Takumi TT Level 2.1DC

Takumi TT Level 2.1DC – a Dutch turntable that punches well above its weight

Engineering discipline over marketing spectacle

The Takumi TT Level 2.1DC is Rik Stoet's best-known model — and for good reason. A regulated DC motor with Hall sensor, a CNC-machined acrylic chassis, and a thin-walled titanium tonearm form the technical foundation. The SpeedPod — an external speed controller with 0.01 rpm adjustment steps — is included as standard, consequently offering a level of drive precision that is highly unusual at this price point. Every component is manufactured in-house by Takumi, thereby ensuring that nothing is included merely to satisfy 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 firmly out of the signal chain.

Regulated DC motor with Hall sensor

Unlike the entry-level Level 1.1, the Takumi TT Level 2.1DC uses a regulated DC motor. A Hall sensor continuously reads a series of magnets beneath the sub-platter and adjusts the motor accordingly. The result is exceptional speed stability, even during extended listening sessions. The SpeedPod adds external stop/start control and fine speed adjustment, therefore allowing even older or sensitive pressings to be played at precisely the correct pitch.

Titanium tonearm with gimbal bearing

The thin-walled titanium armtube combines high rigidity with low mass, so 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 more than sufficient headroom for serious MC cartridge upgrades, making this a turntable that can grow with your system.

Specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable
• Motor: regulated DC motor with Hall sensor
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Speed control: SpeedPod (included as standard), 0.01 rpm steps
• 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 height-adjustable, vibration-isolating aluminium feet
• Dimensions (lid closed): 43 × 32 × 15 cm
• Finishes: black acrylic, transparent acrylic
• Supplied with: SpeedPod, hinged dust cover, spirit level, record clamp, Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge

Frequently asked questions

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

The principal difference is the motor: the Level 2.1DC uses a regulated DC motor with Hall sensor for exceptional speed stability, whereas the Level 1.1 uses a simpler AC motor. Furthermore, the Level 2.1DC comes standard with the SpeedPod, offering fine speed adjustment in 0.01 rpm steps. Tonearm and bearing design are identical across both models.

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.

Does the Takumi TT Level 2.1DC require a separate phono stage?

Yes. There is no built-in phono preamplifier, so you will need either an amplifier with a phono input or a dedicated phono stage. At Novus Audio we are happy to discuss which combination suits your system best.