Elac Miracord 60 black

Q: Is the Miracord 60 supplied with a phono cartridge?

No, the turntable is supplied without a cartridge, allowing each user to choose the model corresponding to their preferences and budget. The SME-compatible headshell accepts all standard 1/2 inch cartridges, whether moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) models.

Q: What is the role of the optical sensor and PID algorithm?

This system continuously measures the platter's rotation speed and instantly corrects any deviation via the motor. This regulation occurs up to 500 times per second, ensuring perfectly stable speed without manual intervention, with wow and flutter reduced to less than 0.12%.

Q: How do you change playback speed between 33 and 45 RPM?

Speed change is performed manually by moving the belt on the motor's two-stage pulley. While this method may seem rudimentary, it guarantees pure mechanical transmission without intermediate electronics, thus preserving signal integrity.

Q: What is the main difference from the Miracord 50?

The Miracord 60 is distinguished by its more massive chassis (5.5 kg versus 21mm casing), heavier platter (6.2 kg), carbon fiber tonearm (versus aluminum), and especially its optical speed servo system. It does not integrate a phono preamplifier, targeting a more demanding audience already equipped with quality phono sections.

Q: Can the tonearm accommodate high-end cartridges?

Absolutely. The carbon fiber tonearm with gimbal bearings has been designed to exploit the potential of sophisticated cartridges. Tests have demonstrated excellent results with moving coil cartridges of equivalent or even higher price than the turntable itself.

Q: Is a specific support required to install the turntable?

A stable and level piece of furniture suffices, with the silicone feet providing effective decoupling. However, to optimize performance, a dedicated turntable support designed to minimize vibrations will allow full exploitation of the Miracord 60's potential.

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Overview

The Miracord 60 from Elac marks the German manufacturer’s return to the turntable market. Inspired by the Miracord 90, this manual belt-driven turntable is designed to deliver precision and reliability. Its CNC-machined 5.5 kg MDF chassis, 6.2 kg die-cast aluminum platter, and carbon fiber tonearm work together to reduce vibrations. The turntable incorporates an optical sensor paired with a PID algorithm to control rotation speed up to 500 times per second, achieving wow and flutter below 0.12%.

Turntable front view, brushed aluminum ELAC base, transparent cover, black platter, and tonearm on the right

A chassis designed for perfect isolation

The Miracord 60’s base demonstrates an uncompromising approach to combating resonances. Machined from a 50mm thick MDF block, the chassis benefits from CNC manufacturing precision with 0.1mm tolerance. This massive 5.5 kg structure is not monolithic: its external form and internal structure have been specifically designed to minimize the sonic effects of vibrations and acoustic feedback.

The finish combines a black lacquered surface on top with brushed aluminum inserts that provide a retro industrial touch. Four specially developed silicone feet ensure complete decoupling from the supporting surface. While not height-adjustable, their calibrated flexibility effectively absorbs vibrations transmitted by the support furniture while ensuring proper leveling even on slightly irregular surfaces.

This robust construction draws directly from Elac’s expertise in loudspeaker design, where mastering resonances is a fundamental challenge. The damping materials used in the suspensions have been directly adapted from developments made for the brand’s speakers.

The platter: 6.2 kg of aluminum serving inertia

The Miracord 60’s platter constitutes a centerpiece of the assembly. Die-cast from 22mm thick aluminum, it features a diamond chamfer that provides both high mass and distinctive aesthetics. Its 6.2 kg weight guarantees considerable inertia, a determining factor for rotation regularity.

This platter rests on a sub-platter whose hardened steel spindle rotates on an 8mm diameter ruby ball. This configuration minimizes friction while ensuring smooth and stable rotation. High-quality sintered bronze thrust bearings complete this high-precision rotation system. A 2mm thick felt mat tops the assembly, providing a soft interface between the record and platter.

The platter’s underside receives special treatment with strategic application of elastomer damping materials. This technique, directly derived from research on speaker membranes, dramatically reduces platter resonances—that characteristic “ring” when lightly struck. The resulting mass increase also improves rotational inertia, contributing to speed precision.

Black and silver vinyl platter, brushed metal chassis, glossy black MIRACORD surface, close-up of tonearm and platter

A carbon fiber tonearm for unrestricted playback

The tonearm represents a crucial element in the vinyl reproduction chain. Elac has chosen a carbon fiber tube, a material offering optimal rigidity-to-weight ratio. This ultra-light construction minimizes unwanted resonances and distortions while ensuring remarkable groove tracking.

The gimbal bearing system provides smooth, low-friction pivoting, allowing the arm to glide effortlessly with minimal friction noise. The technical specifications speak for themselves: 18.6mm overhang, 25° offset angle, adjustable anti-skating compensation from 0 to 4, precision stainless steel main bearing.

