Ariston RD 11S

The Ariston RD11S is a refined and improved version of the original RD11, a classic British belt-drive turntable from the early 1970s. It is closely related to the Linn Sondek LP12, sharing many design elements and parts, and is highly regarded for its precision engineering and excellent sound performance.

Key Technical Features

• Drive System:
  Belt drive powered by a 24-pole hysteresis synchronous motor mounted on a silicone isolation subframe.
  The motor design ensures stable, quiet, and smooth platter rotation with minimal wow and flutter.

• Speeds:
  Supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm playback speeds.

• Platter:
  Two-piece precision ground and balanced platter weighing approximately 9.5 pounds (around 4.3 kg).
  Heavy platter provides high rotational inertia for excellent speed stability.

• Main Bearing:
  Precision PTFE (Teflon) cushioned main bearing shaft.
  Ultra-low friction, self-lubricating bearing design delivers state-of-the-art performance and very low rumble.

• Suspension:
  Free-floating subcradle suspension with low mass circular tonearm board and platter mounted on steel coil springs with polyurethane dampers.
  This unique suspension system minimizes feedback and stylus bounce caused by floor vibrations.

• Tonearm Compatibility:
  Available with SME, Grace, or blank armboards, allowing use of high-quality tonearms such as the SME 3009.

• Chassis and Base:
  Teak plinth with plexiglass dust cover and friction hinges.
  Total weight approximately 13 kg (28.6 lbs).

• Performance:
  Wow and flutter measured at approximately 0.03%, indicating very stable speed control.
  Rumble measured around -74 dB weighted, reflecting a low noise floor.