S.A.M. Small Audio Manufacture.

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The Art of Silence: A Review of the Small Audio Manufacture (S.A.M.) Titan Silver

Author: Dr. MARIETTO JEFFRIES, Virginia, U.S.A, September 8, 2025

Note: The author paid for his turntable build and was not compensated by the manufacturer in exchange for this review. (Pictures could not be attached).

For most audiophiles, the journey begins not with a purchase but with a spark. A glimpse of an advertisement, a chance encounter at an audio show, or a photograph in a glossy magazine ignites curiosity. The product becomes less a piece of equipment and more a vision—one you can’t help but imagine in your own listening room. You pore over the specs, study every curve of its design, and convince yourself that someday, somehow, you’ll own it. Often, that dream collides with reality. Price becomes the wall you can’t scale. Alternatives beckon—vintage pieces, lower-tier lookalikes, or symbolic tokens like a branded T-shirt that lets you wear the dream even if you can’t bring it home. Many of us know this feeling all too well. I once left an audio show with nothing more than a turntable mat emblazoned with the event logo—my consolation prize for dreaming bigger than my budget. But what if compromise weren’t necessary? What if there were a company quietly building turntables that rival the sculptural, stratospherically priced flagships of the audiophile world—without the equally stratospheric price tag? If you are anything like me, you are probably interested in another alternative that does not result in compromise or having to choose between performance and price. What if you didn’t have to settle and the item was as much of the piece of art that caught your undivided attention and dropped your jaw when you first saw it? Owning such a piece of art can become a reality.

Approximately 4,600 miles from the United States of America, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is a country bordering Slovenia to the northwest and Hungary to the northeast. This country, Croatia, is home to Small Audio Manufacture (S.A.M.), a small, family-owned and operated company that manufactures an amazing piece of audio equipment that checks all of the boxes and some. S.A.M. produces handmade audiophile turntables and tonearms that will catch the attention of most people. The have been in the business of creating audio equipment since the early 1980s. According to their website, under the previous name of Pro L, they became “one of the most well-known manufacturers in Eastern and some parts of Western Europe”. According to S.A.M. founder Zvonko Lovrinčević, there are no salesmen, middlemen, advertisements, or distributors. Clients deal with and order their products straight from the factory and the very people who custom-manufacture your piece of audiophile equipment.

The model that immediately caught my attention with its sculptural design is the Titan Silver in a brilliant, polished, smooth white finish. Unlike many brands, S.A.M. doesn’t keep inventory. Each turntable is built only after you place your order. The engineering process took approximately two weeks after I asked numerous questions. My point of contact was Ivan Lovrinčević, who not only managed the sales process but also designed the Titan Silver himself. After waiting a few weeks, discussing the build with Ivan (I wanted to make sure that I understood the process while justifying the purchase), I finally decided to place the order. One decision that led to the time delay was my request for red paint. Ivan informed me that he had already placed an order to have the wood finished in white, as I had previously requested, but I had the idea that a bright red turntable would stand out and be a very unique discussion piece. Ivan did check into the red wood color, but a few days later, he informed me that the red was a dark color and might not contrast well with the dark trim. His honesty won me over, and I settled on a polished white finish—a decision that proved both elegant and unique.

From construction to packaging to delivery, the process took just two weeks. When the courier finally delivered two large boxes to my door, I felt the same anticipation I’d carried since first seeing the Titan Silver in photographs. On the second day (The first day after getting the boxes home, my schedule didn’t allow me time to open them), I opened the boxes in anticipation of seeing what had previously only been perceived (albeit impressively) from photographs posted on the S.A.M. website.

The unboxing revealed not just a product but a work of art, meticulously packed in dense foam with each component cradled like fine crystal. One box contained the motor unit, tonearm, the isolation platform (base unit), and small boxes housing various accessories, including a heavy and very well-machined record weight. The second box housed the very heavy plinth and platter unit. I set up the isolation platform upon my living room cocktail table and began adding the plinth with platter and the motor unit to the base.

Upon opening the small accessory boxes, I discovered the belt, anti-skate mechanism, a package with two different-sized Allen wrenches, and the wall wart power supply with a Europlug (Type C) attached (an adapter for U.S.A. NEMA wall outlets was included). The belt is easy to attach to the platter and the motor unit, and rests in place with no visual walking up or down the platter. I recommend replacing the wall-wart with a brick-type power supply because the NEMA adapter fits loosely atop the pins of the fixed Europlug connector. There are lots of articles online detailing why a brick-style power supply will be better in contrast to a wall-wart style supply. Brick power supply units are said to provide higher power (e.g., 12V to 24V @ 10A) and support a more efficient advanced switch—mode power supply design. I do not consider the fit of the adapter to be very stable or reliable. The 3.5mm adapter, which supplies power to the motor unit, fits snugly and will not accidentally fall out of the socket. If you choose a brick power supply, make sure that you find one with a positive center.

