The largest turntable and vinyl records manufacturers

The largest manufacturer of hi-fi quality turntables in the world is SEV Litovel, a Czech company, which is behind brands such as Pro-Ject, Music Hall, EAT and others.

SEV Litovel's significant output and global market presence make it a prominent player in the industry.

Pro-Ject A2 turntable

SEV Litovel, based in the Czech Republic, has its origins rooted in the historical manufacturing traditions of Tesla Litovel and later ETA. Here's a brief overview of its origins:

Tesla Conglomerate: The Tesla company was founded in 1946 as a conglomerate in Czechoslovakia, named after Nikola Tesla. Initially, it was called Elektra and was renamed Tesla on March 7, 1946. The company was involved in various electronic and technological products, including audio equipment.

• Privatization and Downsizing: After the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia, Tesla faced significant challenges competing with international firms. This led to the privatization and downsizing of many of its facilities. Some subsidiaries became independent companies.

• Transformation to SEV Litovel: In 1999, SEV Litovel was established, continuing the legacy of Tesla Litovel and ETA. This marked a significant shift towards specializing in turntable manufacturing.

• Collaboration with Pro-Ject Audio Systems: Since its inception, SEV Litovel has collaborated closely with the Austrian company Pro-Ject Audio Systems. This partnership has been instrumental in developing and manufacturing turntables across various quality levels, from mid-range to high-end models.

• Expansion and Diversification: Over time, SEV Litovel has expanded its production to include limited edition turntables for notable artists and bands. The company also produces turntables for other brands like Music Hall, EAT, and Thorens, among others.

SEV Litovel's success is built on its ability to maintain high-quality production standards, as evidenced by its ISO 9001 certification since 20001. The company's commitment to manufacturing excellence has positioned it as a leading European producer of Hi-Fi quality turntables

For vinyl records, GZ Media, also based in the Czech Republic, is the world's largest producer, manufacturing tens of millions of records annually. 

GZ Media is the largest manufacturer of vinyl records due to several key factors:

1. History and Experience: Founded in 1951, GZ Media has over 70 years of experience in vinyl production, allowing it to develop a strong foundation in traditional craftsmanship combined with modern technology.

2. Global Reach and Expansion: GZ Media operates multiple production plants across the world, including locations in the Czech Republic, USA, Canada, and France. This global presence helps it meet high demand and serve a wide range of customers.

3. Advanced Production Capabilities: GZ Media produces its own virgin vinyl compound and uses both manual and automatic presses, enabling it to manufacture a wide variety of record sizes, colors, and shapes5. It also develops its own vinyl mastering software and prepares high-quality nickel stampers.

4. One-Stop Solution: GZ Media offers a comprehensive service that includes vinyl production, printing, and packaging. This makes it a convenient choice for artists and labels, as they can manage all aspects of record production under one roof.

5. Economies of Scale and Pricing: With a large production capacity, GZ Media can offer competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for many clients. It produces about 84 million records annually and aims to increase this number.

6. Market Dominance: GZ Media accounts for approximately 60% of the world's vinyl record production, solidifying its position as the largest manufacturer in the industry