King Karl, Head Honcho of the Shipping Department, recently acquired a brand-spanking-new turntable that we’re all drooling over (figuratively, not literally…just to clarify). Read on to hear more details about Karl’s new purchase:

VAULT:

What type of turntable is this?

KARL:

Shinola Runwell

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VAULT:

How did you find out about the Runwell?

KARL:

I think most vault members are aware of the developing relationship Third Man has with Shinola as they are neighbors to the TMR Detroit storefront / record pressing plant. I can’t recall exactly when I heard they were making a turntable but I did watch Dave Buick's video about Detroit music. I think it really sunk in when Shinola released their video with Harry Weisfeld from VPI and of course Alice Cooper listening to the Stooges.

VAULT:

Why are you most excited about this turntable?

KARL:

Accurate sound reproduction! Originally I had it set up directly to a Yamaha HS80M pair but decided I wanted volume control so I added an inexpensive DJ mixer until I find just the right amplifier or receiver to expand to a second set of monitors. Suggestions welcome, Vault members!

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VAULT:

Tell us about more of the special features!

KARL:

The preamp and output component is modular which will allow for possible upgrades/alternative components in the future without having to repurchase a platter/motor/tonearm. I’ve never had a turntable with a 12 inch tone arm so I was interested in joining the conversation about if the longer tone arm noticeably lowers tracking distortion. I also like the simplicity of the VPI tone arm bearing.

VAULT:

Which record did you christen your new turntable with?

KARL:

"Dirty Mind" by Prince. I recently went to visit Paisley Park so my interest in Prince is pretty high. I found out that most of Prince’s catalogue has been reissued on vinyl, so I picked Prince because it was one of my most recent purchases...also I’m from Minnesota.

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VAULT:

What made you decide to share the turntable with the shipping department at TMR, aside from the goodness of your heart?

KARL:

You might not think it but the folks who work here have pretty extensive record collections. We listen to vinyl about 8 hours a day here and my original thought was to use that listening time to help break in the new Ortofon blue cartridge. We have already put about a 100 hours of listening time on it…plus I get the added bonus of listening to great records from my friends’ collections.

The rest of the Shipping Department agrees: "Holy Shi...nola, this thing is beautiful!”

Check out more details on Shinola's Runwell turntable HERE.