Clique aqui para ler em português
My six-year-old son can’t resist—whenever music plays, he starts dancing. And me? With the Avid Ingenium, I felt the same urge, despite half a century of wear on my bones!
From my first encounter at the brand’s showcase in Cascais, it was clear that Avid’s Ingenium isn’t just another turntable. It’s a true statement of intent from Avid Hifi, blending top-tier engineering and solid build quality with accessibility for vinyl lovers.
The Avid Hifi Philosophy
Avid Hifi first developed its flagship model, the Acutus, before working its way down the technological ladder, applying the knowledge gained to more accessible models. This engineering philosophy ensures that even the entry-level options offer users the same dedication and quality that distinguish the brand’s high-end products. Positioned at the base of the lineup, the Ingenium inherits much of this expertise, delivering a remarkable performance for its price range. The result? Undoubtedly one of the best turntables under €2,000.
How I Tested the Avid Ingenium
To evaluate the Avid Ingenium across different setups, Exaudio, Avid’s new representative in Portugal, provided not only the turntable but also the Pelar MM/MC phono amplifier and the optional 5kg solid aluminum platter, allowing me to test both the standard configuration and an upgraded version.
For reference, I compared it with the MoFi StudioDeck, paired with the Rothwell Simplex phono stage. The test took place in my listening room (25 m², 2.80m ceiling height), ensuring a familiar acoustic environment.
I used three different speaker setups to capture nuances in performance:
- Revival Atalante 3 (two-way standmount speakers): refined and analytical sound
- Polk R600 (floorstanding speakers): wide and impactful presentation
- Duevel Planets (omnidirectional speakers): assessing spatiality and sound dispersion
Amplification was tested with three configurations:
- Accuphase E-280 (integrated): counterbalancing the Ingenium’s sonic signature
- NAD C548 + C298: a system in a similar price range as the Ingenium
- TEAC UD-701N + AP-701: aligned with the Ingenium’s sonic signature
Cables ensured adequate detail and transparency:
- Ansuz Speakz X2 for speaker connections
- Chord ClearwayX Array RCA interconnect cables
By combining different systems, I explored the Ingenium’s versatility and musicality.
Build & Design: Every Detail Matters
The Avid Ingenium impresses from the first touch. Its solid aluminum chassis, distinctive “T” design, and vibration-damping feet provide a stable foundation free from unwanted resonance.
The MDF platter with a cork top layer already performs well, but upgrading to the 5kg solid aluminium platter takes it to another level. The included clamp is a simple yet effective feature, stabilizing records for precise playback.
The decoupled motor, powered by a basic cable with an inline switch, is a functional choice—though slightly less refined compared to the rest of the turntable. However, this decision likely helped keep the price competitive.
Avid Ingenium: Pros & Cons
- Solid and elegant construction
Superior tactile experience
Upgradable platter for significant sonic improvements
Included record clamp
- Basic power cable and switch
Stock tonearm and cartridge (Rega-based) offer solid performance, but upgrading unlocks even more refinement
How Does the Ingenium Sound?
The Ingenium’s greatest strength is its transparency and honest sonic character—it delivers music with enthusiasm and without artificial coloration.
Even in its base configuration with the MDF platter, it impresses with clarity and energy. Tracks like Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” and “Big Time” (from So) gain an infectious rhythm, while intimate songs like “Red Rain” and “Don’t Give Up” reveal remarkable emotional depth.
Switching to the 5kg solid aluminum platter brings immediate improvements:
- Deeper, controlled bass
- Better midrange tonal accuracy
- Increased clarity
- More intensity
- Enhanced instrument separation
This is especially evident on challenging recordings like The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking by Roger Waters, where the soundstage and intensity expands dramatically, pulling the listener into the narrative.
Classical pieces, such as Ravel’s Bolero (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sergiu Comissiona) and Carl Orff’s O Fortuna (New Philharmonia Orchestra, led by Rafael de Burgos), gain impressive dimensionality. The Ingenium isolates instruments while maintaining a cohesive musical picture. And me? I found myself waving my arms like the maestro would!
On Tom Waits’ Swordfishtrombones, the Ingenium highlights every texture of his raspy voice—like a cat licking your face with its rough tongue. The performance of “16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought-Six” balancing its chaotic mix of percussion, drums, guitars, and horns in a fluid and cohesive way. The transients are strikingly immediate, while “Johnsburg, Illinois” showcases the Ingenium’s ability to deliver both excitement and introspection.
Comparison: Ingenium vs. StudioDeck
Compared to the MoFi StudioDeck, the Ingenium is more dynamic and immediate, sparking excitement and an irresistible urge to keep spinning records. The StudioDeck (which has a superior stock cartridge), on the other hand, offers a slightly more refined and relaxed presentation, making it better suited for extended listening sessions.
A Standout in Its Class
The Avid Ingenium emerges as one of the best turntables under €2,000. With a solid foundation, engaging and energetic sound, and upgrade potential, it has the ability to grow and even surpass its price category.
Now, I’m officially part of the vinyl tribe—and the Avid Ingenium brought me here.
Eighteen hundred euros is not pocket change, that’s true. But if you’re looking for a turntable that delivers high-end performance at a relatively accessible price, the Avid Ingenium is a compelling choice. It’s official—I’m converted!