- Analog Relax's new moving-coil turntable cartridge is called the EX700
- Made from Tyrolean spruce, boron and, of course, diamonds
- Sells for £7,288 (around $9,400, AU$13,300) – and this is 'mid-tier'
We love to give practical buying advice about the latest tech products here on TechRadar. But sometimes what we love even more is to indulge in the most outrageously high-end, cutting-edge, luxurious propositions on the planet. That's what we bring you in these Money no object columns – you can read the whole series here.
Own one of the best turntables and want to make it sound even better? Spending a small fortune on a premium cartridge might not be the cheapest option, but if money's no object, it might be fun.
Japanese audio brand Analog Relax has just lifted the lid on the EX700, possibly named after how many £10 notes you'll have to fork out to own it — it sells for £7,288 in the UK via Absolute Sounds (that coverts to about £9,400 or AU$13,300).
That price actually makes this one of Analog Relax's mid-range options, but for the rest of us, it's an outrageously premium pick. And I'll be honest, it's not a figure that makes me feel particularly relaxed.
The sound though? That's likely to be a different story. The EX700 is a moving-coil cartridge (often seen as superior to more budget-friendly moving-magnet rivals) which uses a multi-neodymium magnet system and line-contact stylus, all promising unrivalled control and clarity, and minimal distortion.
Rare materials
The high price of the Analog Relax EX700 may be justified by the build and materials. The cartridge was hand-made by Japanese artisans, using a boron cantilever and diamond stylus. Yes, diamond is the industry standard for tracking through your vinyl's delicate grooves, but this particular proposition has all the whistles and bells around it.
The wood itself was carved from spruce harvested in South Tyrol in Italy, which is one of the woods favored by famed string-instrument craftsman Stradivari.
The maker's creations often sell for millions, being famed for a sound which modern scientists and musicians haven't been able to replicate even 350 years later — although most believe it's due to the finish on the wood, not the type of wood or how it's used. Spruce was used for the top of the instruments, but willow and maple were also used too.
Because of the legacy, the Stradivarius name remains one invoked by audio makers to add gravitas to their releases. Several years ago, for example, Sonus Faber released some speakers which took inspiration from the name. It's a grand comparison to make, but if you're paying the price of a small car on a turntable stylus, you'd want that kind of assurance.
➡️ Read our full guide to the best turntables
1. Best overall:
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo
2. Best cheap beginner deck:
House of Marley Revolution
3. Best budget Bluetooth deck:
Audio-Technica AT-LP70XBT
4. Best premium Bluetooth deck:
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
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