Our new benchmark in vinyl replay quality is established.
As I said, everything I wrote back in 2014 regarding the Versalex’s performance stands but every now and then something changes that forces one to recalibrate one’s appreciation of quality or performance, whether it’s the new iPhone, the latest Ferrari or the latest turntable design.
This is exactly what the Royale 400 was designed to achieve and oh boy does it achieve it?
Let's start by stating the Royale 400 is clearly recognisable as a Well Tempered. This is no total rethink or contrary design. It is the design principles of a forward thinking turntable designer taken to a whole new level. I was going to say the max but who knows what else Bill may one day envisage?
I could allude to all its hi-fi and audiophile characteristics, which is has in spades and without which, the Royale 400 would no doubt not do what it does.
What this turntable does do though, and far, far better than any in my previous experience is convey the performance of the piece. That’s what strikes one first, the sheer believability of what’s before you. Never before has the emotion of a singer or of a guitar player been so well delivered. The grip and control, of the entire spectrum, macro and micro dynamics is breathtaking and challenges your understanding of your most beloved music. For example; I played ‘’Since I’ve Been Loving You’’ from Led Zep III first pressing and heard bass lines and drum patterns I didn’t know where even there with Jimmy’s searing guitar sending shivers down my spine whilst all along Robert Plants soulful smooth tone remained, that is until he belts out in falsetto.
Listening to Sonny Rollins’ play ‘’Blue 7’’ on the album Saxophone Colossus one can so clearly hear the reed emanating from the horn in front of you.
I could go on with many such examples but I feel I could never truly do justice to the experience.
After living with the Royale 400 for two whole weeks my only disappointment was the following two weeks getting over its return.
Now, where did I leave my tape measure?
Simon
SPECIFICATIONS
- Multi-layer “baltic” plywood central layer.
- Switchable 33 to 45 RPM
- Anodized aluminium top and bottom layers.
- Proprietary rubber damping material between layers, motor and tonearm coupling.
- Isolation feet capable of supporting the heavy plinth.
- Electronic servo speed controlled motor.
- Refined platter assembly and zero clearance main bearing.
- The now purely mechanical LTD tonearm with 16” (400mm) arm tube.
- Symmetrex tonearm configuration with golf ball suspended in silicone fluid for optimum variable damping
- “Zero Clearance” platter bearing
- 0.004” polyester thread belt
- Easy azimuth adjustment
Well Tempered Royale 400 £10995, Custom Rack £2995
