Ariston Icon

The Ariston Icon is a vintage audiophile turntable produced by Ariston Audio, a Scottish manufacturer known for quality hi-fi equipment primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. While detailed official specifications for the Icon model are scarce, it shares many design principles and features common to Ariston’s high-end turntables of that era, such as the RD40 series.

Key Technical Features

• Drive System:
  Belt drive with a synchronous AC motor, designed for stable and low-noise platter rotation. The motor is typically mounted with vibration isolation to reduce noise and mechanical interference.

• Speeds:
  Supports standard 33 and 45 rpm speeds, with manual speed change by repositioning the belt on different motor pulleys.

• Platter:
  Heavy, precision-machined aluminum platter to provide high rotational inertia, reducing wow and flutter and improving speed stability.

• Tonearm:
  Compatible with high-quality tonearms, often Ariston’s own models or Jelco-like arms.
  Tonearm mounting allows precise alignment and adjustment for optimal tracking and sound quality.

• Chassis and Suspension:
  Multi-layered plinth construction with vibration-damping materials.
  Suspension system with adjustable springs or isolating feet to minimize external vibrations.

• Bearing:
  Precision main bearing with oil lubrication for smooth, low-friction platter rotation.

• Additional Features:
  Adjustable feet and suspension for levelling and vibration control.
  Optional accessories such as heavy platters, mass rings for tonearm balancing, and dust covers.

• Operation:
  Fully manual operation without automatic features; the user manually places the tonearm and changes speeds.