First spotted at the High End show in May the Brinkmann Spyder is a “radical new turntable that sets a benchmark for versatility in modern analog gear while upholding the company’s commitment to extreme sonic performance”. Essentially it is the first Brinkmann that can accommodate up to four 9 to 12inch tonearms. These can be placed anywhere around the central hub which contains the main bearing in a highly flexible design that will undoubtedly appeal to those wanting to have arm/cartridge combinations tailored to specific pressing types.
The Spyder’s body is comprised of the main bearing/spindle assembly; a heavy collar surrounds the bearing housing with symmetrically placed drillings that allow as many as four tonearm ‘legs’ to the Spyder’s body. These legs connect Brinkmann tonearm bases to the bearing body and act as a very minimal plinth. Designed by founder and chief designer, Helmut Brinkmann, the Spyder is one of those creations that looks so simple it’s surprising that no one has done it before.
The arm bases can be precision-drilled for virtually any modern 9 to 12inch tonearm, and are designed for precise, physically rigid, quick release, making arm/cartridge alignment and switching or moving arms a virtual plug-and-play operation. The Spyder shares many techniques and components with Brinkmann's direct-drive Bardo and flagship Balance turntables. It's a belt-drive that employs the Balance's advanced Sinus motor, and while it’s supplied with the large solid-state power supply used in the Balance, it can be upgraded with Brinkmann’s optional RöNt II vacuum-tube power supply. The Spyder employs the zero-maintenance hydrostatic bearing used in all Brinkmann turntables and is largely constructed with anodized aluminum. The 10 kilo alloy/crystal-glass platter is designed to ensure speed stability and wide dynamics. US prices, single arm base: $14,000, additional tonearm base: $3,000. Additional tonearm base with extended top plate: $3,400.
Jason Kennedy