Takumi TT Level 1.1

Takumi TT Level 1.1 – a serious turntable from the start

Dutch engineering, no shortcuts taken

The Takumi TT Level 1.1 sits at the entry point of the Takumi range, but entry-level is not a synonym for compromise here. Rik Stoet, founder of Takumi and formerly a designer of tube amplifiers, applies the same engineering logic to this model as to its more expensive siblings. The result is a belt-drive turntable built around a CNC-machined acrylic chassis, a precision ceramic main bearing, and — crucially — the identical tonearm found on the Level 2.1DC. Every component is made in-house, consequently nothing is included merely to fill a specification sheet.

Acrylic as an acoustic foundation

The chassis is machined from solid PMMA acrylic, CNC-milled to tight tolerances. Acrylic has no preferred direction for mechanical energy, thereby distributing vibration evenly rather than allowing it to accumulate and colour the sound. The 300mm main platter is also acrylic, mechanically decoupled from the aluminium sub-platter. A reversible spindle ensures the record has no direct contact with the bearing axis — furthermore, this creates an isolated rotating mass that keeps mechanical disturbances out of the signal chain.

Ceramic main bearing: quiet, precise, durable

The main bearing uses a ceramic spindle running in a polished brass sleeve filled with high-grade oil, resting on a hardened steel ball. This point-contact arrangement minimises friction and wear. Above all, it allows the platter to spin with near-total silence — a prerequisite for a genuinely black background and stable speed over extended listening sessions.

The same tonearm as the Level 2.1DC

Perhaps the most striking specification of this turntable is its tonearm: identical to that of the more expensive Level 2.1DC. The thin-walled titanium armtube combines high rigidity with low mass, therefore the cartridge tracks accurately without adding unwanted resonance. A gimbal bearing allows free movement in all planes, while the fixed headshell — with no detachable connector — keeps the electrical signal path as short and loss-free as possible. The 120cm fixed cable features dual earthing and low-capacitance conductors. Moreover, the arm has sufficient headroom for serious cartridge upgrades further down the line.

Specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable
• Motor: AC motor with electronic speed switching
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Chassis: CNC-machined acrylic (PMMA)
• Platter: 300mm CNC-turned acrylic, mechanically decoupled
• Sub-platter: aluminium
• Main bearing: ceramic spindle, brass sleeve, oil bath, hardened steel ball
• Tonearm: 9-inch gimbal, thin-walled titanium armtube, fixed headshell
• Cable: 120cm, dual earth, low-capacitance
• Feet: three vibration-isolating feet
• Dimensions (lid closed): 43 × 32.7 × 15.2 cm
• Weight: 8 kg
• Finishes: black acrylic, transparent acrylic
• Supplied with: hinged dust cover, spirit level, record clamp, Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge

Frequently asked questions

What separates the Takumi TT Level 1.1 from the Level 2.1DC?

The principal difference is the motor: this model uses an AC motor, whereas the Level 2.1DC employs a regulated DC motor with more precise speed control. Tonearm and bearing design are identical across both models. The Level 2.1DC comes standard with the SpeedPod — an external speed controller offering adjustment in 0.01 rpm steps — which is not included here.

Is the supplied cartridge sufficient, or should I upgrade straight away?

The Audio-Technica AT-3600L is a proven MM cartridge that gets you playing records immediately. The tonearm, however, is well capable of handling considerably more ambitious cartridges — from higher-end MM designs to full MC systems. At Novus Audio we are happy to advise on the right upgrade for your setup and budget.

Is this turntable suitable for experienced vinyl listeners?

Absolutely. The engineering philosophy — minimal interference, maximum mechanical stability — makes this turntable compelling regardless of experience level. The ceramic bearing and titanium tonearm provide a stable, precise platform that performs confidently with demanding cartridges.