Turntable Details
Drive
Belt
Motor
Wow & Flutter %
Rumble [dB]
Speed
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
36.00
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
Additional information
Drive System
Belt-drive system with a 24-pole permanent magnet synchronous motor for precise speed regulation.
Speed options: 33⅓ and 45 RPM, manually adjusted by changing the belt position on a stepped pulley.
Power supply: 230V, 50Hz AC.
Platter and Bearing
Solid aluminum platter (7 kg, Ø 328 mm) with a high moment of inertia for stable playback.
Utilizes Pierre Riffaud's patented precision tapered roller bearing (Patent FR1900625), ensuring frictionless rotation and long-term reliability.
The platter is driven by an internal counter-plate to maintain smooth operation.
Chassis and Isolation
The base is crafted from a block of white quartzite (polished faces), providing a stable foundation.
Features a suspended mass design with three height-adjustable elastomer feet for perfect horizontal leveling and isolation from external vibrations.
Tonearm Compatibility
Often paired with the Opus II Carbon unipivot tonearm (306 mm effective length), developed by Pierre Riffaud.
Single-pivot design with silicone damping for precise tracking.
Internal wiring: Nordost Norse2 pure silver conductors for superior signal transmission.
Adjustable anti-skating and vertical tracking angle (VTA).Typically equipped with the VDH The FROG moving coil cartridge (0.65 mV output).
Performance Metrics
Wow and flutter: <0.05%, ensuring stable playback.
Signal-to-noise ratio: >70 dB, providing quiet operation with minimal interference.
Construction Features
Total weight: Approximately 33 kg (72.6 lbs), emphasizing mass as a barrier to stationary resonance.
Includes a solid stainless steel record puck (750 g) for improved record coupling and resonance control.
Design Philosophy
The Classique II reflects Pierre Riffaud's philosophy of combining mechanical purity with artisanal craftsmanship to achieve exceptional vinyl playback quality.
Each unit is handcrafted and built-to-order, making it a unique collector's item.
Context and Legacy
The Classique II is positioned as an entry-point into Pierre Riffaud's high-end turntable range, offering audiophile-grade performance at a more accessible price.
It shares mechanical elements with the Intemporelle, including the patented bearing system.