1-867-686-7873
“There’s a relatively new Canadian turntable manufacturer, Pure Fidelity, and I just bought their Horizon TT. Here are my thoughts on it.
I was going to buy the Brinkmann Bardo table with a Sorane SA-1.2 tonearm and then a CAM member (Thanks https://corbysaudio.com/) suggested I look at Pure Fidelity since they’re out here in Vancouver.
I met up with the owner/designer of Pure Fidelity, John Stratton, to look at his Horizon. I wanted to see his favourite set up, which was the Horizon in the Quilted Maple Finish with a 48mm Delrin Platter, Maestro Speed Control System, Acoustic Signature TA-1000 tonearm and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze MC cartridge. Price-wise it is $3000 less than the excellent quote I got for the Bardo/Sorane SA-1.2, so that was a major plus. I was already using and loving the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (which John also loves) in the Pro-Ject Xtension 10 I had, so that also made comparisons easier. John was very easy to talk to, and I didn’t feel pressured or “sold”. We talked about what I was looking for, chatted for a bit, and I left. I always ruminate for ages on a major purchase, but decided to go for the Horizon.
The photo I’ve included of my table doesn’t do the plinth justice. The quilted maple finish really dazzles in the light.
While it’s much smaller and lighter than the Xtension 10 it replaces, it isolates MUCH more effectively. This table would be perfect for someone who has space/weight issues.
Strictly on an aesthetic basis, the table/tonearm combo makes for a very elegant looking turntable. The Horizon definitely looks what it costs. (FYI; it could have looked like a Domino’s pizza box with an old socket wrench stuck in it if it produced the sound quality I wanted, but it is nice having something pretty to look at.)
Really like supporting a small business, especially a Canadian one that makes its products here.
Another VERY IMPORTANT aspect of the turntable I was going to buy was user-friendliness. I considered the Oracle Delphi Mk.VI Classic (wanted to go Canadian if I could) but was discouraged by how complicated the table was. I completely understand audiophiles who love to tweak in order to squeeze out every possible audio advantage, but that’s not me. The Horizon is easy to set up and use, which is rare in a high end table.
So, the sound.
Wow. I mean WOW. I’ve listened to a lot of turntables, and I quite simply have not heard anything close to sounding as good as this. I’m running it with the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze through the flagship Marantz PM-10 integrated, Cabasse Pacific 3 towers and Cardas Neutral Reference cables. To say it blew away my Pro-ject table is an understatement, and, again, this is with the same cartridge. The sound overall was amazingly silky, classy and deliciously detailed. Sound like this usually indicates an overcompensation to warmth, creating a mushier sound. That definitely isn’t the case; the sound is EXACTLY what I look for in analogue. The detail was there without the cold, clinical aspects of a good digital set up.
There’s no noise. None. I’m talking digital level blackness. Vantablack. I ran recordings that would show up ANY sound issues (Trinity Session, Kanikyo Ongaku box, Portrait in Jazz) and I just couldn’t believe how QUIET this table is. Completely eliminated one of digital’s best arguments.
Another thing I was stunned by was the bass response. The detail and punch of the bass was unparalleled. Probably the best bass reproduction I’ve ever heard. It really demonstrated how amazing bass sounds from Hip-Hop and Electronic genres can be, even from digital recordings. Also, Paul Chambers never sounded so good!
I always felt that the recording for Sonic Temple was kinda thin. I was disappointed with the 30th anniversary reissue when I played it on my Xtension, but it filled out much better with the Horizon. That said, the Horizon’s is fantastic for Classical, Jazz and higher quality Rock productions. The Horizon is all about class; if you’re looking for a more aggressive sound, or you’re a Metal/Punk fan, this table is probably not for you. Badmotorfinger sounded lovely on this table, but it lacked some snarl and bite. This table is a Bentley, not a Lamborghini.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this table. It seriously upped the game of the rest of my equipment to the point of me wondering if I should maybe upgrade my speakers (you know how that goes). One way I judge new equipment is ‘does it make me want to drag out and listen to all my vinyl all over again?’ and it does. I’m currently going through all my Blue Note Music Matters reissues.”
Geoff,
Vancouver, BC