Stanton T.62 Turntable

Stanton was clearly one of the very first American firms to make and sell cartridges that are magnetic. Walter Stanton, its founder, is claimed to be the inventor of the easily replaceable phonograph stylus, which made it feasible for users to replace the stylus assembly instead of having to send it back to the factory when it wore out. This creation has become a standard of moving magnet cartridge design.

Now, Stanton is focussing on the professional market with its variety of audio products including high-performance cartridges, CD players, DJ mixers and turntables. The T.62 is designed to be an easy to work direct-drive turntable and includes a factory-fitted Stanton 500.v3 cartridge pre-mounted in the headshell.

The direct-drive brushless DC motor is high -torque for quick start up. The metal platter has stroboscopic markings round the rim which might be illuminated by means of a lamp, which can be built into the motor on/off switch to create calibration unbelievably simple. That is fortunate as the pitch control doesn't have a centre detent and only lights a red LED when in the middle location and some fractional adjustment must get the speed perfect. The platter is fitted using a high quality slip mat and there's a small plugin light to help in manual cueing.

The plastic case, although rugged, is fitted so acoustic feedback really should not be an issue with isolating feet. There are RCA phono connectors for connecting to an amplifier phono input configured for use with a moving magnet cartridge or to a different phono stage round the trunk. The arm is very basic in design and doesn't have a cueing lever, and that means you'll need to manually lower the stylus to the groove.

Sound quality

The Borodin piece produces a very agreeable sound that is not difficult to listen to, even though it will sound a bit two dimensional. Using the 2400 installed that is Goldring, I think that there's a little improvement in the width of the soundstage, although not hugely so. The sound is quite musical and easy to love, although possibly a touch indistinct when the choir comes in.

Switching to the Simon and Garfunkel album is an entire different ballgame. The T.62 appears to enjoy playing this piece more than the ancient one and vocals are handled well, particularly during the solos.

Likewise, the T.62 looks to relax into Miles Davis' jazz and, although the performance is not extraordinary, it's however quite gratifying, laid back and easy. The first track of side two, All Blues, wastes no time in picking up the rate and guides you into the music, without any nasty edge to the trumpet. Nice!

Getting into the groove with all the Laurent Garnier piece suggests that there's plenty of bass pull. The provided cartridge manages well with both the bass line and simultaneous high frequency themes. Truly, the T.62 seems to be tapping its feet genuinely loving itself with this music.

Stanton T.62 Turntable photo