Vertere Acoustics is a distinguished British high-end audio manufacturer, founded by Touraj Moghaddam, who is also known for co-founding Roksan. Based in the UK, Vertere is committed to delivering exceptional audio products, including record players, tonearms, cartridges, motor drives, phono preamps, cables, and accessories. The $5,400 Vertere DG-X is its latest offering and there is no question that the design will turn some heads.
Are they the same British turntable manufacturer that brings the funk with very little junk in the trunk?
You probably mean Rega Research and that’s a very different company but they do both of those things as well — some would say that their designs do it better — but for a lot more money. We’re fans of both companies and their approach to vinyl playback.
Vertere Acoustics focuses on innovative design and engineering to reduce signal degradation, bringing listeners closer to the original musical experience. They also utilize unique materials and construction techniques to isolate the phono cartridge from vibrations, ensuring superior sound quality.
All of that comes with a rather steep asking price which has limited its appeal to traditional audiophiles with a strong interest in high-end vinyl playback.
The flagship RG-1 Reference Groove Turntable retails for $33,495 USD and offers unparalleled performance through meticulous engineering; the Vertere RG-1 Reference Groove turntable features countless carefully considered design elements that set it apart from others. It includes a super-precision main bearing and a two-piece, non-resonant platter assembly, creating the quietest possible platform for the tonearm and cartridge.
That’s $33,495 USD for those of you in the cheap seats — and that doesn’t include the cost of a premium phono cartridge that is not included.
Get Your Groove on!
Although still on the higher end, Vertere Audio’s entry-level Dynamic Groove turntables offer a more accessible price point. The DG-1 and DG-1S models range from $4,000 to $9,000, depending on the tonearm and cartridge configuration.
The new Vertere DG-X Dynamic Groove Turntable is built to achieve just that, incorporating innovative updates to the original DG-1S model that we reviewed here.
If you compare the DG-1S to the DG-X, you’ll certainly going to notice some similarities. The three-layer cast acrylic plinth — with a transparent middle layer with built-in lighting so that it illuminates while playing? That hasn’t changed.
The DG-X integrates a state-of-the-art motor drive and precision main bearing with the advanced Groove Runner X Tonearm constructed from a double 5-layer polymer-bonded beam, ensuring that every component has been meticulously crafted for optimal performance.
However, the DG-X comes with notable upgrades, including an enhanced motor drive, improved power supply, and refined suspension. The three-layer plinth structure has also been further optimized. According to Vertere, these updates work together to further reduce unwanted resonance and provide enhanced sound clarity.
The new Sabre Lite moving-magnet cartridge is designed to surpass the performance of the brand’s previous Magneto cartridge, which was included with the DG-1S. The new cartridge outputs 4.3mV — although we are awaiting final confirmation of that.
Vertere claims that the DG-X can be setup in 15 minutes; but that seems something that might only apply to those with experience setting up their turntables which can be somewhat confusing.
The design of the platter is also rather interesting; the markings help with cartridge alignment which is a rather clever touch.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the placement of the speed button, which is far too close to the belt; it seems odd that it can’t be moved even a few centimeters from the button. Odd. So British. Guess nobody read my email.
The Bottom Line
The Vertere DG-X stands out in the high-end turntable market due to its combination of cutting-edge engineering, refined design, and user-friendly features. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the DG-1S, the DG-X incorporates key upgrades such as an improved motor drive, power supply, and suspension system, which work together to reduce unwanted resonance and deliver a clearer, more detailed sound.
The DG-X faces strong competition from other high-end turntable brands, including Rega, VPI, Clearaudio, and Kuzma, all of which offer similarly priced models with impressive performance and design.
Based on my experience with the DG-1S, I believe the Vertere DG-X could be the one to beat, though we’re still undecided on the gloss red finish.
Price & Availability
The Vertere DG-X turntable package — which includes the Groove Runner X tonearm and Sabre Lite MM cartridge — is available now for $5,400.
It comes in three different finishes: gloss black, gloss white and gloss red.
For more information: vertereacoustics.com/dg-x
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Antonio the Bleak
April 8, 2025 at 6:54 pm
That tonearm looks really interesting. The color of the table is atrocious. Looks good on a car…not a turntable.
$33K for a turntable is a joke.
Ian White
April 8, 2025 at 7:13 pm
So $33K for a statement level turntable in 2025 is actually on the low end but I agree that spending more than $20K for reference quality playback with cartridge is absurd. My favorite Kuzma is around that price point and it’s a beast.
The tonearm was the most impressive part of the DG-1S — it’s a tad finicky but really works. Much easier to set-up a cartridge with it — which is good for folks like myself with shaky hands.
These guys make exceptional tables. Some of the best I’ve heard.
IW