Why fight in the Heavyweight class, when you can be the heaviest boxer in Cruiserweight.
When I unpacked RTX 4.5 that was the first thing that came to my mind. Simply because it is a very simple
turntable that targets the DJs who just starting out - Beginners. First the good news, RTX 4.5 comes bundled
with an Ortofon OM-5 catridge and for 490 CHF.- that a steal for a turntable with starting torque of 1.8kg/cm.
Like the RTX 5.5, first out was the die-cast aluminium platter. The platter is lighter than the one for RTX 5.5, due to
the missing ring magnet, which is evident in most direct drive turntables. Since this is a loan set, I can't
lift the hood and see what is hiding underneath. RTX 4.5 share the same similarities in cosmetics and functions
of it's bigger brother but it lacks the height adjustment for the Pick-Up arm and the pitch selector is +8, +12
and +20.
Time for a test run. Record on platter, needle on record. When I press "Start/Stop" button, it lags alittle
but starts better than Stanton STR8-60 and Numark TT1650. Unlike it's brother, I don't have to apply much
pressure on the record to stop the platter. Upon release of the record, it starts off immediately. Most of the
alternative turntable within this price range fails badly in this department.
With starting torque of 1.8kg/cm, slowing down the record using the sides of the platter shows no sign of
lagging. Sadly, as I tried to speed the record up by turning the spindle, it speeds up alittle to fast.
Do be gentle when you execute it, otherwise, you'll have that galloping horse beat mix. In terms of pitching
- I'll give it a B-.
That is nothing much I could say about this turntable because it is probably best entry level turntable for
DJs but as for turntablists, sorry you have to look somewhere else. Anyway, 490 CHF.- is really a bargain
for an entry level turntable that includes an Ortofon catridge. Hopefully Reloop would consider constructing
a MKII version. RTX 4.5MKII with a heavier platter, stronger motor and a height adjustment for the Pick-Up arm,
which is very useful for turntablist.
Overall this is a good DJ turntable but it's being aim at a wrong target. Reloop should
bundle it together with a second turntable and an entry level mixer and market it as a package. As I said
earlier, when you weighing at 201lbs, why fight in Heavyweight class when you can shed that 2lbs and be the
heaviest in Cruiserweight.
