Roberts luxe Stylus

The Roberts Stylus Luxe represents the refined version of the British manufacturer’s Stylus range. This semi-automatic, direct-drive turntable stands out with its integration of an Audio-Technica AT-95E cartridge, a carbon fiber tonearm, and a design combining brushed aluminum with a light oak finish. Equipped with a switchable phono preamplifier and a USB port, it caters to music lovers who wish to rediscover their vinyl while retaining the option to digitize them.

Construction and design: blending technical prowess and aesthetics

The Stylus Luxe immediately stands out with its refined look that combines modernity with vintage cues. The brushed aluminum front panel lends a premium finish that harmoniously contrasts with the light oak cladding of the chassis. This visual approach draws on the design language of Roberts’ RT200 range while maintaining its own identity.

The chassis itself adopts generous proportions that contribute to the overall stability. Integrated anti-vibration feet help provide the mechanical isolation necessary for precise playback. The dust cover effectively protects the mechanism when the turntable is not in use.

Ergonomics prioritize ease of use with accessible, clearly labeled controls. The speed switch allows you to easily toggle between 33⅓ and 45 RPM formats, while the counterweight and anti-skating adjustments ensure optimal tonearm setup.

Direct drive and mechanical precision

Unlike the standard Stylus, which uses belt drive, the Stylus Luxe features a direct-drive motor. This technical choice eliminates the speed variations inherent to belt systems and ensures perfectly stable platter rotation. The direct transmission of motor force to the platter guarantees instant start-up and consistently precise rotation.

The semi-automatic system simplifies daily use: simply position the tonearm on the record to begin playback, and the turntable will stop automatically at the end of the side. This feature preserves both records and the stylus tip from repeated handling.

The anti-skating control, adjustable according to the cartridge tracking force, compensates for the lateral forces exerted on the arm during playback. This device helps keep the stylus in the groove with optimal pressure, reducing premature record wear.

Playback chain and sound reproduction

The Audio-Technica AT-95E cartridge comes standard with the Stylus Luxe, replacing the AT3600L from the standard version. This moving magnet (MM) cartridge features an elliptical stylus that follows groove modulations more faithfully compared to a spherical tip. Playback gains precision in the high frequencies while preserving the overall dynamics of the recording.

The carbon fiber tonearm is another notable upgrade over the base model. This material offers an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio that limits parasitic resonances likely to color the sound. The straight arm geometry facilitates setup and ensures precise tracking across the entire record surface.

The integrated, switchable phono preamplifier greatly simplifies integration into a hi-fi system. When enabled, it allows direct connection to a line input on an amplifier or active speakers. When disabled, it leaves the door open for a more sophisticated external phono preamp in high-end setups.

Connectivity and vinyl digitization

The Stylus Luxe natively integrates digitization functions thanks to its USB port. This connection allows you to transfer recordings directly to a PC- or Mac-compatible computer. The analog-to-digital conversion is carried out internally, streamlining the digitization chain.

Traditional RCA outputs with grounding ensure connection to any amplifier equipped with a phono or line input, depending on the position of the integrated preamplifier. This dual option guarantees universal compatibility with existing hi-fi equipment.

Power is supplied via the included AC adapter, avoiding the constraints of batteries while providing stable, filtered power. This approach helps maintain consistent sound performance.

Improvements over the standard Stylus

The Stylus Luxe positions itself as the high-end variant of the range, differing from the standard Stylus in several fundamental technical aspects. Direct drive replaces belt transmission, eliminating speed variations and improving rotational stability.

The Audio-Technica AT-95E cartridge with elliptical stylus succeeds the spherical-tipped AT3600L of the base version. This evolution results in more precise reading of the details etched in the grooves, particularly noticeable in the high frequencies.

The carbon fiber tonearm is also a significant improvement over the standard arm. This technical material reduces resonances while maintaining the rigidity required for precise groove tracking.

The aesthetics also evolve with the adoption of the brushed aluminum front panel borrowed from the RT200 range, offering a more refined finish than the standard version.

Technical Specifications

Drive System

• Direct-drive motor: enhanced rotational stability and precision for optimal playback
• Anti-skate control: yes
• Playback speeds: 33⅓ / 45 rpm with speed switch

Audio Chain

• Supplied cartridge: Audio-Technica AT-95E with elliptical stylus
• Carbon fiber tonearm: rigidity and lightness for faithful, distortion-free playback
• Built-in phono preamplifier: switchable, allows direct connection to any audio system

Connectivity and Digitization

• Connections: RCA with grounding, USB port, DC jack
• Digitization: via USB port, compatible with major audio software
• Power adapter: included

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 37 cm (H) × 45 cm (W) × 13.7 cm (D)
• Weight: 5.91 kg
• Finish: brushed aluminum front panel and light oak wood casing

Box Contents

• Stylus Luxe turntable
• Pre-installed Audio-Technica cartridge
• RCA cable
• USB cable
• Power adapter
• Quick start guide