Vulkkano TD20 Turntable Review: A Worthwhile Upgrade Over the TD10
The Vulkkano TD20 turntable, an upgraded version of the TD10, is now being shipped to customers who pre-ordered it earlier this month. The reviewer has been testing a unit and finds it to be a highly recommendable purchase. While sharing the same MDF chassis, motor, and electronics as the TD10, the TD20 features significant improvements in its platter, mat, tonearm, cartridge, and stylus.
Setting up the TD20 involves placing it on a level surface, installing the improved metal platter, and attaching the drive belt, which is made easier by an integrated cloth tab. The rubber mat replaces the TD10's felt mat, both aiming to minimize vibrations for better sound quality. Tonearm balancing is a crucial step, involving counterweight adjustment to achieve a horizontal arm position, followed by setting the tracking force, recommended at 2 grams for the stock Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge. The anti-skating mechanism, adjusted via a dial, should match the tracking force for optimal performance and longevity of the stylus and records.
Further enhancements include a more robust tonearm, a larger tonearm rest, and the integrated anti-skating system, which helps keep the stylus centered in the record groove, improving sound and reducing wear. The TD20 operates manually, requiring the user to move the tonearm and stop the motor, a design choice that simplifies the device and reduces cost. Priced at 230 euros, the TD20 represents a 70 euro increase over the TD10, a difference the reviewer deems well justified by the substantial upgrades, particularly the cartridge and stylus, and the overall improved audio performance.
The Vulkkano TD20's design prioritizes core audio fidelity through mechanical improvements over automation, a strategic choice in a market segment that often values tactile control and sonic purity. By enhancing key components like the tonearm, platter, and cartridge, Vulkkano addresses common vinyl playback issues such as vibration and tracking error, directly impacting sound quality and component longevity. The manual operation, while potentially a drawback for some, aligns with a philosophy of user engagement and simplifies the product's internal complexity, potentially leading to greater long-term reliability and a more accessible price point for the enhanced features. This approach positions the TD20 as a compelling option for audiophiles seeking tangible sonic improvements without the premium associated with fully automated systems, reflecting a thoughtful balance between performance, cost, and user experience in the evolving consumer electronics landscape.
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