Inspire

Origins of Inspire

Inspire Hi-Fi was established in 2001 and quickly became a significant player in the turntable industry. The company is known for producing high-quality audio reproduction equipment that is both well-designed and affordable. One of their notable products is the Monarch turntable, which was first introduced in 2009.

The Monarch turntable was inspired by the Technics SL-1200, a popular direct-drive turntable among audiophiles. Stewart Wennen and a colleague wrote articles in Hi-Fi World magazine praising the Technics SL-1200 and suggested that someone could use its platter and plinth as the foundation for a high-end hi-fi turntable. Inspire Hi-Fi was the first to act on this idea, creating the Monarch turntable.

The Monarch turntable is made from solid walnut wood with a horizontal billet of 6mm aluminum running through it, differentiating it from the metal and rubber plinth of the Technics SL-1200. It features a direct-drive mechanism and is known for its accurate, speed-stable sound and musicality.