To say that vinyl listeners have a lot of turntable options in 2024 would be a rather serious understatement. A quick search through our index would reveal the release of over 100 new turntables over the past 24 months alone — and that doesn’t even take into account everything that was available before. Has the market become oversaturated? Yes — and we suspect that once the vinyl market peaks, companies like Pro-Ject, Rega, VPI, Clearaudio, U-turn Audio, and Thorens will be the ones best positioned for the future.
On the positive side, there are options for every possible budget. Nobody has to spend $2,000 for a table that will provide years of listening enjoyment. We consider tables like the Pro-Ject Debut PRO, Rega Planar 3, U-Turn Audio Orbit Theory, and Technics SL-1500C to be category leaders between $995 and $1,295.
For those with much deeper wallets, there are more esoteric turntables such as the Nagra Reference or Musical Fidelity M8xTT worth considering.
Another option is to take the approach of companies such as Andover (SpinDeck Series) or Victrola which offer practical features that add a lot of versatility without breaking the bank.
You can still opt for a more traditional turntable, such as those offered by Germany-based Rekkord Audio. We previously reported on its midrange F100, but to boost its presence further, Rekkord has announced that its M600 flagship turntable is now available in North America.
M600 Key Features
Belt Drive: The M600 is a three-speed (33, 45, 78 rpm) belt-drive manual turntable that is housed in a wooden (MDF) chassis that fits into the decor in any room.
Tonearm: The M600 has a custom-designed 8.6-inch aluminum tonearm that is height adjustable. To accomplish this, the tonearm incorporates a four-way ball cardan bearing made of aluminum blocks, combined with a massless tracking force adjustment. This design is intended to apply the proper downforce to maintain a consistent stylus vertical tracking force.
Platter: The M600’s platter is made of aluminum and weighs 5.6 lbs. The platter is billet machined with a 10 mm groove holding energy-absorbing thermoplastic (TPE) elastomers to minimize resonances. The platter sits on a brass bearing paired with a Teflon bearing mirror to further support smooth running and durability.
Connectivity: The M600 provides a traditional RCA L/R + Ground connection. To connect the M600 to a Stereo Receiver, AVR, or other audio system that does not have a traditional phono input, you will need to place a Phono Preamp between the turntable and the audio system.
From Roy Feldstein, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) VANA Ltd., exclusive North American importer of REKKORD turntables.“The REKKORD M600 is the reference model,…It epitomizes REKKORD’s commitment to designing, manufacturing, and marketing turntables that offer outstanding performance and value that outshine anything else at their price points.”
Specifications
- Drive: Belt-driven (flat belt)
- Speed (RPM): 33 & 45 & 78
- Wow & Flutter: 0.05% (DIN)
- Rumble: 48 dB
- SNR: 72 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cartridge (optional): Ortofon Quintet Red (MC, factory-mounted)
- Output: Phono RCA + ground cable
- Power supply: 12v DC, 150 mA
- Finish: Matte Black or Gloss Black
- Dimensions (WHD): 440 x 135 x 370 mm (17.3 x 5.3 x 14.6 inches)
- Weight: 8.3 kg (~18 lbs)
Tonearm:
- Start/Stop: Manual
- Bearing with 4-way ball cardan bearing with VTA setting
- Viscosity-damped tonearm lift
Included Accessories:
- Dust cover
- Anti-static felt mat
- Phono cable.
Pricing and Availability
- Matte Black: $1,499 without cartridge
- Piano Black: $1,699 without cartridge
- Matte Black: $1,699 including Ortofon Quintet Red MC Cartridge
- Piano Black: $1,899 including Ortofon Quintet Red MC Cartridge
The M600 can be purchased in North America via Vana Limited/Rekkord USA, Authorized Distributor. Rekkord products are made in Germany.
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