TRANSROTOR BELLINI

The world of high-end analog playback is filled with turntables that promise sonic nirvana, but few manage to deliver the combination of aesthetic appeal, engineering brilliance, and pure musicality that audiophiles and vinylists crave. Transrotor tables are known for producing a sound that is both precise and emotionally engaging. For those seeking a turntable that not only offers breathtaking sound reproduction but also serves as a focal point in any audiophile setup, the Transrotor Bellini is an outstanding contender.

Designed and crafted by the German high-end audio brand Transrotor, the Bellini is a turntable that merges tradition with modern technology, It is not inexpensive by any stretch, but would be considered a bargain considering the current landscape of turntables that are touted to be state of the art. This review will explore the Bellini’s design, construction, technology, and performance, diving deep into what makes this turntable a top tier offering for vinyl loving audiophiles.

One of the first things that set the Transrotor Bellini apart is its aesthetic presence. Unlike many turntables that follow a standard wooden plinth design, the Bellini embraces a minimalist yet luxurious approach. The chassis is crafted from high quality acrylic glass, which not only gives it a sleek and modern look but also contributes to its resonance dampening capabilities. Supported by three massive columns made of polished aluminum, the turntable exudes an air of sophistication and stability.

At the heart of the Bellini’s design is its 9 kg aluminum platter. This substantial component is engineered with an anti vibration plastic insert, which serves to minimize vibrations and unwanted gremlins. The result is a platter that provides a stable and silent foundation for vinyl playback. The sheer weight of the platter also contributes to maintaining rotational stability, ensuring a consistent playback speed with minimal fluctuation.

The Bellini’s motor is another testament to Transrotor’s dedication to engineering excellence. A synchronous AC motor, it is powered by Transrotor’s Konstant M1 Reference power supply. This external power supply unit plays a crucial role in maintaining a constant and precise speed, a vital aspect of any high-end turntable. The Konstant M1 Reference ensures that the motor remains unaffected by fluctuations in the main power supply, thereby reducing potential distortions and preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

One of the most notable technical features of the Bellini is its magnetically decoupled platter bearing, also known as Transrotor Magnetic Drive (TMD). This technology isolates the platter from direct mechanical contact with the bearing, significantly reducing internal vibrations and mechanical noise. Traditional bearings often introduce minute amounts of friction and resonance, but the company claims TMD eliminates these issues, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and silent rotation. They say this innovation is a major contributor to the Bellini’s performance.

While the Bellini’s design and appearance is undoubtedly impressive, its functionality and user experience are equally noteworthy. The turntable is belt-driven, a choice preferred by many audiophiles for its ability to reduce motor induced sonic issues. It of course supports playback speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM,

The Bellini, like all bespoke turntables, is not a plug-and-play and It requires careful setup and calibration to achieve its full potential. The table is sold without a tonearm or cartridge, as is the norm in ultra high performance analog. This is not an all in one solution, but it also allows audiophiles to customize their setup to match their preferences and budget.

The review sample of the Bellini, which sells for $6495, came pre outfitted with a Transrotor TRA Studio Tonearm, which sells for $5595, and the Japanese made Accuphase AC-6 cartridge, which retails for $6975. There is also an optional and attractive dust cover available.

Set Up & Listening:

The Bellini required some assembly and set up, which took roughly two hours. The packaging is superb and the set up guide is clear and easy to follow. Everything one needs to get started is included As the tonearm was pre installed and calibrated, most of the set up time was to get the motor, belt, bearing, and cartridge ready to go. WIth some excellent guidance from Steve Huntley at AXISS Audio, were able to install the Accuphase cartridge correctly and move on to spinning the platters.

The rest of the system included Magnepan 3.7i speakers, an Audio Research VS-120 amplifier, a Rogue Audio RP-5 preamp, the recently reviewed Grimm Audio P1 phono stage,(https://www.grimmaudio.com/reviews/audio-key-reviews-pw1-checks-every-box-imaginable/) And Clarus Cables all around. All components are plugged into Audience and Bryston power conditioners. We situated the Bellini as far away as we could from the power supply. It rested on our trusty Symposium Acoustics isolation shelf.

The true test of any high-end turntable lies in its musical performance, and it would be an understatement to say the Transrotor Bellini does not disappoint. From the moment the needle drops, it becomes evident that this is a turntable designed to reveal every subtle detail hidden within a record’s grooves. The soundstage is vast and immersive, offering a three dimensional listening experience that places instruments and vocals with pinpoint accuracy.

