Does anyone else have an "ANVIL Turntable"???


Category: Analog

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I have had this beauty since September. I bought from the manufacturer and designer Bruce McDougall in Detroit. I have had a great time with it and love its sound, simplicity and cost. I have installed a Polestar UNV-2 arm and a ZYX R-100 Yatra cartridge, run thu a ZYX phono pre.

I have a large collection of everything from big band to Jazz to county.

I hope to hear how others have worked with the table and learn nuances of their set-ups. What is you experience? Are there suggestions from others with similar build types.

Thanks, Tim
doobie1
I also have experienced his tables, I found it to be accurate, quite and resolving with a natural airy soundstage.
I have had the Anvil Convertible for 2 years. Jollypop red plinth and motor unit. Thing of beauty. I also have an alloy platform that Bruce designed for even more vibration control an mass. I use a Jelco 750D with a Zu-103R and a ZYX Yatra. I swap out that arm with an Audiomods series 5 and a Lyra Delos. I posted about my initial experience with the table on vinylengine.

The Anvil is a work of art and always sounds great. I think the speed stability is its greatest feature. I also love the magnetic armboards which allow me to swap tonearms rapidly.

It is heavy and requires a sturdy stand. The surgical silk drive will wear out and need replacement every so often. I've had mine on for about 6 months now so I am probably due to replace it.

Working with Bruce to craft a custom turntable is fun. I've learned a lot about turntables. He loves to talk shop.

I think he will have an exhibit at Axpona this year for those who are attending and want to see the table in person.

-Karl
My review and experience is completely in line with Karl's above.

After using a modified TD150 (for years!!) I decided to try a non-suspended table on a closeout model by Consonance (LP6.1). I didn't really notice big differences minus some better control in the low frequencies. Both tables I used the Denon 103.

I read Fremer's review in 2012 on the Anvil and decided to make the call to Bruce last fall. I learned a great deal about tables on that first call and decided to have him build me one.

My version is very similar to the Fremer's review table in that it's the basic design without any "finish" details. The motor pod is the original style as well (not the newer rounded one). I chose the table based on the high mass concept within a small footprint.

The table was shipped out last month and I allocated 2 days for setup. The table setup took 30 mins. The arm (Jelco 750D) to another hour or so. I gave it a couple hours to settle, picked an LP and gave the platter a push. Oh MY!!!

The cartridge (Denon 103) was perfectly setup, no issues. It was that moment that I understood what I was missing for years to include: very clear definition in voices, drums was there (not hidden) and then there's low end.

The bass extension was what I had hoped. It was there without me having to constant tweak sub, etc. In addition, I have no issues with any vibration control with the stock cork footers. My home is old and is mostly hardwood.

All in all, I have been pulled into listening to my records and is now very engaging. By far, the Anvil surpasses any audio addition to my systems over the years. Bruce is now a good friend, and has always been great with questions, etc. Recommended. The Anvil is truly a musical instrument.

My system includes: Anvil>Decware ZP 2.0>Truth Preamp>Casper 5998 amp>Hornshoppe Horns/Heils.

- Chris