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I expected an overly complicated cartridge setup but it was straightforward and intuitive. However, due to the Cantus's range of motion, azimuth and VTF settings require a steady hand and some patience. The points where you would expect to adjust azimuth, VTA etc are exactly where they are. Even without a manual, your ham-fisted scribe had little difficulty in fitting an Ortofon Rondo Blue cartridge or the included Audio Technica AT-33PTG to the Cantus. For proper VTF and azimuth, loosen the counterweight screw and move it slightly back and forth and side to side. You will also need to check VTF periodically during this process. There is no anti-skating mechanism on the Cantus due to its design.

Cuing up records was a snap and essentially quite like using a Rega or Pro-Ject. However, the Cantus lowered considerably slower and smoother than my RPM 5, thus avoiding any loud thumps. Like all turntables, especially non-suspended ones, the Premier benefitted greatly from proper vibration isolation. I obtained swell results from Grand Prix Audio's Monaco rack. I tried placing the Premier on a maple board sitting on the floor and my old steel & MDF rack. Simply put, it was pointless to compare. The difference was staggering. With the Premier or any table for that matter, a decent rack or wall-mounted shelf is mandatory.


The Premier does not ship with a mat. The platter is shaped for direct contact with LPs. There is a belief that acrylic and vinyl are close in mechanical impedance, hence direct contact should offer maximum energy transfer from LP to platter to minimize the effects of vibration on playback.

I'm not so sure I believe that because I achieved what I thought were much better results with Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mat. Music sounded slightly more natural, fuller, more fleshed out and weighty. It didn't at all go overly dark or mushy. My wife, who quite enjoyed the Scheu, concurred. Thus far, this has been my experience with any platter, whether acrylic or not. That's not to say other mats won't work. I just haven't tried them all. Yet.

Sidebar I: During the review process, a reader I'll call Bob emailed me inquiring about my upcoming review of the Scheu Premier II. During our exchange, I asked him to describe some of his experiences and observations with the Premier II so that I could share 'em with readers: "If you can, try to get a listen with the Mystic or Boston mat. The Mystic cleared and tightened things up without any ill effects. To me it is almost a must for this table as it took an already great sound even further by a good-sized measure. I currently have the Cartridgeman's Conductor tonearm with his MusicMaker III cartridge (Graham See Reflex phono stage) and recently bought a Denon 103 and a used 47 Labs Shigaraki phono stage..." - continue

Joseph of Soundscape HiFi in Singapore who unfortunately no longer carries Scheu but maintains one of the best sources of online information on Scheu products, chipped in with his own observations and those of customers: "I can honestly say a Premier Mk2 + 12" classic arm is sonically preferable to something like an SME 20 + SME V or Michell Orbe + SME V etc. Overall, in a neutral system, these are some of the turntables that were traded in for a Scheu here. The Classic arm is also great with the AT33-PTG and many others. It's my all-time favorite arm at its price. One guy even changed the wiring to Kondo. Denons on the other hand were less preferred by our customers, although there are die-hard users. They just don't dig into the grooves as well as the AT33PTG for old used records and end up being noisier. Totally different sound from PTG, though so it's a matter of taste."

After delivering the Premier II and ensuring it was set up optimally, Bernard left me to spin vinyl. What slab of black gold did I drop on the Premier first? Why, Hüsker Dü's 1984 post-punk classic double LP Zen Arcade (SST 027) of course. No audiophile records of bird song or vapid female lounge singers around here, just good ol' real music. If a piece of audio gear cannot allow me to enjoy music regardless of recording quality or pressing, it's a bust as far as I'm concerned. While I fully expect to hear the sonic limitations of a recording, I don't want to be beaten over the head with 'em.