Originally our entry-level model, the Diva II shares the design philosophy and key elements of our more expensive designs. Far from being hamstrung by compromise as many ‘cost-down’ turntables are, Diva II has been engineered holistically – each part designed specifically to contribute to an overall performance which is quite simply remarkable both in value and absolute terms. The foundation of the Diva II is an ultra rigid, one piece aluminium casting. The arm and platter are mounted to this using a sapphire bearing and tight clamping system. The AVID Diva II’s unique system of mechanical isolation efficiently channels unwanted vibrations away from both the record and platter into this rigid chassis. Upgraded from its original design, the platter is precision machined aluminium with the composite cork mat, in common with our Volvere and Sequel models. The use of this platter coupled with the softer surface material ensures an impedance miss-match with the record and, with the aid of the clamp, reduces unwanted vibrations entering the platter. Older versions can be upgraded. Isolating the main chassis is critical to maintain low coloration. We have employed a triple elastomer layer system using an incredibly effective tailored sorbothane compound as used in our Isolating Support Platform, giving optimum mechanical isolation of the playing surface, resulting in better information retrieval and resolution. Although rare in affordable turntables, the benefits of an external power supply are hard to deny. We have equipped the Diva II with a purposed designed mains transformer and electronics to construct a supremely smooth and consistent rotational force. Feeding a powerful motor the resulting stability and the huge dynamic sound is instantly recognisable as AVID.
