From the beginning, we have set ourselves to always improve, and the 301i is the fruit of that commitment!
Each element contributes to harmonious proportions and at first glance you can feel the energy released by the perfection of the dynamic trajectories that cross the turntable.
Excellence begins at the base. The feet are not only support but are an integral part of the plinth, in the dual function of isolation and dissipation of vibrations generated when reading the vinyl. This is why we have completely redesigned and made them with technical materials, enclosing them in an important, unique, beautiful design.
The thick plinth is machined from solid to enhance the solidity, encloses and supports the electrical and mechanical organs, providing the mass needed to counter any unwanted vibration.
Order and cleanliness reign supreme both below and above the surface, showing only the essential and the seductive.
The synchronous motor with elastic mounting, exclusive to New Horizon, transmits motion through the pulley, also redesigned, to adapt to the extraordinary sized plate.
Sturdy bones and full-bodied structure for this imposing turntable that translates into a majestic, firm and delicate sound together. Credit goes to the synergy of the elements that compose it including the silicone belt, graceful but tenacious, and the particular inverted bearing result of a brilliant idea developed with a serious design and field trials.
From the warmth of wood, the magic of sound.
With the new 301i there is plenty of choice among the wonderful finishes available, how can you resist so much beauty?
Review
Plus Points
Heavy Weight and Thickness – The plinth of the 301 has been redesigned with a new weight distribution to improve stability and rigidity. In this turntable the thickness of the HDF (High Density Fibreboard, high density wood pulp bonded to artificial resins) has grown up to 40 mm to dampen vibrations and resonances at subsonic frequencies. This arrangement also allows you to completely separate the power section of the engine and the section of the audio signal to the advantage of the sound.
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.
The 301i 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 transmission belt. 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 300’s line 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 301i 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.
New Horizon turntables are interfaced in the best way with all your electronics. In particular, the 300 series 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 6040RD 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 | Single Rigid Plinth |
Decoupling | Motor by Spring |
Tonearm | 9" Straight NH 99 |
Arm Settings | VTA, Alignment, Azimuth, Reading weight |
Anti-Skating | Real Progressive System |
Cartridge | Not provided |
Drive System | External Silicone Drive Belt |
Motor | Synchronous AC |
Speed | 33 1/3, 45 rpm |
Speed Selection | Mechanical |
Platter | 28mm / 2,3kg Crystal methacrylate, Machined |
Bearing | Inverted, Ceramic Pivot |
Size (WxDxH) | 450 x 365 x 155 mm |
Weight (Shipping) | 10 kg (11,7) |
Finishing | Matt Black or White coating / Real Wood |
Included Accessories | RCA Interconnection Cables Laptop wired 24VAC / 500mA Power Supply Methacrylate Dust Cover Owner Manual Cartridge Reference Template Anti-Skating Weight Arm's Balancing Weight NH Sling Bar 2 x Hexagonal Wrench VTA & Azimuth Tool |