Rockport Technologies Sirius III

Drive System

• Direct-drive system utilizing an eddy current motor with a feedback control loop. This system ensures precise speed regulation and eliminates mechanical contacts, except for the stylus and record.

• Speed accuracy: ±5 parts per million (ppm), even under extreme groove modulation conditions3.

• No belt, springs, thrust plate, ball bearing, or bushings are used, minimizing potential sources of vibration or noise2.

Platter and Bearing

• 62-pound constrained-layer damped stainless steel composite platter, mounted on a high-pressure, low-flow air bearing for both radial and thrust surfaces. This design provides exceptional stability and eliminates contacting surfaces1.

• The platter's run-out is less than 5 millionths of an inch, ensuring precise rotation1.

Tonearm System

• Features an ultra-high precision, critically damped air bearing tonearm, ensuring zero friction and mechanical contact except at the stylus tip1.

• The tonearm tube is a constrained layer damped carbon fiber sandwich composite, allowing for fully adjustable geometry1.

Chassis and Isolation

• The turntable is supported by an active pneumatic suspension system, providing exceptional isolation from external vibrations1.

• The massive weight and advanced suspension ensure optimal stability and resonance control.

Performance Metrics

• Wow and flutter: Virtually nonexistent due to the advanced drive and bearing system.

• Speed stability: ±5 ppm, ensuring consistent playback quality under various conditions3.

Design Philosophy

• The System III Sirius represents a pinnacle in turntable design, focusing on eliminating mechanical noise and vibration through advanced engineering.

• Each unit is meticulously crafted to provide the purest possible vinyl playback experience.

Context and Legacy

• Introduced in 1996, the System III Sirius is renowned for its mechanical sophistication and sound quality, often regarded as one of the best turntables ever made5.

• It is a testament to Rockport Technologies' commitment to innovation and precision in audio engineering.