Turntable Details
Drive
Belt
Motor
Wow & Flutter %
Rumble [dB]
Speed
33, 45, 78
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
Additional information
The Meitner AT-2 turntable is a unique and innovative record playing system designed by Ed Meitner for Museatex. It features a platterless design, which sets it apart from traditional turntables.
Design and Build
Platterless Design: Instead of a conventional platter, the AT-2 uses a metal flywheel with knife-edge machinings to support the record. This design aims to minimize vibrations and contact points.
Record Support: The record is supported under the label area, allowing the playing surface to couple with air on both the top and bottom. This approach is intended to reduce mechanical interference and improve sound quality.
Aesthetics: The turntable features an organic and geometric design, often likened to the works of Henry Moore.
Motor and Drive System
Drive System: The AT-2 incorporates a no-contact drive system, which is designed to eliminate the transfer of vibrations from the motor to the record. This system aims to provide smooth and stable rotation without the drawbacks of traditional belt or direct drive systems.
Tonearm and Cartridge
Tonearm Compatibility: While specific details about the tonearm are not widely available, the AT-2 is designed to accommodate various tonearms, allowing users to choose their preferred cartridge setup.
Connectivity and Features
Outputs: The AT-2 would typically output to a phono preamplifier via RCA connectors, though specific details on connectivity are limited.
Unique Features: The platterless design and no-contact drive system are the most distinctive features of the Meitner AT-2, aiming to reduce mechanical noise and improve sound reproduction.
Additional Features
Production: Only about 40 units of the Meitner AT-2 were produced, making it a rare and somewhat legendary piece among audiophiles.
Sound Quality: The sound quality of the AT-2 is subject to debate, with limited user feedback due to its rarity. However, its innovative design principles suggest a focus on minimizing vibrations and maximizing sound fidelity.
Overall, the Meitner AT-2 is an experimental turntable that challenges traditional design norms with its platterless and no-contact drive approach. While its performance is not widely documented, it remains an interesting example of innovative audio engineering.