RG-1 Reference Groove
RECORD PLAYER
Re-create the live music experience with Record Player RG-1 Reference Groove, Vertere’s finest model and first choice among the world’s high-end turntables. Record Player RG-1 Reference Groove embodies all Vertere’s unrivalled expertise in quality audio engineering, high-end hi-fi systems and turntables. Designed without compromise, every single component in the RG-1 is specially engineered and custom built, using the best possible materials and the highest standards of precision.
Peace of mind guaranteed
The RG-1 record player is covered by a 10 year extended warranty. For the extended warranty to be valid, you must register the product with Vertere Acoustics here.
Offering peerless performance through uncompromising engineering, Vertere’s Record Player RG-1 Reference Groove incorporates innumerable carefully-considered design choices that make it supreme among turntables. The RG-1 includes a super precision main bearing and a two-piece non-resonant platter assembly to provide the most silent platform for the arm and the cartridge. The result is the ‘darkest’ background achievable from vinyl, against which every note played and every word sung comes to life.
The main bearing assembly comprises an aerospace-grade phosphor bronze housing, a super-precision tungsten carbide spindle and silicon nitride ball. The housing is machined and finished to the tightest of tolerances, with the bearing spindle sized to ensure the minimum gap possible between the spindle and the housing. The only contact is between the spindle and the precision ball supporting it at the bottom.
The design of the bearing assembly ensures that the ball is housed absolutely central to the spindle. The main bearing is lubricated using Vertere’s proprietary bearing oil, L-1G, which ensures almost perfectly silent running. This lubricating oil is formulated with anti-friction, anti-foaming, water repellent and cooling agents for longevity and best performance..
The unique design features of the main bearing, combined with the highest level of precision and attention to detail is mirrored in every other aspect of Vertere’s Record Player RG-1 Reference Groove.
On the main structure of the record player, the drive engine is a Swiss made synchronous motor. Vertere’s unique self-synchronising system for the motor keeps belt tension constant and also keeps any residual noise away from the platter. An external dedicated motor drive power supply unit, precisely tuned to each individual motor, ensures optimum power to the motor while keeping motor noise to a minimum.
Highest-quality cast acrylic has been chosen as the best material for the plinths of the record player, due to its consistent rigidity and naturally non-resonant properties. The plinths are CNC machined from different thicknesses of cast acrylic to their specific designed shapes and are critically isolated from each other. Isolation is provided by several unique suspension components, where every layer is designed to eliminate certain unwanted movements and vibrations – internal or external. The intricate design of the isolation components combined with the stable acrylic plinth structure provides the best possible platform for the tonearm, cartridge and the platter assembly. The result is an unparalleled and an unforgettable musical experience, every time you play a record on the RG-1.
“But there’s something so very right about the Vertere RG-1 turntable with the SG-1 arm that it makes me wonder how the hell I’m going to afford this combination. And that leads to a very dark place, because it makes me wonder about the Reference arm, too... ”
Technology
Main bearing assembly
At the heart of any record player is its main bearing. Vertere RG‐1 record player utilises probably the highest precision bearing assembly designed for a record player. As a result the drive system can rotate the platter assembly absolutely smoothly and silently. Thus the record is presented to the tonearm and cartridge without any unwanted bearing noise.
Record player motor assembly
One look at the record player motor assembly and the depth and innovativeness of its design become apparent. Using precision bearings to articulate the proprietary aluminium alloy motor housing keeps the motor continuously synchronous achieving constant belt tension. Simply put, it drives the platter at constant speed without interference.
Main reference platter
RG-1 platter assembly is a unique two piece super precision machined aluminium alloy design that provides friction-only damping of the platter assembly.
The main platter has a critically designed surface profile on its top side that perfectly matches the underside of the reference platter insert. The two parts fit so precisely that the assembly creates a linearly damped, non‐resonant structure.
Platter (underside)
The underside of the main platter is precision machined to provide a perfect fit to the main spindle block for accurate turning. It also has highest peripheral mass to maximise inertia to weight ratio. This ensures constant speed while eliminating undue pressure on the main bearing contact point. Maximum performance, maximum longevity.
Platter Insert
Topside of the RG‐1 platter insert is precision machined to provide the bonding area for the 2mm cast Acrylic record interface disc.
The underside, on the other hand, is done as the precise fit to the topside of the main platter.
