Origin Live
Origin Live Calypso MK5 Turntable
Calypso MKV
The Calypso MKV now features the Multi-Layer Platter Upgrade as standard.
For out-and-out performance, this deck has all the attributes you could ask for. Strengths lie in superb transparency, timing, musicality, dynamics, and tangible soundstaging. Capable of outperforming much more expensive, respected decks, Calypso MKV is not going to dissapoint you. Also, being neutral and system-friendly, it suits most applications very well.
The Calypso performance improves over Aurora in all aspects of music. In particular bass weight, definition and depth are increased. Resolution across the whole audio spectrum is significantly improved. Dynamics and the projection of voices take on a new realism. These improvements are made possible through the added specific features listed lower down.
Features
Mk5 Motor Power Supply
The Mk5 Motor Power Supply introduces a new PCB in the PSU on all decks offering even more speed stability and improved sonic performance than the former Light Speed Controller. Common problems like speed drift, motor jitter and cogging are avoided. Speed settings for 33.33 and 45 RPM are operated through one knob with no need for belt/platter change.
DC100 Motor
These high-grade Swiss motors demonstrate the powerful, smooth-running needed in a good turntable motor. Ironless cores eliminate eddy currents which result in low “clogging”, low vibration and speed stability. Motors are decoupled to minimize vibration and reduce audible noise.
Belt
The belt is manufactured in house using special material which increases grip and reduces stretch under instantaneous loading, using a unique material which dramatically improves on widely used neoprene rubber – benefits include increased dynamics and deeper bass performance.
High Specification Power Supply
Carefully selected cables from premium suppliers are attached to motor circuitry that is designed to ensure the motor, the platter and your vinyl are running smoothly on a consistent power supply.
Pulley
A well researched special plastic pulley enables maximum belt grip, resulting in increased definition and dynamics.
Standard Armboard
Our standard armboard provides premium performance for the price point. Decoupled from the rest of the turntable, the armboard is balanced in equilibrium with the platter and bearing house.
Ultra-low Friction Bearing
Made in house, the new MK4 bearing has ultra low levels of vibration. The spindle rotates on a Tungsten carbide ball bearing centered on a hardened thrust pad for low friction and long life. Low bearing friction is essential to avoid vibration. Unlike decks which “float” the platter using air or magnetic bearings, we believe “earthing” the energy out of the platter is essential for sound purity.
High Specification Sub-Chassis
The sub-chassis plate balances the armboard with the platter and bearing house, decoupling both from the turntable plinth. Its mass heavy design also helps to effectively damp vibration travelling through the armboard and platter.
Suspension
Our unique suspension avoids both the softening of leading edges often found in suspended designs and the hardness in many non-suspended designs. The results are:
- Superior pitch, rhythm, and timing
- Rock-solid imaging
- Reduced colouration
- Refined presentation of low-level information
- Easy to follow separation in the music and vocals
Heavy Inertia Disc
Pictured here beneath the arm board and platter, this stainless steel disc adds a large mass to the plinth, greatly reducing resonance. Placed at the point of its connection to the sub-chassis, this weighs down the plinth, effectively reducing vertical modes of vibration traveling across the plinth and into the sub-chassis. This minimizes any vibration that could travel into the platter or arm board to disturb your vinyl.
Front Loading Inertia Discs x 2
As well as the heavy inertia disc, these smaller inertia discs are positioned at the extremities of the plinth, where the plinth may be susceptible to vibration. The small inertia discs resist rotational forces arising from ground and airborne vibration. This maintains the plinths equilibrium and in turn the equilibrium of the whole turntable.
Suberb Styling
The Calypso’s circular forms evoke curving mid-century designs. The unmistakable profile and black polished finish make it an eye-catching asset for any decor.
Awards
Reviews
“The Calypso Multilayer/Silver proves a really impressive performer. It has a big, spacious sound that’s strong on dynamics, involvement and tonal purity, with excellent detail retrieval.” Read the Full Review >
Hi-Fi Choice
“It is still a relatively modest package, yet it produced some of the very best sounds from vinyl that I have heard for a considerable while……. An Audio Excellence rating is amply deserved.” Read the full review >
Hi-Fi Critic
“…It will come as no surprise that I am totally smitten with this player. It is a permanent part of my system and I seriously doubt if there is a player out there that can beat it in terms of outright enjoyment and musical flow. And even in technical and audiophile terms, I’ve not heard a better performance than this.” Read the full review >
Hi-Fi Advice, Christiaan Punter
Compare Turntable Features
TURNTABLE |
Aurora |
Calypso |
Resolution |
Sovereign |
Voyager |
Multi-layer Platter |
No |
No |
No |
Yes | Yes |
High Performance Armboard |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
Motor |
DC100 |
DC100 |
DC100 |
DC100 | DC100 x 2 |
Sub-Chassis Inertia Disc |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
No | No |
Heavyweight Plinth |
No |
No |
No |
Yes | Yes |
Maximum Decouping on Main Bearing |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes | Yes |
“Footprint” of deck & Minimum Dimensions of Support Surface (cm) (WxD) |
40 x 29 |
40 x 29 |
40 x 29 |
40 x 29 | 40 x 37 |
Overall Size with 9.5 inch arm see top line (cm) (Width x Depth x Height) For 12 inch arms use lower line |
49x36x1755x36x17 |
49x36x1755x36x17 |
49x36x1755x36x17 |
50x38x1955x39x19 | – |
Weight (kg) |
10.3 |
11.5 |
12.1 |
28.4 | – |
Shipping Dimensions (cm) (Width x Depth x Height) |
60 x 45 x 16 |
60 x 45 x 16 |
60 x 45 x 16 |
60 x 50 x 30 | B1.:48 x 48 x 33B2: 60 x 73 x 30 |
Weight Packaged (kg) (Width x Depth x Height) |
12 |
13.3 |
13.9 |
32 | B1: 9.05B2: 26.3 |
Speeds | 33rpm & 45rpm |
Wow & Flutter | 0.05% |
Absolute Speed Stability |
0.0001% |
Motor | DC300 |
Sub-Chassis Inertia Disc |
Yes |
Support Surface Dimensions |
400 x 290mm |
Overall Dimensions (W x D x H) |
9.5" Arm: 490 x 360 x 170mm 12" Arm: 550 x 360 x 170mm |
Weight | 11.5 kg |
Shipping Dimensions (W x D x H) |
600 x 450 x 160mm |
Shipping Weight | 13.3 kg |