Artisan Fidelity Achates SE

I’ve been meaning to post a review of this turntable for more than a year.  I’ve owned many turntable/arm/cartridge set-ups over the past 25 years.  I have always been firmly in the “analog is quite a bit better than CD or DAC or really any method of delivering digital.”  A couple years ago, after reading a million reviews and posts, listening to my own best set-up and hundreds and hundreds more at shows and dealers, I decided to take the plunge and try an idler drive turntable.  I’ve read about how many audiophiles eventually end up with an idler drive or get one in addition to their best belt drive.  After much research, it was easy to find Christopher Thornton at Artisan Fidelity.  He is one of if not the authority on getting the absolute best out of idler designs.  I decided to go with the Achates SE for a few reasons.  Aesthetics for one.  I also wanted to go with a Lenco platform, mostly because I liked the clean look and simple design more than Garrard, but I’m sure both platforms make great music.

The Achates SE is a no-holds-barred all-out design of the Lenco.  Chris ultimately designed and executed a table that delivers all of the best of an idler with neutrality, background silence and probably most importantly, life!  This table allows music to come to life like nothing I’ve experienced in over 25 years of this hobby.  The bass is phenomenal in its ability to lay a foundation for the music.  Mids are open, clear and full of weight and density of sound.  The highs are open and soaring and maybe most importantly....they are great from one record to the next....not just on a few of my favorite audiophile records.  I also like that this turntable/arm allows for “set it and forget it” peace of mind, as nothing moves and requires checking or adjustment.  

In case you are interested in researching a little, shown on the Artisan Fidelity website is the exact table I own.  It is also the table that was at Axpona 2015 and 2016 on display by Lakeview Audio.  Michael Fremer says on his video on YouTube “this is the best sounding room at the show.” I have the Kuzma 4-point and both Lyra Kleos SL and Etna.  Etna is installed currently.   I also got a SMARTractor alignment tool from Chris and settled on the UNI-DIN.  Below are a few links to view/hear videos and read comments.  

Best set of luck in your personal audio journey!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b91ydKjb7HQ

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/artisan-fidelity-turntables-drew-me-sound-made-me-stay

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2016/04/25/axpona-2016-fuugu-david-berning-and-lehave/