The S.A.M. Titan Silver isolation platform is engineered to provide vibration and resonance isolation. The platform weighs 11.0231lbs and measures 19.685 inches wide x 14.9606 inches deep x 2.3622 inches high. The platform is manufactured using MDF and Aluminum. The finish is the same as and complements the plinth and motor housings. The finish applied to each unit (except for the platter, which is finished in black) is even in color and appears to have thickness in application. The polishing presents the high smooth gloss seen in finely crafted cigar boxes, jewelry boxes, and classic foreign-made automobile dashboards and trim.

The belt drive unit uses a DC synchronous drive system. DC synchronous motors are known for their even speed control when stable power supply sources are used. The circuitry for the motor controller rests inside the supplied sealed box. Two screws appear to hold the motor and pulley in place, which appear to be countersunk into the base of the belt drive unit. The unit aligns perfectly beside the main plinth. At the bottom of the box/unit, four steel feet are mounted to the same height as the steel feet of the plinth. Between the motor pulley, a green L.E.D. sits recessed atop the drive unit enclosure and indicates that power is applied to the drive unit. Two steel lathed mounts, smaller in size but similar in design to the feet of the drive unit, serve as the foundation to support a frosted white acrylic plate that sits above the motor unit and protects the belt and the motor from dust and accidental touch.

On the front of the motor controller unit, a three-position switch is mounted in the unit. In the middle position, the switch serves to turn off power to the motor. When the switch is pushed upward, the motor begins to spin and lock in the 33.3-rpm speed. Also, when pushed to the down position, the switch begins to spin and lock in the 45-rpm speed. The platter is finished in black and is 11.811 inches in diameter. There is a material coating on the side of the platter that is slightly textured and provides grip to the belt without allowing for slippage or stress to the rubber of the belt. One belt is included with the turntable; however, a replacement model FRX 33.8 flat rubber belt (33.8” x .196” x .020”) can be purchased from Ness Electronics, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for approximately $25.00 USD plus applicable tax and $8.00 for 3–4-day standard shipping fees. The bottom of the platter shows eight (hanging) aluminum weights mounted and secured to the platter.

On my unit, two of the weights show holes that were drilled in them, perhaps to ensure that the weight weighs the same. In the center of the platter, a lathed spindle is mounted and secured to the platter with four screws. On top of the platter, you will see the tops of an additional eight weights countersunk into the platter and mounted flush to the top. The top of the weights appears to be brass. The top and bottom weights weigh differently. Weighted platters increase inertia and result in increased stabilization in rotation speed and pitch (known as wow and flutter). The weights also serve to reduce vibrations and resonance. There is an entire science on this subject; therefore, I suggest additional research and reading if you are interested in learning more about the reason for using weights on platters.

In the center of the platter, a spindle is mounted to perfectly fit your LP. Covering the top of the platter is a clear acrylic slip mat that is unremovable. Upon spinning the platter, the platter spins perfectly without any visible wobble. Once I connected the power supply and turned the motor unit on, the platter immediately began to spin at the 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm speeds when selected. There was no appearance of lag time or delay reaching the proper speed. The belt did not wobble or walk up or down the platter and stayed in the exact position that it was set. The included lathed record clamp is quite heavy and seats perfectly onto the spindle. A record weight can help flatten slightly warped vinyl records. The bearing shaft assembly is lathed and mounted on the underside of the platter.

The plinth is a remarkably impressive component of this turntable build. The spindle shaft rests upon a SKF ® bearing, which rests within the plinth. Four metal lathed cylinders are mounted on the outside edges of the plinth; these cylinders serve as the mounting shafts for up to four tonearm mounting plates. Also, mounted on the front of the plinth is an aluminum plate displaying the etched name of the turntable. This plate is held in place with four small screws. The design of each piece features a dark colored groove cut into the center of each box, adding to the artistic character of the engineering design. On the bottom of the plinth are mounted four feet made from lathed steel. Perhaps the bottom of each foot could benefit from a piece of rubber or felt to prevent scratching of the isolation platform finish. Then again, once the unit is set up, I doubt that it will become subject to relocation.

My unit shipped with the 10” Calista Zero tonearm. A 12” tonearm is also available. The tonearm is hand-machined of aluminum, carbon fiber, bass, and steel. The tonearm supports vertical tracking alignment, anti-skate, and adjustable weight, and is said to allow for adjustment of tracking force in 0.1g increments. I highly recommend that the owner acquire a calibration record with an azimuth ruler, a VTA block, and a tracking force scale. The tonearm comes pre-wired with oxygen-free copper wire and a fixed head shell. It would be nice if the Calista tonearm models supported the SME type head shell adapter to facilitate easy change-out of cartridges and to lessen the need for fine realignment. The RCA plugs are mounted to the aluminum base of the tonearm, and the mounting point for the ground wire is affixed to the tonearm mounting plate. The tonearm assembly also has a lift lever and a resting post for the tonearm. There is no lock on the resting post, but the arm can become secure in place with a simple rubber band. Cartridge mounting is very easy to perform as the cartridge is held in place by two standard screws. Tonearm wires are Right channel (Red +/Green -) and Left channel (White+/Blue-). The Calista Zero will accommodate your favorite MM and MC cartridge. Anti-Skate is addressed with an included counterweight adjustment assembly. Once the tonearm is balanced, a calibration record and downloaded instructions will further assist you in understanding how to achieve accurate balance. Downloading and following the instructions provided should lead you to easy, accurate alignment/setup and usage.

