Andover Audio has introduced the Andover-One DD Direct Drive, its highest-performance component turntable to date. Designed and engineered in Boston, the new flagship turntable is built for listeners who want the precision and flexibility of a high-end turntable without unnecessary complexity. The DD combines digitally controlled direct drive, a carbon-fiber tonearm, substantial vibration-resistant construction, and a premium factory-installed Audio-Technica moving-magnet cartridge in an understated, easy-to-use design.
The Andover-One DD Direct Drive turntable is engineered with a dual purpose: as a high-performance analog source for traditional component hi-fi systems, and as a natural upgrade path within the Andover family. When paired with the Andover-One SB powered speaker base, it offers an alternative to the all-in-one record player, the Andover-One Mk2, adding direct-drive precision and greater analog flexibility while maintaining Andover’s room-friendly simplicity.
At the heart of the new model is a digitally controlled direct-drive motor supporting 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm playback. Each speed is electronically regulated for accuracy and stability, with speed accurate to within 0.2% and wow and flutter below 0.15%. Unlike high-speed motors that require the mechanical reduction of a belt or idler wheel to turn the platter, the DD’s motor operates at the platter’s low rotational speed. This approach virtually eliminates high-frequency motor vibrations that contribute to audible rumble.
The Andover-One DD uses an 8.8-inch straight tonearm with a rigid, lightweight carbon-fiber armtube and a precision cast-aluminum headshell. Tracking force, anti-skating, and vertical tracking angle (VTA) are all adjustable, providing the setup flexibility expected of a component turntable.
The headshell attaches to the tonearm with an industry-standard, SME-style twist-lock connection. The owner can change cartridges or keep additional cartridge-and-headshell combinations mounted and ready to go, which is particularly useful for listeners whose collections include 78s. The tonearm accommodates cartridges weighing from 2.5 to 6.2 grams.
Each Andover-One DD comes fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM520xEB moving-magnet cartridge whose four-coil generator is designed for strong channel separation, low noise, and accurate stereo reproduction. The VMx series also offers compatible step-up styli, giving owners a straightforward upgrade path that doesn’t require replacement of the entire cartridge.
In preserving the joy of turntable ownership, Andover strikes a balance in the DD with the ease of semi-automatic operation. Cueing stays in the listener’s hands: moving the tonearm over the record starts the platter, and an end-of-record Auto Stop system halts it when the side is finished. Both functions use contact-free optical sensing, adding convenience without introducing mechanical contact, friction, or restriction to the tonearm’s movement.
The foundation of the DD’s substantial chassis is a plinth of thick MDF finished in matte black. The plinth’s mass helps absorb unwanted vibration, while adjustable vibration-absorbing rubber feet allow the deck to be leveled on its supporting surface. The cast-aluminum platter is internally damped to reduce ringing and resonance, and is topped by an anti-resonant silicone-rubber mat. A hinged dustcover is included.
The Andover-One DD turntable is available now with an MSRP of $999 from www.andoveraudio.com and select retailers.
For more information, visit https://www.andoveraudio.com/products/andover-one-dd-direct-drive-turntable.
