Transrotor Alto TMD

The Alto TMD stands on three height-adjustable legs and shines with the typical Transrotor glossy look. "TMD" stands for hydrodynamic platter bearing with magnetic coupling, and behind this term lies a self-contained development that has long since proven itself. The bearing consists of two parts that are mechanically connected by a vertical shaft that has only guiding functions.

Several magnets are inserted into the two bearing parts, which on the one hand ensure a constant distance. On the other hand, they transmit the rotational movement of the lower bearing element, driven by the motor, to the upper element. In this way, the influences of the drive on the disc plate, which is placed on the upper bearing element, are almost completely eliminated from the enclosure. Transrotor achieves additional damping with the platter surface, which is made of a vinyl-like material. A short arm at the front left carries a cylinder, the top recess of which is used to place the support weight. This is very practical, as it is always within reach.

The location of the motor can be freely chosen. If the Alto is used with only one tone arm, it is recommended that it be placed on the left side, simply ensuring that the correct distance of 216 millimetres is maintained between the platter axis and the motor axis. The motor is placed on an aluminium disc which provides damping by means of a silicone ring. All that remains is to fit the round belt, put the platter in place and connect the motor to the Konstant M1 Reference power pack, which should be placed within easy reach for convenient use. This is where the Alto is switched on and off and where the speed is selected.

The Transrotor cells, with one exception, have always been manufactured by Goldring and are the perfect complement to the range. The quality of the workmanship is, as always with Transrotor, impeccable.

The base of the Alto's tone arm has been designed down to the smallest detail, allowing the mounting distance and height to be adjusted precisely.

To do this, the arm plate is first swivelled around the mounting axis to create the necessary distance. The bracket for the selected tone arm is mounted at the end of the arm. To achieve the correct position, the holder can be turned inside the arm and, of course, fixed.

The height is adjusted by means of the knurled disc at the bottom of the base and is then locked by a small knob on the side. The geometric orientation is such that the tone arm spindle is at the rear end of the base, with the arm tube projecting forward. The pivot point is approximately in the middle under the tone arm tube.

The Alto is an "open system", which can be equipped little by little. This also applies to the motors, two of which can be used - but then you also need another power supply.


I have already tested the system with a Merlo Reference MC and it takes a long break-in period (10 hours).


In combination with an rb 880 or tra 9 arm, it comes close to analogue perfection.

This demonstrates once again what can happen in the analogue domain when the components harmonise so well with each other and the synergies create very fine sound images.

HIGHLIGHTS

    Version with TMD bearing
    tone arm base adjustable in all directions
    Up to 3 tone arms
    1 or 2 motors
    Konstant Studio power supply
    heavy aluminium platter