The removable headshell adopts the SME standard, guaranteeing universal compatibility with virtually all cartridges on the market. The standard 1/2 inch mounting allows installation of both moving magnet (MM) and more sophisticated moving coil (MC) cartridges. This flexibility allows users to adapt the turntable to their sonic preferences and budget, from entry-level cartridges to the most refined models.

Optical servo control: precision serving music

The Miracord 60 incorporates a remarkable technological innovation in the form of an optical speed servo system. An integrated optical sensor continuously measures the platter’s actual rotation speed and transmits this data to a microcontroller equipped with a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm.

This closed-loop regulation system instantly adjusts the DC motor speed up to 500 times per second. This continuous and imperceptible correction guarantees exceptionally stable rotation speed without requiring manual adjustments. The benefits are directly measurable in the specifications: speed variation limited to ± 0.33%, wow and flutter below 0.12%.

The DC motor benefits from double decoupling from the chassis and, consequently, from the tonearm. Beyond traditional rubber damping, the suspensions use materials proven in Elac speaker development. The flat belt drive ensures smooth transmission while filtering motor micro-vibrations.

A fully manual design for purists

The Miracord 60 adopts a fully manual philosophy, without superfluous automation. Controls are limited to essentials: a rotary selector allows choosing between 33⅓ and 45 RPM speeds, with the middle position cutting motor power. This deliberate simplicity places the user at the heart of the vinyl ritual.

The external regulated 12V power supply contributes to the turntable’s electrical isolation. This physical separation eliminates potential electromagnetic interference and mechanical vibrations that an integrated power supply might generate. Power consumption remains modest: 1.5W in operation, less than 0.5W in standby.

The connectivity is minimalist but refined. Two high-quality gold-plated RCA jacks allow connection to an external phono preamplifier. A ground terminal provides the necessary earthing to eliminate parasitic hum. The absence of an integrated phono preamplifier, unlike the Miracord 50, reflects this model’s more purist positioning.

Black and silver aluminum vinyl platter with a glossy finish, visible tonearm and platter, oblique close-up, MIRACORD 50

Documentation

Technical data sheet

Technical Specifications

Motor and Drive System

Drive type: belt drive
Motor: direct current with optical servo control
Integrated PID algorithm for continuous speed adjustment
Playback speeds: 33⅓ and 45 RPM
Speed variation: ± 0.33%

Tonearm

Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber tube
Gimbal bearings
Removable headshell for flexibility in cartridge selection
Overhang: 18.6 mm
Offset angle: 25°
Anti-skating compensation: adjustable from 0 to 4
Main bearing: precision stainless steel

Platter and Chassis

Cast aluminum platter, 22 mm thick
Diamond chamfer for high mass and great inertia
Robust chassis limiting vibrations and parasitic resonances

Performance

Wow and flutter: < 0.12%
Optimal stability thanks to optical servo control

Connectivity and Power Supply

Outputs: stereo RCA with plated connectors
Power supply: 100 – 240 V AC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption: 1.5 W in operation, < 0.5 W in standby

Design and Finish

Elegant aesthetics inspired by the Miracord 90
High-end finish integrating perfectly into any audiophile environment
Recognizable and timeless design

Frequently asked questions

Is the Miracord 60 supplied with a phono cartridge?

No, the turntable is supplied without a cartridge, allowing each user to choose the model corresponding to their preferences and budget. The SME-compatible headshell accepts all standard 1/2 inch cartridges, whether moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) models.

What is the role of the optical sensor and PID algorithm?

This system continuously measures the platter’s rotation speed and instantly corrects any deviation via the motor. This regulation occurs up to 500 times per second, ensuring perfectly stable speed without manual intervention, with wow and flutter reduced to less than 0.12%.

How do you change playback speed between 33 and 45 RPM?

Speed change is performed manually by moving the belt on the motor’s two-stage pulley. While this method may seem rudimentary, it guarantees pure mechanical transmission without intermediate electronics, thus preserving signal integrity.

What is the main difference from the Miracord 50?

The Miracord 60 is distinguished by its more massive chassis (5.5 kg versus 21mm casing), heavier platter (6.2 kg), carbon fiber tonearm (versus aluminum), and especially its optical speed servo system. It does not integrate a phono preamplifier, targeting a more demanding audience already equipped with quality phono sections.

Can the tonearm accommodate high-end cartridges?

Absolutely. The carbon fiber tonearm with gimbal bearings has been designed to exploit the potential of sophisticated cartridges. Tests have demonstrated excellent results with moving coil cartridges of equivalent or even higher price than the turntable itself.

Is a specific support required to install the turntable?

A stable and level piece of furniture suffices, with the silicone feet providing effective decoupling. However, to optimize performance, a dedicated turntable support designed to minimize vibrations will allow full exploitation of the Miracord 60’s potential.