
Oxford Acoustics
Oxford Acoustics Origins
The Oxford Acoustics company, which manufactured the Crystal Reference turntable, was founded by Fraser Shaw and Jonathan Harker. The Crystal Reference turntable was designed by Fraser Shaw, who was a surgeon, and the company operated between 1987 and 1990. After the dissolution of Oxford Acoustics, Jonathan Harker went on to found Oxford Audio Consultants in 1990, which continues to operate successfully to this day.
The Crystal Reference turntable was a high-end product that was sold through a select group of dealers. It was known for its advanced design, featuring a sub-chassis and a two-part phosphor bronze/acrylic platter resting atop a pedestal structure that housed the motor control. The turntable was belt-driven and weighed approximately 60 kg.