Above is Koetsu’s latest turntable offering in the U.S. – the Montegiro Legno Turntable. The system’s chassis is made of bamboo which according to Koetsu, “takes advantage of bamboo’s stabilizing and resonance damping properties.” Here are other tidbits from the press release:

“The Legno’s tonearm is available on an optional basis. The tonearm is an integral 10.5-inch model specially modified for Montegiro. Purchasers may select units from Da Vinci Audio Labs, SME Ltd. or Jelco. The tonearm comes equipped with a highly regarded cartridge from Koetsu, the legendary Japanese company whose phono cartridges set the standard for analog sound reproduction.

…

The turntable mechanism rests on four adjustable high-grade steel feet decoupled by embedded O-rings made of an innovative rubber composite. O-rings similarly decouple the extremely precise, specially treated synchronous motor, which is driven by a high-end outboard controller designed to meet the highest standards.”

The Montegiro Legno Turntable can be yours for a mere (ahem) $13,240 although final pricing varies depending on the selection of the tonearm.

Technorati Tags: Koetsu, Montegiro Legno Turntable

If you have a large record collection and you’re interested in digitizing them, here’s one possible solution – the new Denon DP-200USB. The DP-200USB will digitize the analog audio and then save it to a USB flash drive which you can connect to the USB port. The best part – you can convert your entire collection without needing a PC. Denon also includes the Trans Music Manager software which connects to Gracenotes for track and artist information associated with your record. The downside – the digitized audio is saved in MP3 format at 192 kbps.

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: Denon DP-200USB, USB, Record Player

Wow.. I guess there’s a larger market than I thought for USB enabled/connected turntables as Sony has introduced the new PS-LX300USB turntable. As you probably guessed it, the USB connection allows the PS-LX300USB to be connected to a computer system which makes it easy for consumers to convert vinyl records into digital files.

Features of the Sony PS-LX300USB include:

• Fully automatic operations at 33-1/3 and 45 rpm speeds
• Belt drive system for reduced motor noise and rotational stability
• Static balance tone arm with a bonded diamond stylus for precise tracking and low record wear
• Moving magnet phonograph cartridge
• Built-in phonograph pre-amp

The turntable comes with Sony’s Sound Forge Audio Studio software for audio editing and production on a PC. You’ll be able to buy the PS-LX300USB for around $150 starting next month.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, PS-LX300USB, USB turntable

Are you one of many who still have a large LP record collection? Interested in perhaps digitizing those records? Well consider the new Audio-Technica AT-LP2D-USB LP-to-digital recording system – a complete USB turntable and software package that makes it easy to transfer vinyl records straight to digital media files and to the CD format. Features of the AT-LP2D-USB include the following:

• USB output – directly connect the system to your PC or Mac
• Built-in switchable stereo phono/line level pre-amplifier. Permits use of turntable with stereo systems having either magnetic-phono inputs or “AUX” (line-level) inputs; also allows convenient use of turntable with most powered speakers
• PC & Mac compatible
• Fully automatic operation keeps LPs scratch free
• Two speeds: 33 1/3 rpm and 45 rpm
• Professional aluminum platter stabilizes records for the best-sounding play back
• Balanced tone arm with soft damping control prevents excess wear on your LP collection
• Switchable built-in pre-amplifier with line-level RCA output cables
• Integral Audio-Technica Dual Magnet phono cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus
• Removable dust cover
• Comes with Cakewalk PYRO software for the PC platform and Audacity for both PC and Mac

The AT-LP2D-USB has an MSRP of $229 and will be on exhibit at CES 2008.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Audio-Technica, AT-LP2D-USB,