Stereo separation is otherworldly, with each instrument occupying a distinct space within the mix. The depth and width of the soundstage allow for an incredibly lifelike reproduction of good recordings, making the listener feel as though they are in sync with the musicians. Whether it’s an intimate jazz ensemble or a full orchestral performance, the Bellini delivers a presentation that is both natural and engaging.

One of the standout qualities of the Bellini is its bass response. The lower frequencies are deep and authoritative yet remain exceptionally controlled. Unlike some turntables that emphasize bass at the expense of clarity, the Bellini strikes a perfect balance, ensuring that bass lines are both impactful and articulate. This is particularly noticeable in complex recordings where multiple low frequency elements coexist, each note is well-defined with no overhang or sluggishness. The excellent Grimm P1 was also a contributing factor here.

The midrange is where the magic happens as the old saying goes,, and the Bellini excels in this department. Vocals are rendered with an astonishing level of detail and texture, capturing every nuance of a singer’s performance. Acoustic instruments, such as guitars and pianos, sound organic and full bodied, with a natural decay that enhances realism.

No record was more an example of the above descriptors than Joan Baez’s overlooked 1970 album, One Day At A Time. The title track, a stunner penned by Willie Nelson, is a beautiful mid tempo folk rock song delivered with stunning grace. Baez’s voice rings out like a clarion call and the superb accompaniment which includes pedal steel, acoustic guitars, bass and drums is elegant and distinct. The rest of the album features a mix of covers and originals, and these songs demanded repeated play with the Bellini, as new dimensions were constantly revealed.

High frequencies are equally impressive, offering clarity and extension without ever sounding harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals shimmer with a lifelike presence, and string instruments maintain a delicate balance between warmth and precision. The Bellini’s ability to retrieve micro details ensures that even the subtlest elements of a recording, such as the faintest breath of a vocalist or the resonance of a piano string, are fully realized.

The recently released 180g vinyl reissue of another under the radar album Multiple, by the great Joe Henderson, is a pure example of the Bellini’s ability to paint a coherent picture with complex music. The album, originally released in 1973, was cut from the original analog tape by Kevin Gray. Saxophonist Henderson joined by a top tier ensemble including Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Larry Willis, and James “Blood” Ulmert The album leans towards fusion and free jazz, and offers a kaleidoscope of musical colors.The Bellini makes these colors vibrant and even modern sounding.

One of the records we enjoyed the most, and is one of the older ones in our collection, is a rare one to find, Especially For You, by Duane Eddy. The album is notable for a number of reasons. It was released in 1959, and produced by Lee Hazelwood. It was more than the usual collection of singles, and put Eddy’s twangy guitar front and center. The Bellini showcased the classic reverbs and early stereo production in ways we could not imagine. Classics like “Peter Gunn”, and “Trouble In Mind” were time capsules and lots of fun.

We can’t stress enough the synergy between the Bellini and the Accuphase AC-6 cartridge. Of course there are many other carts that it could be paired with but this seems a match made in heaven. It features a boron cantilever and a titanium base, which Accuphase contributes to sonic accuracy.

It probably should go without saying but to get the best from the Bellini, it should be situated for absolute minimum interference from other components, like the power supply. It should also be shielded from resonances and foot falls. It will also require a top shelf phono preamplifier.

Conclusion:

The Transrotor Bellini is more than just a turntable, it is a statement piece, both in terms of design and performance. It offers an unparalleled level of precision, revealing every detail of a record with exceptional clarity and realism. The combination of innovative technology, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship makes it one of the finest turntables available today.

That said, the Bellini is a significant investment that demands careful pairing with other high-end components. However, for those who are willing to make the commitment, the rewards are immense. This turntable delivers a truly immersive and emotional listening experience, reaffirming why vinyl remains the ultimate format for serious music lovers.

The Transrotor Bellini easily receives our highest award—The Diamond Award—for excellence.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

AXISS Audio USA, LLC

Transrotor Bellini: $6495 TRA Studio Tonearm: $5595 Accuphase AC-6 cartridge: $6975

Specifications

Turntable type: Belt-driven turntable
Speed: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm
Platter: 9kg aluminum with anti-resonant plastic insert
Bearing: Magnetically decoupled platter bearing (TMD)
Motor: Synchronous AC motor
Power supply: Konstant M1 Reference
Dimensions: 460 x 360 x 120 mm (W x D x H)
Weight: 12 kg

TRANSROTOR BELLINI - REVIEW