct, MoFi Distribution, MoFi Electronics, and Turntable USA…they will be fine.
MoFi is anything but finished and the tables sell very well. Not getting my money but their business is pretty healthy even after the class-action case.
I’m stil bewildered by the prices of their records. Why would anyone pay that?
Best,
Ian White