Elac Miracord 50 black

ELAC’s Miracord 50 fits into a range of turntables the German brand has been developing since the 1950s. This model adopts the technical and aesthetic codes of the series while integrating features suited to modern use. It is offered as a ready-to-use solution for listening to vinyl records.

Meticulous construction blending tradition and modernity

The Miracord 50 showcases meticulous construction that reflects the care put into its design. The 21 mm-thick MDF plinth with rounded corners combines rigidity with excellent vibration damping. This base is clad in a speckled gray vinyl veneer on the edges that contrasts elegantly with the gloss black synthetic top plate. This two-tone matte/gloss finish gives the turntable a distinctive visual personality that departs from conventional designs.

The 300 mm die-cast aluminum platter forms the mechanical heart of the turntable. Its substantial mass ensures inertia conducive to rotational stability, while its underside is strategically covered with an elastomer damping material. This clever technical solution serves a dual purpose: it drastically reduces platter resonance—the characteristic “ring” when tapped—while increasing rotating mass, thereby improving speed accuracy. A ribbed rubber mat completes the package, providing optimal support for the record.

The flat rubber belt drive, a preferred solution to minimize transmission of motor vibrations, relies on a DC motor mechanically decoupled from the plinth. But ELAC didn’t stop at a simple DC motor: an optical sensor placed beneath the stainless-steel/bronze main spindle continuously measures the platter’s actual speed. This information is sent to an ST Microelectronics microprocessor, which instantly corrects any deviation in a closed-loop servo system. This electronic regulation improves wow and flutter by over 50% and speed accuracy by 66% compared to a conventional system.

A classic yet effective tonearm

The tonearm features a straight 8.8-inch (223.6 mm effective length) aluminum tube design. This statically balanced architecture rests on precision stainless-steel bearings that ensure minimal friction. The metal gimbal provides optimal freedom of movement on both axes, while the robust molded plastic base holds the assembly rigidly.

The detachable SME-standard bayonet headshell makes cartridge swaps significantly easier, paving the way for future upgrades. Tracking force is adjusted conventionally via a graduated counterweight, while a dedicated dial provides fine anti-skate adjustment. These settings, though traditional, are perfectly manageable for a beginner while offering the precision demanded by more experienced users.

The factory-supplied, pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge is a pragmatic choice for this price point. This moving-magnet cartridge offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, channel separation greater than 18 dB, and operates with a 2-gram tracking force. While it is unquestionably the system’s limiting factor, it fulfills its role as an entry point perfectly and can be easily replaced with a higher-grade model to unlock the turntable’s true potential.

The intelligence of the built-in phono preamplifier

The inclusion of a switchable RIAA phono preamplifier is one of the Miracord 50’s key strengths. Based on a quality JRC MJM8080 op-amp, this circuit provides correct RIAA equalization with a 140 mV line-level output (-17 dBV). This feature turns the turntable into a truly universal solution, able to connect to any modern audio system lacking a dedicated phono input.

A rear-panel switch allows the built-in preamp to be disabled to use a higher-performance external phono stage, preserving upgrade potential. The power supply, externalized in a small wall adapter accepting 100 to 240 V, eliminates potential electromagnetic interference sources near sensitive circuits.

A naturally musical sonic signature

In listening, the Miracord 50 reveals a distinctive sonic personality that prioritizes harmonic coherence over the last word in detail retrieval. The midrange, especially well served, comes through with disarming naturalness. Timbres blend warmth and openness in a delicate balance that avoids both analytical coldness and excessive richness.

Note articulation impresses with rhythmic precision. The turntable conveys the groove of recordings remarkably, with a surprising ability to make the music “dance.” This rhythmic quality—often overlooked in entry-level turntables—is a true strength here. Bass lines bounce with lightness, percussion snaps with accuracy, all presented with an easy, unforced demeanor.

The built-in preamp surprises with its cleanliness, generating minimal hiss and noise. While using a high-end external phono stage undeniably lets you explore more of the frequency extremes and increase overall transparency, the integrated stage is more than sufficient for thoroughly enjoying your vinyl collection.

Technical Specifications

Construction and Design

• Anti-resonance chassis: minimizes vibrations and acoustic feedback
• Contemporary finish: silver chassis and high-gloss black plinth
• Dust cover: supplied, hinged, and tinted
• 300 mm die-cast aluminum platter: high inertia for stable rotation

Tonearm and Cartridge

• Tonearm type: aluminum tube, statically balanced, with precision bearings
• Effective length: 223.6 mm
• Supplied cartridge: Audio-Technica AT91 (MM – moving magnet)
• Cartridge mount: detachable bayonet headshell
• Built-in adjustments: anti-skate, vertical tracking angle (VTA), azimuth, and tracking force
• Tracking force: 2.0 g ± 0.5 g
• Cartridge compatibility: 3.5 to 6.0 g

Built-in Preamplification

• Switchable built-in RIAA equalization
• Available outputs:
  • Phono: 2.5 mV
  • Line: 140 mV, -17 dBV
• Connectivity: RCA with included cable

Motor and Performance

• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Motor: DC servo, belt-drive
• Speed variation: ±1%
• Wow and flutter: 0.1%
• Signal-to-noise ratio:
  • ≥ -67 dB (A-weighted)
  • ≥ -60 dB (unweighted)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 18 dB

Power and Dimensions

• Power supply: 100 – 240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz
• Power consumption: 1.5 W (standby < 0.5 W)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 408 × 140 × 361 mm
• Weight: 5.5 kg

Highlights

• Switchable built-in phono preamp for universal compatibility
• Pre-mounted Audio-Technica cartridge for immediate use
• Precision tonearm with anti-skate system
• Die-cast aluminum platter for optimal stability
• Elegant design with gloss black plinth and silver chassis