Brinkmann Bardo | Specifications |
Drive | Platter driven directly by magnetic field; soft proportional control |
Power supply | External power supply in solid state technology |
Bearing | Lubricated precision (hydrodynamic) journal bearing, quiet and maintenance-free |
Platter | Resonance-optimized special aluminum alloy; surface planar polished crystal glass |
Chassis | 15 mm Duralumin with resonance-optimized geometry |
Arm board | Movable (rotating) without play for simple and precise tonearm adjustment, |
with quick release. Accepts all tonearms between 9 and 12″ as well as several | |
linear tracking tonearms | |
Connectors | RCA, XLR or feed-through for tonearms with 5-pin DIN connectors; |
DIN connector (3 pin) for umbilical cord of external power supply; | |
2 mm connector for ground wire | |
RPM | 33 1/3 and 45, selectable by a switch; LED indicator for speed (33 1/3 = green, 45 = red) |
Deviation from nominal speed | 0.0% (adjustable) |
Fine adjustment of speed | ± 10% with trim pot |
Wow & Flutter | 0.07% linear, 0.035% weighted DIN 45507 |
Speed-up time | 12 / 16 seconds (33 1/3 / 45 rpm) |
Rumble (noise) | -64 dB (test record DIN 45544); -68 dB (measuring adapter) |
Dimensions | 420 x 320 x 100 mm (w x d x h) |
Weight | Total 14.8 kg (Chassis 5 kg, Platter 9.8 kg); Power Supply 0.5 kg |
Accessories | Granite platform 440 x 310 x 30 mm, HRS platform |
Brinkmann Bardo
The Bardo feature the magnetic direct drive motor of the Oasis and inspired by the design of top-of-the-line Balance and LaGrange. More than a decade ago, Brinkmann inaugurated the Direct Drive Renaissance with the introduction of the Oasis. The first thoroughly modern direct drive turntable, Oasis partnered Helmut Brinkmann’s bespoke, proprietary motor with a massive platter, „Soft“ speed control and the myriad engineering flourishes which define Brinkmann Audio’s design ethos. Oasis combined the extreme pitch accuracy and durability of the best direct drive systems with levels of musicality and liquidity which had previously been the exclusive domain of belt drive. The legendary Bardo soon followed and has been Brinkmann best-selling turntable since.
Feature and upgrades
The Bardo Performance features the metal cased power supply that is used for the Balance and LaGrange turntables instead of the standard power supply. The result is a more defined bass response and a wider room imaging. The tonearm base of the Bardo can be rotated and fixed without play to allow a simple and precise tonearm adjustment for all tonearms between 9” and 12”. The base must be specified according to the tonearm that the customer chooses. The output sockets can be found on the back of the turntable, they can be equipped with RCA or XLR sockets, and it is also possible to install tonearms with DIN connectors or fixed cables.
The two possible speeds, 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, are selectable by a switch at the front of the turntable and can be fine adjusted via two screwdriver holes that are located next to the switch.
The RöNt III tubed power supply is the ideal completion for the Bardo