Conclusion: The Titan Silver embodies everything I value in high-end audio: craftsmanship, honesty, and performance without pretense. In a market where turntables from the likes of VPI, Kronos, and Wilson Benesch can cost many times more, S.A.M. offers a refreshing alternative. Their pricing is fair, their engineering is inspired, and their customer service is personal in a way that’s almost unheard of today. But beyond the technical excellence, what impressed me most was the ethos behind the company. Zvonko and Ivan Lovrinčević are not just building turntables; they are upholding a philosophy of integrity and artistry. Every Titan Silver is made to order, crafted specifically for its owner, and sold directly without unnecessary markups.

Perhaps the one element missing from this review is a brief discussion of sound. Sound is subjective. In my opinion, a turntable of this caliber should produce one sound, and only one sound, silence. The S.A.M. Titan Silver does exactly that. There is no platter noise, no bearing noise, and no bearing or shaft noise. Sound is only produced through the accurate mounting and calibration of a suitable phono cartridge to the head shell. Cartridge selection, pre-amplifiers, amplifiers, speakers, and headphones are all based on personal taste. My components will sound different to you, as your component selection will render a different sound to my ears. It’s subjective and sometimes (due to product specifications derived from testing) objective.

When you are ready to order a S.A.M. product, there is only one place to go. You will not find them for sale at your local or regional audio distribution center. You will not find inventory sitting on shelves waiting to be distributed and sold. You will not see the product at audiophile festivals, and you certainly will not find it for sale through online merchants. When you place your order, production begins on your very own personal turntable, crafted and made for you. You are under no obligation to purchase. Once your unit is finished, you will receive a notification regarding how to post your payment. You are informed throughout the production and shipping process. S.A.M. refuses to charge high prices for its products, and in contrast to what I have seen on the market, S.A.M.'s pricing is more than appropriate and fair. I don’t believe that you could do better (with regards to pricing or engineering) than the products that S.A.M. offers.

For me, the Titan Silver isn’t just a turntable; it’s the realization of a dream that began with curiosity and ended with ownership. It’s a reminder that in the pursuit of perfect sound, silence is golden.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions and Turntable specs: Motor base: Weight – 26.455 pounds

Height – 8.268 inches Depth – 12.992 inches Width – 14.724 inches

Material: MDF, Steel, Brass, Aluminum Platter: Weight – 13.228 pounds Thickness – 2.165 inches

Material - MDF Diameter – 11.811 inches, fully balanced Platter's weights (top) - x 8, aluminum, 1 - 3/16 ″ Platter's weight's (under) - x 8, aluminum, 2.4” Main Axis – Stainless Steel, nearly 13/16 of an inch Platter's base (Plinth): Weight – 22.046 pounds

Dimensions – 12.9921” (width), 12.9921” (depth), 7.48031” (height)

Material - MDF, Aluminum Tonearms support - up to 4 tonearms, 0.98425 Inches Mounting post bearings - SKF Main isolation platform: Weight – 11.0231 lbs. Dimensions – 19.685” (width), 14.9606” (depth), 2.3622” (height)

Material - MDF, Aluminum

Total dimensions of the turntable – 19.685” (width), 14.9606” (depth), 11.0236” (height), plus 1.9685”-2.75591” with the record clamp and the tonearm. Total weight – 72.7525 lbs.

Tonearm Specs: Calista Zero

Tonearm Type: Unipivot Center pivot: 9.44882”

Overhang: 0.590551” Sequential error +2 / -1 degree

Adjusting the tread force using weights in steps of 0.1 g

Regulation of antiskating using the counterweight

Possibility of height adjustment lever Adjustable VTA Effective weight: 12 g

Tonearm’s Category: Mid-heavy to heavy type of arms Material: Aluminum and Carbon

Length: 10 in Mounting hole: 0.984252” Pre-wired Wires: Oxygen-free copper

Suitable: For all kinds of cartridges

Finish: Polished white gloss

Price: with one S.A.M. arm is $3,200 USD plus shipping, the option with 2 arms is $4,000 USD.

Sold directly to the customer.

Manufacture: Small Audio Manufacture [email protected]

Tel +38531 502 568 - German-speaking customers

+38595 851 3607 - English-speaking customers

Imotska 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, EU

Web https://sam-audio.eu/