Mag-Lev Audio ML 1

Rather than HI-FI one can safely speak of “SCI-FI,” in the sense that going back in time the Mag-Lev Audio Ml1 could have been used within the set design of a Stanley Kubrick film, this due to its peculiar and futuristic technology of spinning our beloved vinyls.

Mag-Lev Audio ML1 is a magnetic levitation turntable. This term means that the platter is suspended in a vacuum about an inch from the chassis by a complex system of magnets and spiral springs. This system creates a strong magnetic field, which is able to levitate a platter weighing as much as 2.2 kilograms.
It is a semi-automatic turntable; in fact, when it is off, the platter does not remain raised but rests on four feet. However, when you lift the arm to start listening to vinyl, the feet disappear inside the chassis and the platter begins to float in the air and spin. The mechanism takes 10 seconds to reach the desired rotation speed, after which the arm operates automatically, laying the needle on the first groove of the record.

This bizarre design choice obviously has no overtly sensationalistic connotations at the level of aesthetic design, but it is proposed as a brilliant decoupling solution from the bearing surfaces to make up for the transmission of any external vibrations to the platter, as well as not opposing any friction resistance or air friction. All this in order to naturally ensure correct and precise extraction of the information of our musical message.

The device comes with replaceable Ortofon OM 10 cartridge, the possibility of customization is not extended to the tonearm however, as we will have to “make do” with the still excellent performance of the Pro-Ject 9CC Carbon.

It is also equipped with a small buffer system that stores the electrical energy needed to return the turntable and platter to the stand-by position in the event of a sudden power failure, as well as providing us with the classic standard selectable rotational speeds, 33 and 45 rpm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Design, Usability and Sound

The finishes of the Mag-Lev Audio Ml1 are white, which has a lacquered wood composite material cover with a glossy finish; wood, which has a black aluminum and wood housing combined with silver anodized aluminum shock-absorbing feet and a spindle; black silver/gold, which has a lacquered wood composite material cover with a piano black glossy finish; and finally black queen, which has a black aluminum and plastic body embellished with Swarovski crystals in combination with black aluminum feet and spindle.

In addition to magnetic levitation, it benefits from sensor adjustment software for extremely precise readings, there is also a noticeable reduction in pops to the point of almost eliminating them, a clarity and background silence that the Mag seems to carry with it as a characteristic from the “space” where it floats.

Precision that is reflected during listening by translating into a more defined soundstage, where the instruments, especially those in acoustic configuration are cut out and positioned sharply within the ‘recording. The separation between channels is also noteworthy.

The result to the ear certainly has no mysteries to follow, as it results in the classic warm and enveloping presentation, which finds a natural synergy with tube amplifiers in case you want to emphasize that timbre, in addition to benefiting of course from the coupling with a quality phono pre stage and from the proper leveling of the turntable.

Soundstage width is remarkable, imaging is breathtaking, depth of field is infinite, and timbres are realistic. The edges of notes nicely rounded but without losing their natural harmonic extension, and the bass though softened does not stop returning definition and fullness. The detail in the treble gives it a spaciousness and openness to the sound front without ever sounding too squeaky, and the midrange section is composed in a way that makes the presentation as natural as possible.

Should one decide instead to opt for more canonical amplification, the Mag certainly does not disfigure, as in our opinion it benefits from the reading accuracy that is more characteristic of the digital signal instead.

To help keep precious vinyl records in excellent condition, the turntable raises the arm at the end of the record in this way preventing records from being scratched and extending the life of the cartridge.

In addition, subtle LED lighting in amber or white has been added, giving the turntable an elegant appearance as well as emphasizing the charm of the very special mechanism.

Another feature of this turntable is the slight drop and precision of the needle, which make the whole process even more satisfying.

CONCLUSIONS

Mag – Lev ML1 is definitely among the best turntables. Aesthetics is among its strengths as it offers numerous finishes allowing you to place it in your room adapting it or making it not only part of the furniture, but a real museum object to be proudly shown to our guests, from which we will surely get their amazement in noticing the esoteric working system.

Quiet, solid and carefully constructed with fine materials, it is unmatched by other turntables in the same range and above, giving sophisticated and smooth sounds but without losing the rhythmic propulsion of the bass.

When it comes to getting the best out of both sides, the sonic and the aesthetic, the Mag-Lev Ml1 breaks through our expectations and elevates us from mere music aficionados to inseparable devotees of quality reproduction.

Inside the package we find: the turntable case, turntable platter, a mat, an adapter, RCA cable, a user manual, and two counterweights for the turntable cartridges.