Six small stainless screws, from the underside ensure the two pieces are held perfectly together in non‐resonant state.
RG-1 Reference Motor Drive
RG-1 Reference Motor Drive with its most advanced control circuit design, implemented to its limits, allows us to achieve maximum performance from our world renowned RG-1 Reference Record Player & Reference Tonearm.
There are 7 speed adjustments via the front rotary knob allowing fine and exact ‘fixed’ speed selection of +/- 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00% and 3.00% about the original 33 & 45 rpm.
RG-1 Motor Drive takes full control of the record player motor and provides the smoothest drive with minimum noise and distortion. The music that is extracted from the vinyl unbelievably resembles the original master that the record was cut from. Closest to the original master.
Imperium Motor Drive
It is absolutely critical that the record player motor is powered and controlled faultlessly to ensure a full and musical performance of the record player.
Imperium Precision Motor Drive is based on our Reference Motor Drive and utilises some of its most advanced control circuit design, including a simplified power supply and control functions. The Imperium enhances the musical performance and makes the experience of listening to vinyl on the SG-1 closer to the original master. SG-1 record player comes with Tempo Motor Drive as standard.
RG-1 Record Player Dust Cover
There is an optional dust cover that fully encloses the RG-1 while aesthetically complimenting the elegant lines and design of the record player.
The main section covering the top, front and the back is a one piece 6mm clear cast acrylic providing support and rigidity with cut-outs for motor drive and tonearm cables. The sides are made from 3mm clear cast acrylic also including hand-grip cut-outs for easy placement and removal of the cover.
A Vertere emblem, laser engraved on the top adds the finishing touch to this elegant and practical record player dust cover.
Special Metallic Finishes
Vertere Special Metallic Black, Pearlescent White & Champagne finishes are now available for the SG-1 record player at a premium.
Following in the footsteps of the RG-1, these lustrous, vibrant colours provide perfect alternatives to the original Clear finish of the SG-1.
Clear cast acrylic was carefully selected for SG-1’s plinth material as it provides the most stable and acoustically suitable platform for all its critical components. The specially formulated paint and method of printing of these glistening finishes enhance the aesthetics without any compromise in performance of the SG-1 record player.
The Vertere emblem printed on the top plinth adds the final finishing touch.
Finishes
Black Metallic
Pearlescent White
Champagne
Clear
RG-1 Suggested Systems
Comes With
The RG-1 comes with everything you need to get started - just add your record.
Techno Mat
Tempo Motor Drive
Upgrades
Take your listening experience to the next level with our range of suggested upgrades for the RG-1 record player.
Challenger Power Supply
Mystic Cartridge
Redline Power Cable
Imperium Motor Drive
SG-1 PTA HB tonearm
RG-1 ISO Shelf
HB Analogue Tonearm Cable
Silencer Support Pods
Super Upgrades
For those who want even more performance from their RG-1 record player, we’ve got you covered.
HB Mains Power Cable
STAND-1 Equipment Support
Reference Tonearm Gen III
Reference Motor Drive
STAGE-1 Isolation Platform
Type
Belt drive
Motor
24 Pole Synchronous
6 Point Body Contact Support
Spindle Support Acetal Ball Bearing
Motor Mount
Acetal Platform – Articulated
2 Ball Race Bearings and Silicone Motor Spring
Pulley
Super Precision Aluminium Alloy
Drive Belt
Precision Ground Polymer
Platter SG-1
Super Precision Aluminium Alloy
Single Piece
3mm Bonded Acrylic Record Interface
Bearing Spindle SG-1
Precision Hardened Stainless Steel
Roundness / Concentricity and Finish < 2 Micron
Bearing Housing SG-1
High Copper Content Phosphor Bronze
Clearance < 6.5 Microns
Plinth Structure
Clear Cast Acrylic with optional finishes
Special Metallic Black or
Metallic Pearlescent White and Metallic Champagne
30mm Thick Top and Bottom Plinths
25mm Thick Sub-plinth and 15mm Mid-plinth
Isolation System
3 Stage Compliant and 2 Stage Rigid
12 Decoupler Sets and 12 Tuned Silicone Ring / Bobbins
3 Stage Compliant and 2 Stage Rigid
Motor Drive P/S
Microprocessor Controlled & Programmable
Speeds
33.3 and 45 rpm (<0.2%)
Wow and Flutter
<0.1%
Rumble
<-85dB