Acoustical Systems A*Stellar Turntable: Masterpiece of Precision and Power

Explore the Acoustical Systems A*Stellar turntable’s intricate design and impressive sonic performance that redefines belt-drive craftsmanship.

The Birth of a Giant: From Apolyt to A*Stellar

Ever wondered just how big a turntable can get? Dietrich Brakemeier of Acoustical Systems certainly did — so much so, he engineered the colossal Apolyt, tipping the scales at a staggering 855 pounds. Its platter alone, crafted from a complex blend of Delrin, several specialized alloys, V2a stainless steel, and HD18 tungsten, weighs over 110 pounds! This monstrous creation debuted at Munich High End 2019, stirring a whirlwind of reactions ranging from awe to skepticism. Comments flew from “I want it!” to the more pragmatic “Feed the poor,” with some bemused observers dismissing it as “all that for a plastic waffle?” or pointing out the convenience of CDs.

But Brakemeier wasn’t fazed. The Apolyt was more a hyperbolic design challenge than a mass-market item — a proof of concept stretching the limits of what a “plastic waffle” platter could deliver. Surprisingly, a niche of buyers rose from the digital fog, prompting the Apolyt’s limited commercial run. This behemoth still commands a hefty price tag of $750,000.

Fast forward to High End Munich 2022. Leveraging lessons from his Apolyt and 35 years of turntable mastery, Brakemeier unveiled the A*Stellar — initially as a sleek computer rendering and, a year later, a tangible marvel in multiple metals. Describing it as “literally the design result of the road of excess leading to the palace of wisdom,” Brakemeier’s new creation promised a refined balance between size, function, and sonic excellence.

A Closer Look at the A*Stellar’s Form and Function

Though the A*Stellar trims down from the Apolyt’s gargantuan proportions, it still weighs a solid 194 pounds and measures approximately 27 x 19 x 9 inches. Its sculptural, multi-layered design evokes more industrial might than delicate jewelry, but it’s thoughtfully offered in five finishes—including metallic black, Apolyt-dark anthracite, and sleek titanium shades—so it can blend stylishly into your listening room.

This three-speed wonder features an external power and air suspension supply unit, the size of a large preamplifier, which electrically and pneumatically connects to the turntable. It’s currently priced at $130,000 in the U.S., a fraction of its Apolyt predecessor but undeniably a serious investment.

Engineering Marvel: The Intricate Mechanics Under the Hood

Brakemeier insists the A*Stellar surpasses the Apolyt in mechanical and sonic terms, thanks to refined design and decades of experience. The turntable is a complex belt-drive system with a multi-layer build that, despite its heft, simplifies installation to a manageable two-person affair. None of its five primary components weigh more than 59 pounds each.

The base houses a Swiss-made brushless Maxon DC motor and pulley on one side and a passive spindle bearing and pulley on the other. Each corner boasts an active pneumatic isolation puck, offering air spring suspension. Above this sits the large, captured platter bearing, topped by an impressively heavy two-piece platter. The spindle, available in three options, screws on afterward.

A thick rubber belt completes the drive train, looping from the motor pulley to a passive pulley on the opposite side, with the platter sandwiched between. The top layer holds five bolted arm mounts—one at each corner and a central rear mount for a tangential air-bearing arm. An optional titanium top plate offers flexibility for arm swaps while ensuring perfect geometry.

When powered on, the upper layers gently rise to their isolation height, after which the entire assembly levels itself on a tri-foot base, supported by two additional feet to prevent tilting. The air-spring system resonates at a low 1.2 Hz frequency and features automatic leveling, requiring zero user intervention.

Brakemeier’s attention to precision shines in the motor management system, which employs a “force-free” horizontal bearing plane positioned at the center of gravity, inspired by bearing concepts from legends like Allen Perkins. This reduces vibrational feedback by directing energy from the tonearm and tracking process away from the music source, effectively flushing it down a sonic drain.

The platter and bearing are feats of engineering in themselves. With over 38 layers made from 18 materials—including tungsten HD18, titanium, aluminum alloy AW6082, and vanadium steel—the platter is crowned with a two-inch-thick bonded vinyl surface. Below, layers of resin and organic materials absorb unwanted energy, providing a non-reflective, “swamp-like” interface for records.

The sealed bearing extends beneath the base and uses magnetic levitation to isolate the spindle from contact surfaces. This 30mm diameter bearing floats inside the vinyl top, creating a total of 42 layers over 140mm of space—akin to the vertical air bearings found in highly respected Japanese and Scandinavian turntables.

Motor control is handled by a sophisticated Maxon-based system that ensures smooth startup torque which tapers as the platter approaches target speed. A Hall sensor keeps constant tabs on the RPM, guaranteeing precise speed regulation at 33 1/3 or 45 rpm—the only two speeds available.

