The GDS IIi is the evolution of an already perfect turntable. The floating frame rests on three springs arranged along the circumference radiated from the center of gravity and arranged at 120 seat. This system is enriched with a new adjustment mechanism even simpler and more precise.
Greater stability is guaranteed by the new 5030RD adjustable feet, already very successfully present in the other New Horizon turntables.
Our inverted pivot has shown great reliability and quietness, in the GDS IIi becomes valuable and with even better performance with the use of brass.
But these are only the novelties that add to the already present exceptional features of the GDS: double silicone transmission belt, ceramic bearing, methacrylate plate calibrated to the lathe and dedicated external power supply.
Such a particular object also deserves an aesthetic and an exclusive finish with precious woods, chosen among the noblest. The surfaces undergo 7 steps of lacquering to obtain a sumptuous glossy finish.
The GDS IIi represents the best of our production and deserves to be combined with the New Horizon reading arm in ceramic version. Adjustable in height, azimuth, anti-skating and reading weight and with movements on zero friction ceramic bearings.
It seemed impossible to overcome each other but the magic returns to repeat itself with the GDS IIi.
Plus Points
GDS series can be identified as a double base turntable decoupled by a springs system. The plinths are made of HDF, 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. The new system with handle and ring nut simplifies the leveling of the turntable through the micro-adjustment of the height of the springs and makes the calibration very stable over time.
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 IIi 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 rotation motion is impressed on the platter by a double belt transmission system. The best possible solution was the use of silicone which ensures the most effective energy transfer and has an excellent durability. The one-piece mould belt is so thin that it concretizes the “zero feedback”, virtually decoupling the platter from the vibrations produced by the motor during operation.
One of the Plus Points of the New Horizon turntables is the plate rotation pivot. The perfection of the movement is the result of an accurate project and several prototypes that led to the design of an inverted bearing architecture in three pieces. The supporting structure in chromed steel supports a sphere, which in GDS is made of ceramic, immersed in an oil bath. The brass cap holds the plate and ensures maximum “silence” with a very low friction rotation.
The plinth of the GDS IIi houses the exceptional 9″ NH99 straight arm. The movement of this jewel of mechanics is based on four high precision radial bearings completely in Ceramic. The tube is a sandwich of Nylon, Fiberglass and Brass worked to break down the resonances. The counterweight section is damped by a Teflon coating. It offers all the micro adjustments possible to take full advantage of the characteristics of any cartridge: Azimuth, VTA (vertical alignment of the barrel) and Horizontal alignment of the cartridge. New Horizon’s pride is Anti-Skating, a proprietary system created to be truly progressive. The arm is equipped with a complete set of accessories useful for its adjustment.
Full Lathed Plate – The appearance is extremely important: the 301 is equipped with an extraordinary 30mm thick Crystal Methacrylate plate, laser cut and then precision lathe machined on all sides. This material has a natural elegance and a high specific weight, perfect for maintaining kinetic energy with a smooth rotation and dissipating vibrations.
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.
New Horizon turntables are interfaced in the best way with all your electronics. In particular, the GDS IIi is equipped with two separate terminals for power and audio signal, to effectively isolate the delicate connections that carry the musical message from the cartridge. A robust plate holds high-quality gold-plated RCA output terminals and a separate ground connector.
The New Horizon 5030RD feet enhance the sonic characteristics of any hifi device by providing better vibration and resonance isolation. They are made of Delrin®, steel, low density natural rubber and HQR compound (Hard Quiet Rubber), cleaning the system from spurious vibrations, noticeably improving the acoustic scene, detail and three-dimensionality.
Technical Specifications
Turntable System | Double Elastic Decoupled Plinths |
Decoupling | Motor by Springs, Arm and Pivot by Plynth |
Tonearm | 9" Straight NH 99 |
Arm Settings | VTA, Alignment, Azimuth, Reading weight |
Anti-Skating | Real Progressive System |
Cartridge | Not provided |
Drive System | Double External Silicone Drive Belt |
Motor | Synchronous AC |
Speed | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
Speed Selection | Electronic by External PS |
Platter | 28mm / 2,3kg Crystal methacrylate, Machined |
Bearing | Inverted, Ceramic Pivot |
Size (WxDxH) | 450 x 365 x 165 mm |
Weight (Shipping) | 13,6 kg (16,7) |
Finishing | Walnut rootwood, Zebrano, Wenge |
Included Accessories | RCA Interconnection Cables Dedicated DSP Power Supply Methacrylate Dust Cover Owner Manual Cartridge Reference Template Anti-Skating Weight Arm's Balancing Weight NH Sling Bar 2 x Hexagonal Wrench 2 x Reference feeler gauge VTA & Azimuth Tool |