A wiseman once said, "DJing is like a religion with turntables as its faith." I replied, "Unlike religion,
this is much easier to get one converted."
It is great to see that things had improved in the turntable technology for DJs. For almost 20 years, Technics
has been the leader in this area with their SL-1210MK2 and took them the same time to release a new model
that eradicates that ever annoying +/-0 point. Why had Technics taken such a long time to release it? The answer
to that question is very simple. It is because, none of its rivals could ever come close, not until now.
As I am constantly looking for alternatives, I was overjoyed when the good people at Sacom Ltd gave me the
opportunity to test run the new Reloop RTX 5.5 and RTX 4.5 turntables. When they first arrived at my doorstep
(actually it was my wife who brought it home), I was very skeptical and wasted no time in unpacking them.
The first thing I noticed when I opened the box, was the die-cast aluminium platter. Weighing at 1.03kg, it is
much lighter than those from Technics and Vestex. Then came the out the body. Credits to the designers at Reloop.
Clad in striking silver, this 'very sexy looking' turntable definitely looks more beautiful and futuristic
than some of its rivals. Then of course, cosmetics will always be secondary when chosing a turntable. I think
the people at Reloop have done more than just cosmetics, to vie this turntable with the best from Numark,
Stanton, Vestex and Technics. Let see if they are able to win this fight.
ROUND ONE - FUNCTIONS
Apart from the usual stuff such as, height adjustment, anti-skating range, S-shape Pick-up arm, RCA (Cinch)
outputs, removable stylus target light and more, the people at Reloop had probably listened and understood
what we DJs want. First of all, having two 'Start/Stop' button for horizontal and vertical positioning (the
latter is excelent for turntablist) are great. Another addition worth mentioning, is the recessed
'Motor Off' switch, push button is definitely better than a knob. Located on the top left corner, next to the
tonearm, not only it out of the way and helps in saving the motor life span, it instantly provides you with two
brake speeds. Lastly, Reloop localized all the necessary "easy access" buttons into one corner, which are
nicely indicated and lighted up. Wicked.
The RTX 5.5 has fully manual speed setting buttons, 33 1/3 and 45 and allows you to play your granny old 78 rpm
records collection, by pressing both buttons simultaneously. Next is the 'REVERSE' button. Not only it is fun to mess around
with, it is for easier for turntablist and DJs to execute a reverse mixing. Thank God, it was so complicated
in the early days with Technics. Reloop also includes a generous 3 pitch selector, +10, +20 and a
whooping +50. Nice. Lastly the 'QUARTZ' button and when activated, the blue LED will light up and locks your pitch control at +/-0.
VERDICT: AMONG THE CROWD
All the other competitors, in general, have the same functions. The RTX 5.5 may be lighter in comparison, but
it is a well designed turntable, worth considering when being mobile is an important factor for you.
ROUND TWO - STRENGTH
Power is where most turntables are compromised but is RTX 5.5 strongest point. With starting torque
of 3.8kg/cm, I had to press hard onto the vinly to completely stop the platter but due to the raw power,
everytime when I stop the vinly, the friction from the moving platter and slipmatt produces a very unslightly
sound. However, you could retify it by sandwiching an old anti-static plastic sleeve between the platter and
the slipmatt. Another advantage with it's high torque is, it instantaneously starts or stop the vinly each
time you pressed the 'Start/Stop' button. A definite joy.
VERDICT: CONTENDER
Power is essential and with that I enjoyed every moment spent with RTX 5.5.
Although the pitching accuracy is not as good as Technics but slowing down and speeding up via platter doesn't show any hint of lagging.
I am contented in this department.
ROUND THREE - VALUE
Overall this is a wicked turntable, but with so many turntables hitting the market, it's value for money what
helps in making one's decision. Technics is basically an industry standard, a name which many DJs relate to but of course
it comes with a very high price. In Switzerland, the retail price of a Technics 1210MK5 is about 775 CHF.-. For one to
come close to a legend, a lot needs to be done. At 620 CHF.-, I think RTX 5.5 has the capabilities. What it lacks
in functions such as, changable tonarm or digital output, is balanced out with its price. With a saving of
about 150 CHF.-, one is able to buy a wicked catridge with the money.
VERDICT: STANDS OUT IN THE CROWD
Reloop, with the RTX 5.5, has hit a homerun. It may lack in weight and other little stuff but with
starting torque of 3.8kg/cm and retail price of 620 CHF.- there is nothing much I could say about this machine.
Thus, I urge you to visit your local distributor and test drive it. Remember, test it with caution because
like me, you might denounce your faith in others.
Now, if only they would have included the Ortofon cartridge.
