Argon Audio Aurora Is a New Direct-Drive Turntable Built for Serious Vinyl Fans
Argon Audio has introduced the Aurora, its first direct-drive turntable, combining a heavy low-resonance chassis, S-shaped tonearm, Ortofon cartridge, and built-in phono preamp in a design aimed at both newcomers and experienced vinyl listeners.
The Danish hi-fi company is expanding its turntable lineup with the Argon Audio Aurora, a new direct-drive model designed to deliver stable playback while offering the adjustment flexibility expected by more demanding vinyl enthusiasts.
At the heart of the Aurora is a brushless direct-drive motor with an 8-pole coil structure. Argon Audio says the motor is designed to provide stable rotational speed and low wow and flutter. The turntable also uses an acoustically isolated support bearing to help prevent mechanical vibrations from reaching the platter and stylus.
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A 55mm MDF chassis and heavy aluminum platter
One of the Aurora’s defining features is its substantial chassis. The turntable is built around a 55mm-thick MDF plinth, making it the thickest chassis Argon Audio has used on one of its turntables.
The nearly 1.5kg aluminum platter is paired with a rubber damper and thick rubber mat, with the combination designed to help control unwanted resonance during playback.
Argon Audio has also fitted the Aurora with vibration-isolating feet that can be individually adjusted for height. This allows users to level the turntable precisely while helping isolate it from vibrations transmitted through the supporting surface.
S-shaped tonearm comes with an Ortofon cartridge
The Aurora features a statically balanced S-shaped aluminum tonearm with Argon Audio’s proprietary ATS technology. It also offers VTA adjustment, giving users additional flexibility when setting up the cartridge and tonearm.
The standard cartridge is an Ortofon Concorde Music Blue MM, which is integrated directly into the headshell. This approach makes installation and replacement simpler than a traditional separate headshell-and-cartridge setup.
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Because the cartridge belongs to Ortofon’s Concorde Music platform, upgrading later can also be relatively straightforward: owners can replace the stylus rather than changing the entire cartridge.
Built-in phono preamp and three playback speeds
The Argon Audio Aurora is designed to work with a wide range of audio systems thanks to its built-in, switchable MM phono preamplifier.
With the phono stage enabled, the turntable can be connected directly to a compatible amplifier or powered speakers. Users who already have an external phono preamp can switch the built-in stage off.
The Aurora supports 33, 45, and 78 rpm, with speed selection handled by a switch on the turntable.
Other convenience features include an automatic stop function at the end of a record and a standby mode that activates after 20 minutes of inactivity. The turntable also has an integrated power supply and adjustable feet.
Argon Audio Aurora price and finishes
The Argon Audio Aurora will be available in matte black and walnut veneer finishes.
The turntable has a recommended European retail price of €1,299, putting it firmly in the enthusiast segment while offering a combination of features that should appeal to listeners looking for a more advanced turntable without moving into ultra-high-end territory.
With its direct-drive motor, heavy MDF chassis, adjustable S-shaped tonearm, Ortofon Concorde Music Blue cartridge, and switchable phono stage, the Aurora represents a significant step for Argon Audio as the company enters the direct-drive turntable market.
