Synergy is a precision turntable featuring a built-in phono stage with a factory matched moving coil cartridge and premium grade signal cables, combining the finest components from some of the world’s best high-end audio brands.
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> Synergy is a unique, precision-engineered integrated turntable featuring magnesium tonearm, moving coil cartridge and built-in phono stage. Comprising of a completely new turntable design combined with the highly acclaimed SME Series IV tonearm, Ortofon’s ‘exclusive series’ MC Windfeld Ti cartridge and a specially designed phono stage by NAGRA, all coupled with mono crystal silver wire by Crystal Cable, Synergy is a fully integrated turntable unit that is factory configured requiring minimal user set-up.
The electronic control unit uses a high-performance microprocessor, optimised for motor control. Closed loop speed control is implemented using a proportional plus integral (PI) algorithm. Speed ranges are 33.3, 45 & 78 rpm, with fine pitch speed adjustment allowing increments/decrements of +/-0.01% of the selected speed. The electronic control circuitry and power supply unit are housed in an external one-piece CNC machined case. This new design offers complete isolation and support and is the perfect environment for the electronics. Speed selection controls are mounted on the front facia panel with LED indicators.
Based on the renowned SME Series IV, Synergy’s tonearm uses the same unique one-piece pressure die-cast magnesium arm tube. Internally damped to be acoustically inert, it is mounted on a precision yoke housing with 10mm ABEC 3 ball bearing races. This unique SME assembly gives high rigidity and allows the bearings to be critically adjusted before the tonearm is installed to the turntable. The yoke is mounted to the 23mm diameter heat treated, ground and honed steel pillar, with a pair of 17mm ABEC 7 ball bearing races that are widely spaced to resist tilt. The cartridge head shell mounting is precision machined and enamel free to avoid interference resonance.
Internal wiring is supplied by specialist high end audio cable manufacturer Crystal Cable. Housed within Synergy’s main chassis, the ultra-compact phono stage is specially developed for Synergy by NAGRA. The phono stage is 12v with an external Nagra power unit, offering complete separation from other power sources. Utilising premium grade electronic components, the amplification is provided by individually selected and matched bipolar transistors combined with high end quality capacitors and precision MELF (Metal Electrode Leadless Face) resistors. The price is a bit north of $16,000. ■
