Ariston RD 50

The Ariston RD 50 is a vintage belt-drive turntable from Ariston Audio, a Scottish manufacturer known for producing high-quality audiophile turntables primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. The RD 50 is an evolution of the earlier RD 40 model, offering improvements in construction and performance.

Key Technical Features

• Drive System:
  Belt drive with an AC synchronous motor, designed for stable and quiet platter rotation.
  Motor mounted on a sprung suspension system to minimize vibration and noise.

• Speeds:
  Supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm playback speeds.
  Speed selection is manual by repositioning the belt on different motor pulleys.

• Platter:
  Heavy, dished aluminum platter designed to provide high rotational inertia for stable speed and reduced wow and flutter.
  Often equipped with a record clamp to secure vinyl discs firmly.

• Construction:
  Robust chassis made from substantial aluminum castings for the base, chassis, and platter, providing rigidity and vibration damping.
  Adjustable feet and heavy springs allow fine-tuning of suspension and vibration isolation.

• Suspension:
  Three-point sprung subchassis suspension system isolates the platter and tonearm from external vibrations, improving sound clarity and reducing feedback.

• Tonearm:
  Compatible with Ariston tonearms or third-party arms, allowing precise alignment and tracking.

• Operation:
  Fully manual operation without automatic features.

• Accessories and Upgrades:
  Optional isolating base, heavy platter, mass rings for tonearm balancing, heavy springs, and dust covers are available and can be retrofitted.