The first floating frame turntable by New Horizon. The whole upper plinth rests through three springs on the lower one.
Three springs are arranged along the circumference that radiates from the center of gravity at 120 ° one from the other. In this way the springs are loaded with the same weight, they can be more compact and the calibration easier and more stable over time.
Such a particular object also deserves an aesthetic and an exclusive finish with precious woods, chosen among the noblest. The surfaces undergo 7 lacquering steps to obtain a sumptuous glossy finish.
The supplied equipment is completed with the fully adjustable 9" tonearm, double silicone transmission belt, ceramic bearing, calibrated methacrylate platter by lathying all sides and dedicated external power supply.
Only the magnificent listening performance outweighs the care taken in the construction of this magical turntable. It's the GDS.
In Depth
GDS can be identified as a double base turntable decoupled by a springs system. The plinths are made of MDF HD, wood pulp compressed with artificial resins. This material is extremely regular and heavy: its isomorphic composition works much more efficiently than the solid wood. The two plinths are then covered with a fine wood veneer and finished with a thick glossy lacquer that, in addition to the superb aesthetic appearance, gives an exceptional rigidity to the two bases.
The upper plinth of the GDS is held over the lower plinth by 3 precision steel springs arranged to bear the same weight. This greatly simplifies the leveling of the turntable by adjusting the height of the springs and making the calibration very stable over time.
The turntable benefits from a digitally controlled external power supply. Especially engineered for GDS, ALE uses a proprietary software which manages the mains energy and delivers the right voltage at the exact frequency to the turntable motor. Internal DSP analyzes the input current and, through a precision quartz, generates a perfect sine wave with no electric noise: perfect rotation of the platter with a lot of benefits at the listening.
The turntable pulsating heart is the compact 24VAC synchronous motor whose main feature is its extremely regular rotation, independent from the variations of the mains voltage, given that its speed depends on the mains frequency. The high torque and the rotation speed of 500 rpm actively contribute to the regularity and fluidity of the plate rotation.
GDS is a set of mechanical parts in action. The largest internal source of noise and vibrations is the motor that must be isolated as much as possible from all other parts of the turntable. The engine insulation in New Horizon turntables is made by an exclusive mechanical suspension system. Through precision steel springs, calibrated on the suspended weight of the motor and the pulley, the oscillation transmission to the plinth is efficiently blocked.
The transmission of the motion to the plate is obtained by two special belt in silicone rubber. The choice of this material ensures the best energy transfer and an excellent decoupling from the vibrations produced by the engine during the operation.
One of the strong points in New Horizon turntables is the plate rotation pivot. The perfection of the movement is the result of a accurate project and several prototypes. Today the piece in production has a sturdy inverted bearing structure in three pieces of aluminum and steel that guarantee the maximum “silence” and a very low rotation friction.
An excellent 9 “straight arm is installed on the GDS upper plinth. This jewel of the mechanics is based on a double cardan with aluminum barrel, offering all the possible micro-adjustments to fully exploit the characteristics of any head. In addition to the anti-skating and reading weight, provided with three counterweights, it allows to operate both on the azimuth and the vertical alignment of the rod (VTA). The kit is completed by all the tools necessary for its adjustment.
The appearance is extremely important: GDS hosts a magnificent 25mm thick plate, in Crystal Methacrylate, first laser cut and then worked on precision lathe on all sides. This material with a high specific weight combines the excellent ability to disperse the vibrations kinetic energy, to the elegance of a perfect transparency.
New Horizon turntables are interfaced in the best way with all your electronics. An excellent insulating material plate accommodates the gold-plated RCA output terminals and the separate earth connector.
Arm, head, plate and all the other mechanical parts need to be protected when not in use. The high-quality, heat-bent cover in Crystal Methacrylate excellently performs this function, giving GDS a solid protection and a prestigious appearance.
Tech Spec GDS
Tonearm
Cartridge
Drive System
Motor
Decoupling
Speed
Speed Selection
Platter
Anti-skating
Size (WxDxH)
Weight (Shipping)
Finish
Included accessories
9″ Aluminium arm
Not provided
Double External Silicone Drive Belt
Synchronous AC
Motor by Springs, Arm by Plynth, Pivot by Plynth
33 1/3, 45 rpm
Electronic by External PS
24mm / 2,05kg Crystal methacrylate, Machined
Mechanical by Weight
450 x 365 x 165 mm
13,6 (15) kg
Real Wood
RCA Interconnection Cables
Dedicated DSP Power Supply
Methacrylate Dust Cover
Owner Manual
Cartridge Reference Template
Anti-Skating Weight
3 x Arm’s Balancing Weight
Arm’s Specific Tools
2 x reference feeler gauge