Rotation R 5.3
The R 5.3 is a belt-drive turntable with a difference. Most belt-driven turntables simply have the belt driven by a pulley atop the drive motor, with the belt encircling a sub-platter —an asymmetric drive which can result in a rocking motion or imbalance against the platter’s bearing spindle.
The R 5.3’s 12-pound platter rests atop a sub-platter driven by the unique Elipso-Centric belt drive system, which features a pulley opposite the servo-controlled DC motor so the sub-platter is driven evenly from both sides. The result is superb rhythmic smoothness and drive. Coupled with a precision-machined steel spindle running in a permanently-lubricated bronze bushing, running on a ceramic thrust-plate, the R 5.3’s construction ensures decades of ultra-silent, trouble-free operation.
AVM’s attention to detail carries over to the 10” medium-mass tonearm; its chrome-plated aluminum shaft is gimbal-mounted with close-tolerance bearings. With adjustable azimuth, VTA, and anti-skating, the arm will derive superb performance from a wide range of cartridges, and its oil-damped cueing will make it easy to use. The massive 60mm-thick plinth is constructed of high-density composite wrapped in brushed, black or silver aluminum. Resting on adjustable damping feet, the structure is superbly stable and impervious to external feedback and vibrations.
As with the R 2.3, the R 5.3’s acrylic platter can be illuminated by blue LEDs which can be dimmed or turned off. A hinged acrylic dustcover is standard, and a stunning all-chrome Cellini version, shown at bottom of page, is also available at extra cost. The R 5.3 weighs in at a hefty 37 pounds.
The AVM R 5.3 is a really good turntable in many ways. It is unusually compact, easy to set up and use, and provides excellent sound quality with a wide range of cartridges. The built-in tonearm is easy to adjust, and the cueing is smooth and precise. It seems unusually resistant to any form of hum and noise, sonic breakthrough, and room vibration. The R 5.3 measured very well in tempo and pitch without any hint of resonance-induced coloration. it has a surprising amount of mass for a relatively compact design and it can provide very good lower midrange and deep bass with a lot of clarity and detail. As such, the AVM R 5.3 is easy to recommend.
Anthony Cordesman, The Absolute Sound, Editors' Choice Award 2021
We were impressed with how lively and pure the turntable sounded. A decidedly developed, mature and in every respect high-end sound.
Stereo Magazine, August 2019
Forget everything you’ve ever read about quality turntables. Because this AVM teaches you that the ultimate high end is still available at a high but affordable price.
HiFi Musik Journal, Germany
The opulent drive base and a top-class tonearm offer perfect working conditions for high-profile pickups. A superior turntable for real vinyl freaks.
Stereoplay, Germany
Rotation R 5.3 Cellini Edition
