AVM Rotation R 2.3 MK2 Turntable, Silver

The AVM Rotation R 2.3 MK2 is a belt-driven high-end turntable with its own 9-inch tonearm – without cartridge and without an integrated phono stage.

AVM became known for high-end electronics from Malsch in Baden. The Rotation series has proven for years that the manufactory also builds turntables – the R 2.3 MK2 is its more compact model. Under the silver aluminum cover sits a 37 mm HDF composite plinth, above which a 3.5 kg acrylic platter turns on its own sub-platter, driven by a spring-suspended single motor with microprocessor-controlled speed switching.

Why the Rotation R 2.3 MK2?

Because the MK2 is more than just a new model year. AVM has significantly increased the internal damping of its in-house 9-inch tonearm, manufactures the gimbal bearings with less play, and has reworked the motor control. The resonance-free acrylic glass cover from the larger R 5.3 was added, and new is also the RGB under-platter lighting – dimmable, colorable and, via the included remote control, fully switchable off too, if you prefer plain technology. The spring-suspended turntable rests on height-adjustable damping feet, and the power supply stays outside.

What you get

A turntable ready for setup: tonearm mounted, platter and sub-platter, drive belt, dust cover, tonearm cable and external power supply are included. Two decisions that shape the sound remain open – cartridge and phono preamplifier. The counterweight is designed for cartridges from 6 to 14 g. For design and tuning, AVM used the MC cartridges Ortofon Cadenza AVM.3 Red and Blue as a reference, which Ortofon manufactures exclusively for AVM. This version comes in silver.

Who is the Rotation R 2.3 MK2 for?

Plain talk: for vinyl listeners who want a serious turntable and enjoy consciously putting together cartridge and phono stage. Anyone who'd rather unpack, switch on and get going – with a pre-mounted cartridge and built-in phono pre – will be happier with a simpler turntable. Anyone looking for maximum quietness and mass, on the other hand, should look at the larger R 5.3 MK2 with its 10-inch arm.

Our verdict

A turntable without gimmickry: solid, quiet, cleanly made – and with a tonearm that rarely shows this little play in this class. The rest is done by the setup, and we're happy to take care of that.

What the trade press says: "The R 2.3 and the R 5.3 convince visually, technically and sonically in every respect." – hifitest 12/2018, test of the first Rotation series

Technical specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable, without cartridge
• Drive: single-motor belt drive, spring-suspended
• Motor control: microprocessor-controlled look-forward servo control
• Speeds: 33 and 45 rpm, electronically switchable
• Speed accuracy: 33: ±0.15% / 45: ±0.13%
• Wow & flutter: 33: ±0.12% / 45: ±0.10%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: -70 dB
• Platter: acrylic, 3.5 kg, on a separate sub-platter, illuminated from below
• Plinth: 37 mm HDF composite, lacquered, with aluminum cover
• Feet: height-adjustable damping feet
• Tonearm: 9″ in-house AVM design, gimbal-mounted
• Effective tonearm length: 230 mm
• Effective tonearm mass: 13.5 g
• Overhang: 18 mm
• Mounting distance: 212 mm (Linn standard mount)
• Counterweight: for cartridges 6–14 g (included)
• Tracking force: 0–3.5 g (0–35 mN), adjustable via the counterweight
• Anti-skating: adjustable, thread design
• Cartridge: not included; AVM reference cartridges Ortofon Cadenza AVM.3 Red and Cadenza AVM.3 Blue (MC), manufactured by Ortofon exclusively for AVM
• Phono preamplifier: not integrated, external phono stage required
• Output: 1 × RCA (phono)
• Dust cover: permanently mounted, resonance-free cover made of curved acrylic glass (design of the R 5.3)
• Lighting: RGB platter lighting, dimmable, colorable and switchable off via the included remote control
• Power supply: external, 15 V DC / 1.6 A (100–240 V AC, 47–63 Hz)
• Finish: Silver
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 46.2 × 15.5 × 35 cm
• Weight: 12 kg (chassis 8.5 kg, platter 3.5 kg)
• Warranty: 2 years, 4 years total with free online registration at AVM (cartridge excluded)
• What's included: chassis with mounted 9″ tonearm, platter and sub-platter, drive belt, counterweight for 6–14 g, dust cover, tonearm cable (RCA), external power supply, remote control for the platter lighting – without cartridge

Frequently asked questions

Does the AVM Rotation R 2.3 MK2 come with a cartridge?

No. The R 2.3 MK2 ships without a cartridge, so you determine the system freely. The included counterweight covers 6 to 14 g. AVM tuned the turntable to the MC cartridges Ortofon Cadenza AVM.3 Red and Blue. Which cartridge suits your system, we discuss at HD Zürisee – installation included, if you like.

What's different about the MK2 compared to the first series?

AVM increased the internal damping of the 9-inch tonearm, manufactures the gimbal bearings with less play, and reworked the motor control. Also new are the resonance-free acrylic glass cover from the R 5.3 and the RGB platter lighting with remote control. Basic concept, dimensions and weight remained unchanged.

Do I need a phono preamplifier for the Rotation R 2.3 MK2?

Yes. No phono stage is built in, the signal leaves the turntable unamplified via RCA. So you need a phono preamplifier or an amplifier with a phono input. AVM has the AVM30 PH 30.3 in its lineup; the Ovation PH 8.3 also supplies power for the Rotation via a 15-volt jack.

Is the drive a belt or a direct drive?

A belt drive. A single motor drives the 3.5 kg acrylic platter via belt and sub-platter, controlled by a microprocessor servo. The power supply sits outside the housing and keeps vibrations and stray fields away from the cartridge. Switching between 33 and 45 rpm happens electronically.

Which cartridge suits the R 2.3 MK2?

The 9-inch arm with 13.5 g effective mass works with many MM and MC cartridges between 6 and 14 g. AVM's own references are the MC cartridges Ortofon Cadenza AVM.3 Red and Blue, and the trade press ran the Rotation series with Sumiko cartridges. The fine choice depends on the phono stage and taste.

Why buy the AVM Rotation R 2.3 MK2 at HD Zürisee?

Because a turntable of this class falls short of its potential without proper setup. In Wädenswil we mount the cartridge, adjust tracking force and anti-skating, and match phono stage and system. That way, everything plays correctly right from the start. Call us (044 680 22 00) or write on WhatsApp (076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls)).

Goes well with

Choose your matching cartridge under Cartridges, the necessary phono stage under Phono Preamplifiers, the cabling under Phono Cables. More turntables can be found in the Turntables overview, the full vinyl range under All Vinyl. Brushes, mats and small parts around the turntable are under Turntable Accessories.