Two extra-cost spindle options let users accommodate record-centering devices or heavy clamps, a nod to audiophiles with specialized accessories.

Sound Observations: The A*Stellar Experience

Setting up the A*Stellar is a breeze compared to its giant predecessor. Once leveled, it stays that way, needing no further adjustments. The air pump that maintains isolation operates silently—a must-have for a turntable in the six-figure range.

Patience is key: the A*Stellar takes about 13 seconds to reach 33 1/3 rpm, which might test instant gratification seekers. Speed stability is impressive, with measured speeds hovering around 33.22 to 33.27 rpm and deviation percentages dropping as the turntable breaks in.

Tap tests confirm the isolation system’s effectiveness: knocks on the base produce no speaker response, and even taps on the upper arm board register only faint, quickly fading clicks. This level of damping ensures that intrusive groove noises vanish swiftly, preserving musical purity.

Sonic Signature: A Turntable That Lets Music Breathe

It’s a widely debated truth that cartridges dominate a system’s sound, yet the turntable’s role is far from negligible. Fans often debate whether turntables impart distinct “sound” characteristics. I conducted a blind comparison between the belt-driven Air Force III Premium and the direct-drive OMA K3 prototype, using identical cartridges, arms, and preamps. The contrast was clear: one was lush, smooth, and relaxed; the other crisp, fast, and rhythmically tight.

The A*Stellar firmly aligns with the belt-drive camp, delivering a big, full-bodied sonic experience reminiscent of high-end Air Force turntables. Its soundscape is rich with instrumental textures, saturated harmonics, and extended note sustain that caresses the silence like the fading blooms of fireworks.

Vinyl pressings like María Dueñas’s Paganini: 24 Caprices come alive with unprecedented presence—her Stradivarius violin bursts with three-dimensional realism, dynamic accents, and reverberant space that digital streams can’t quite replicate. A quiet, flat pressing amplifies the impact, making the record irresistible even to skeptical digital devotees.

Solo piano records like Amina Claudine Myers’s Solace of the Mind demonstrate the A*Stellar’s ability to portray nuanced attack, sustain, and decay, revealing a stable and believable sonic space. Similarly, YuWen Huang’s minimally mic’d …women only further showcases the turntable’s capacity to convey both power and intimacy.

You’ll find the Ray Brown Trio’s Soular Energy double 45rpm reissue essential for bass extension, control, and texture. The A*Stellar delivers micro-dynamic subtlety and macrodynamic slam, creating a vivid sense of physicality and dimensionality rare in digital playback.

Rock fans aren’t left out either. The recent Tom Petty Wildflowers pressing captures the live-in-the-room vibe with aggressive guitar bite, clear drums, and a spacious mix that feels utterly engaging.

Final Thoughts on the A*Stellar

The Acoustical Systems A*Stellar turntable is a triumph of German engineering and design. It sets up effortlessly and stays rock steady, with a pneumatic isolation system so subtle you might forget it’s there. While its depth around the platter could pose a challenge if screws slip during cartridge installation (a simple plastic guard would be welcome), the overall experience was a pure joy.

Comparisons with high-end competitors like Wilson Benesch’s Prime Meridian reveal the A*Stellar’s unique strengths. Offering room for five arms—far beyond the average user’s needs—it provides flexibility and a sonic canvas as black and deep as the night sky. Its supple attack and lingering decay turn every record into a mesmerizing event.

Specs & Pricing

External Power Supply: 17" x 15" x 5" (motor management, DC supply, air suspension control)
Finishes: Metallic black, Apolyt-dark anthracite, dark titanium, silver, light titanium
Dimensions: 27" x 18" x 9"
Weight: Turntable 194 lbs, Power supply 39 lbs
Price: $130,000

FAQ

• What type of motor does the A*Stellar use?
  It features a Swiss-made brushless Maxon DC motor, managed by an advanced motor management system for precise speed control.
• How many tonearms can the A*Stellar accommodate?
  Up to five arms — one at each corner and a central rear mount designed for tangential air-bearing tonearms.
• Does the turntable require frequent leveling?
  No, the pneumatic isolation system has automatic leveling, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
• What speeds does the A*Stellar support?
  It supports three speeds, including the standard 33 1/3 and 45 rpm.
• Is the A*Stellar suitable for all music genres?
  Yes, it performs impressively across classical, jazz, and rock genres, delivering nuanced dynamics and rich textures.

If you’re inspired by the timeless allure of vinyl and want to bring iconic album artwork into your listening space, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store here. It’s a tasteful way to celebrate the music you love alongside the gear that brings it to life.