Auris Audio Classica

Auris Audio Classica, the ten-inch tonearm turntable

Moving from a 9-inch tonearm to a 10-inch tonearm changes the playback geometry across the entire record surface: the stylus angle in the groove remains more accurate, from the first to the last revolution. While Auris Audio entry-level turntables retain a 9-inch carbon tonearm, the Classica features the W-10, one inch longer, on a belt-drive chassis with an external power supply.

A ten-inch W-10 carbon fiber tonearm

The W-10 tube is made of carbon fiber, with a 1 mm wall that limits vibrations and resonances inherent to the tonearm. Its design involves 3D CAD and CAM, followed by machining on CNC machines. Its 12 g effective mass places it in the medium category, a range that suits most moving magnet cartridges and a good proportion of moving coil cartridges.

The finger-lift headshell accommodates half-inch cartridges weighing from 6 to 14 g. Overhang is set at 18 mm, offset angle at 24°, and tracking force can be adjusted between 5 and 40 mN, or approximately 0.5 to 4 g depending on the cartridge. The counterweight features a rubber thread that dampens vibrations transmitted from the rear of the tonearm.

VTA can be adjusted over a 10 mm range at the base of the tonearm, allowing height adjustment according to the thickness of the platter mat and the fitted cartridge. The pivot rests on bearings from the medical sector, selected for minimal play. Anti-skating and a removable transport lock complete the package.

Belt drive and EON power supply

The drive is belt-driven, between a synchronous motor powered by 16 to 24 V AC and the sub-platter. An electronic board controls this motor to reduce its vibrations and maintain speed when mains voltage fluctuates. The Classica runs at 33.3 and 45 rpm, with a speed tolerance of ± 0.11% at each speed.

The power supply is not housed in the chassis: the supplied EON unit controls the motor externally, keeping its transformer and electronics away from the platter and cartridge. This separation limits the transfer of electrical and mechanical interference to the playback section.

A platter resting on a ceramic and bronze bearing

The main platter is made of aluminum, with a diameter of 299 mm. It rests on an aluminum-based sub-platter with a chrome-plated spindle, whose role is to transmit speed without slipping. The bearing that supports the platter is forged from cemented carbide metal with a Rockwell hardness of 90, a level designed to maintain its dimensions over time.

The main bearing combines a ceramic ball and a bronze cylinder. Bronze reduces stress on the bearing compared with the brass used in other assemblies, extending its service life and maintaining its performance in use.

Damping vibrations and leveling

The Classica’s feet are made from a rubber compound that isolates the chassis from external vibrations. Their supports can be adjusted horizontally, an adjustment used to level the turntable on its furniture and distribute support evenly. A rotating platter remains sensitive to its support: a solid, flat, stable surface makes the most of this isolation.

The plinth is a wooden enclosure with a glossy lacquer finish. The turntable measures 445 × 360 × 140 mm and weighs 7.9 kg, a mass that also contributes to the overall stability.

Connecting the Classica to the rest of the system

Output is via chassis-mounted RCA sockets, accompanied by a ground terminal to connect to the preamp to eliminate hum. The Classica does not include a phono preamp: it requires a phono input on the amplifier, or a separate phono preamp, before connecting to a line input.

It is supplied without a cartridge. The headshell accepts standard models available on the market, to be fitted and adjusted before the first listening session. A transport lock secures the tonearm during transport.

Technical specifications

Drive and speed

• Drive principle: belt drive
• Playback speeds: 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm with EON power supply unit included
• Speed variation
  • 33.3 rpm: ± 0.11%
  • 45 rpm: ± 0.11%
• 16V-24VAC synchronous motor controlled by advanced PCB electronics
  • Vibration damping
  • Tempo maintained independently of power grid fluctuations
  • Precise speed control via the EON power supply unit

W10 tonearm

• Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
• Design assisted by 3D CAD / CAM technology
• Precision manufacturing on state-of-the-art CNC machines
• Effective tonearm mass: 12 g (0.026 lb)
• Overhang: 18 mm (0.70 inch)
• Tracking force: 5 to 40 mN
• Offset angle: 24°
• Compatible cartridge compliance: 6 to 14 g (0.013 to 0.030 lb)
• VTA (vertical tracking angle) adjustment over 10 mm for compatibility with various turntable mats
• Specially designed counterweight with rubber threading for vibration damping
• Carbon fiber tube with ultra-thin 1 mm wall to minimize vibrations and resonances
• Medical-grade ball bearings ensuring minimal play and exceptional sound transmission

Platter and sub-platter

• Main platter: aluminum, diameter 299 mm (11.77 inches)
• Sub-platter: aluminum base and chrome-plated spindle for faithful speed transfer without slippage
• Platter mounted on ball bearing, forged from cemented carbide metal
• Rockwell hardness: up to 90 for lifetime precision

Main bearing

• Ceramic ball
• Bronze cylinder for extended service life and sustained performance
• Reduced stress on the bearing compared with brass alternatives

Isolation and stability

• Innovative rubber foot compound providing exceptional stability
• Protection against external vibrations
• Adjustable support with precise horizontal adjustment for optimal isolation

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 445 × 360 × 140 mm (17.52 × 14.17 × 5.51 inches)
• Weight: 7.9 kg (17.41 lb)

Included accessories

• EON power supply unit (PSU)