Description
Some collaborations are for marketing reasons, and some are born from the organic affinity of two cultures. American Vintage is the latter: the result of the meeting of Fender, the company that eight decades ago in Leo Fender's garage launched an entire era of electric guitars, and Mobile Fidelity, the label that has set the standard for vinyl reissues for over four decades. It's a turntable that is both a full-fledged audiophile instrument and a work of art with rock 'n' roll history on the front panel.
The American Vintage base is made from solid alder—the same material used in the classic Stratocaster and Telecaster. Each body is hand-painted in California using the three-tone sunburst technique developed by Fender in the 1950s and first used on the Precision Bass, Stratocaster, and Telecaster. The natural grain pattern is chosen for more than just its beauty—alder has a tonal resonance that gives the sound of records the warm, organic color that is characteristic of quality wood construction.
The tonearm is designed and manufactured in the USA specifically for this model. Smooth, high-quality ball bearings minimize friction in both the vertical and horizontal planes—the tonearm moves so freely that you only hear what is recorded in the groove of the record, without any mechanical interference. The signal from the cartridge to the gold-plated RCA connectors is routed through Cardas Audio’s proprietary wiring, preserving the purity and integrity of the delicate phonograph signal all the way.
Beneath the beautiful shell is some serious engineering: a hardened steel inverted bearing system that combines steel, bronze and sapphire—materials typically found in much more expensive turntables. This ensures quiet, precise operation over many years of use. A massive 6.8-pound Delrin platform adds inertial mass, which reduces noise and creates a “blacker” soundstage between notes. Speed switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm is accomplished with a single button thanks to a precision electronic drive.
Anti-vibration feet were developed in collaboration with engineers at Harmonic Resolution Systems, a world leader in audio vibration isolation. Any needle vibration not caused by the record groove itself is distortion that masks musical details. The height-adjustable HRS feet keep the turntable perfectly stable, isolating both the plinth and tonearm from external mechanical interference.
American Vintage is the choice of the music lover and collector in one: someone who wants a serious audiophile instrument that will be both an aesthetic centerpiece in the room and a tribute to America's musical heritage. The limited edition makes each copy a truly collector's item.
