- Analog Relax’s new moving-coil turntable cartridge is called the EX700
- Made of Tyrolean spruce, boron and of course diamonds
- Retails for £7,288 (about $9,400, AU$13,300) – and this is ‘mid-tier’
Money no object
We love giving practical buying advice on the latest tech products here at TechRadar. But sometimes what we love even more is to indulge in the most outrageously high-end, cutting-edge, luxurious propositions on the planet. That’s what we bring you in these Money no object columns – you can read the whole series here.
Do you own one of the best turntables and want it to sound even better? Spending a small fortune on a premium cartridge might not be the cheapest option, but if money is no object, it can be fun.
Japanese audio label Analog Relax has just lifted the lid on the EX700, possibly named after how many £10 notes you’ll need to own it – it retails for £7,288 in the UK via Absolute Sounds (that works out to around £9,400 or AU$13,300).
That price actually makes this one of Analog Relax’s mid-range options, but for the rest of us, it’s an outrageously premium choice. And I’ll be honest, it’s not a figure that makes me feel very relaxed.
The sound though? That’s probably another story. The EX700 is a moving-coil cartridge (often seen as superior to more budget-friendly moving-magnet rivals) that uses a multi-neodymium magnet system and line-contact stylus, all of which promise unmatched control and clarity and minimal distortion.
Rare materials
The high price of the Analog Relax EX700 may be due to the construction and materials. The cartridge was handcrafted by Japanese craftsmen, using a cantilever drill and diamond pens. Yes, diamond is the industry standard for tracing through your vinyl’s delicate grooves, but this particular proposal has all whistles and bells around it.
The wood itself was carved from spruce harvested in South Tyrol in Italy, which is one of the woods favored by the famous string instrument craftsman Stradivari.
The producer’s creations often sell for millions and are famous for a sound that modern scientists and musicians have been unable to replicate even 350 years later – although most believe this is due to the finish of the wood, not the type of wood or how it is used. Spruce was used for the tops of the instruments, but willow and maple were also used.
Because of the legacy, the Stradivarius name remains one relied upon by audio producers to add gravitas to their releases. Several years ago, for example, Sonus Faber released some speakers that drew inspiration from the name. It’s a grand comparison to make, but if you’re paying the price of a small car on a turntable, you want that kind of security.
The best turntables for all budgets
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