Dynamically at least in the attack department, our guitar-shaped deck must give way to its smaller brother, the Concept Edition Gold/White. The same goes for the Technics SL-1210GR although in direct comparison it seems almost crude to aim at a different audience looking for exactly that. The "Wolkenschieber" from the eponymous album by medieval rockers In Extremo wins over the audience more brutally, seamlessly and gripping, loud and quiet passages come with slightly more transient vigour. Al Di Meola’s magnificent turntable is more reserved, civil and shows a little less emphatic force. It seems deliberately tuned this way so is ultimately a question of character and taste. You will definitely enjoy extremely astute microdynamics. The delicate "Finding a place" by songwriter David O'Dowda from the album Velvet Ears: The Fault Lines for example could hardly have been more crackling and heart warming. Just perfect for the cold season! Said a visiting friend, "I haven't had any records for years. If this record player wasn't so expensive, I'd still put it in my living room just to look at every day." Just looking would be a shame because it'd completely ignore that the Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition is a proper just unusually styled Clearaudio and therefore a really fine turntable. Thanks to the strict limit of 1'000 global units, it's even a collector's item.

Which target group is you? Al Di Meola fanboy or gal? Guitar freak? Vinyl gourmet with an eye for the special? Yes, yes, yes and yes. This Clearaudio is a dream for them all. But not just. Okay, a somewhat extrovert disposition will help when without exception, each visitor shall chat you up about this design object. Fans of brutal dynamic attacks and/or deep bass orgies will probably not warm to this beautifully designed record player but its lively, natural, rhythmic, dry/precise and finely defined sound shows audiophile ambitions without being particularly demanding when choosing the desired music genre. That innate friendliness will probably be the decider for most people.

Psych profile for Clearaudio's Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition:

• The bass is dry, precise and very quick. The low tones are powerful and neutral. Some competitors deliver still more sub bass but often don't come across as sporty and tight.
• It presents vocals and acoustic instruments in a natural, delicate and physical fashion. The mixture of liveliness, musical flow and big tone is similar to the Concept series and exudes a lot of charm. The Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition also plays it neutral in the vocal band.
• At the upper HF the turntable rounds off very gently without having a disturbing effect on the clear generally detailed treble. But no hissy sibilants reach the ear.
• Resolution and detail are high. This creates deep insight into complex musical structures. It fully lives up to expectations for its price range.
• In terms of macro dynamics, the Clearaudio definitely masters the attack department although on that score there are more powerful brothers-in-arms even in the same house. Microdynamics are very competent.
• The Al Di Meola presents as airy and spacious. The dimensions of the virtual stage are realistic in width and depth and despite all the joy of playing, the action is not placed on the audience’s lap. Image localization is impeccable.

Facts:

• Model: Clearaudio Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition
• Concept: Belt-driven turntable completely pre-assembled and ready to play including MM cartridge
• Dimensions & weight: 460 x 360 x 140mm WxDxH, ~10 kg
• Trim options: High-gloss black or rosewood veneer
• Special feature: Limited to 1'000 units, comes with LP and guitar pick.
• Warranty: 2 years