Sonoro Platinum Automatic (SO-2100) Review
Those declared dead live longer: Although audio streaming dominates the market with a revenue share of almost 80 percent (as of the first half of 2024), it is precisely vinyl records and matching turntables that have been enjoying ever-growing popularity for years and are consistently experiencing growth.
The German manufacturer of high-quality audio systems, sonoro, has recently recognized this trend and, after the already exquisitely crafted Platinum SE (SO-2000), has now launched its first semi-automatic turntable called Platinum Automatic EAS (SO-2100). It is equipped with various analog and digital connection options such as a phono preamplifier, offers a Bluetooth module in version 5.2, and allows users to quickly and easily digitize their music collection via USB port. Our detailed test report shows what improvements distinguish the turntable, available for approximately $770, compared to the Platinum SE, how the setup works, and how the sound quality turns out.
The robust housing of the new Platinum Automatic EAS from sonoro is designed in a chic matte black tone, with a white color variant also available for purchase. The turntable is also refined with high-quality matte lacquer and gently rounded on the sides and edges, creating a simple yet modern look. It stands on four large round feet that have a foam surface on the underside, providing a firm grip on different surfaces. Additionally, these feet are equipped with flexible vibration dampers, which are important to minimize unwanted vibrations that could impair sound quality.
The platter has a diameter of 300 millimeters and is made of cleanly and finely processed die-cast aluminum, while the corresponding platter mat is made of solid rubber. A sturdy, transparent acrylic dust cover can be folded over the platter and all other components using two hinges if necessary, to protect them from dust and other external influences when not in use. For the cartridge, which is particularly important for the overall sound when playing music, sonoro has, just like with the Platinum SO-2000, opted for the popular and proven Ortofon 2M Red model.
The Moving Magnet system used here is also common in many cartridges and advantageous due to its uncomplicated handling. The scope of delivery also includes an adapter for playing records with 1½-inch center holes, which are often found in 7-inch singles, as well as a cinch and USB cable. Overall, the record player impresses with a clear, elegant design language, a high attention to detail, and exquisite material quality, making it a real eye-catcher even in modern living environments.
Top View The Platinum Automatic EAS offers an extremely elegant look when viewed from above, where every component fits perfectly together. Eye-catchers are the chic black platter and the slightly curved tonearm. These, as well as the rest of the housing, provide a valuable overall impression. The transparent acrylic dust cover, which can be attached to the body with hinges, also offers effective protection for the sensitive components.
Live Playback On the screen is the Roland Kaiser album “Seitenblicke,” which was part of our test series and includes the hit “Ich glaub es geht schon wieder los.”
Assembly and Setup
Since the Platinum SO-2100 is delivered in several components, it is necessary to assemble them before first use. Specifically, it is first required to place the platter and the mat on the spindle of the turntable and attach the corresponding drive belt. Then, the counterweight and the headshell system can be mounted on the tonearm. To ensure the tonearm functions flawlessly and is correctly balanced, it is important to adjust the counterweight accordingly and select the correct anti-skating value so that it floats parallel to the platter. Lastly, the dust cover is to be installed with the hinges included in the delivery. In our following workshop, we present the individual steps for setup once again in carefully illustrated form.
PRO
Semi-automatic operation, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, easy assembly, simple speed switching, dust cover, Bluetooth 5.2, USB port for digitizing records, phono preamplifier, cinch connections
CONTRA
Missing 78 RPM setting
Cartridge, Tonearm, and Tonearm Lift The tonearm is designed in a matte black tone like the rest of the housing and thus fits perfectly into the overall picture. In contrast, the red Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and the silver-colored tonearm lift skillfully stand out from the rest and provide an interesting, albeit rather subtle, optical color accent.
After completing the assembly process, the sonoro turntable is ready for connection to a Hi-Fi device. Various analog and digital connection options are available, whereby attention must be paid to whether the target device has a phono input. If this is not the case, the turntable has a preamplifier that appropriately transforms the voltage generated by the magnet in the cartridge system.
This allows all devices with cinch input to be connected to the Platinum Automatic EAS. For our test, we used the sonoro Maestro Quantum and the sonoro Orchestra Slim speakers. The Maestro itself has a phono input with a phono preamplifier, which is why the internal preamplifier of the turntable must be switched to “OFF” via the corresponding switch (“PRE AMP”) on the back. If the audio system used does not have a phono input, a free AUX-in cinch input can also be used. In this case, however, the switch must be set to “ON.” The same applies to a connection via Bluetooth or USB.
USB Recording The sonoro Platinum Automatic EAS allows users to digitize audio content in a simple way via USB connection to a PC. For this, for example, the free audio program Audacity can be used, in which it is not only possible to transfer titles but also to edit them.
Features and Functions
Unlike sonoro’s first turntable, the SO-2100 is a semi-automatic model, which is undoubtedly to be considered the biggest and most important innovation. Semi-automatic means that some steps of the playback process occur independently. For example, the playback automation lifts the tonearm automatically at the end of the record and also stops the platter, whereas in a manual variant, the needle would continue to turn endlessly. However, it is still necessary to manually place the tonearm at the starting point of the record at the beginning of playback. Lifting and lowering the tonearm is done by pressing the lift button.
“Enjoy music in unadulterated sound quality”
Speeds of 33⅓ and 45 revolutions per minute are available, while a setting for 78 RPM is missing. Switching is done in a simple way via the selector switch at the bottom left on the top. The respective speed affects both the playback quality and the playing time of a record and is therefore used in different formats. For example, 33⅓ RPM is the usual speed for long-playing records (LPs). Such a record usually has a diameter of 12 inches and contains several tracks on each side. 45 RPM, on the other hand, is used for single records, which typically have a diameter of 7 inches and contain only one or two tracks per side. The higher speed ensures better sound quality, as it can allow more data per revolution, which is especially appreciated on short records and singles. 78 RPM, on the other hand, was used in the past for older shellac records, which are less common nowadays and therefore rather rare.
In terms of technical equipment, sonoro has spared no effort with the Platinum EAS and has also included all the fundamentally desirable interfaces. These include the stereo cinch connections as well as Bluetooth in version 5.2 with the codecs aptX and aptX HD available. Users can, for example, stream music losslessly to a compatible Bluetooth headphone. The maximum range is about ten meters, with the turntable able to remember up to eight paired devices. Another useful feature results from the USB 2.0 port, as it allows users to digitize their own record collection via PC. For this purpose, the enclosed USB cable, with which the SO-2100 is connected to a computer, as well as suitable recording software are prerequisites. For the latter, we chose the widely known and completely free open-source audio program “Audacity.” In the program itself, it is sufficient to select the turntable, which is listed as a USB Audio Codec, as the recording source and start recording. Of course, a record must be playing, and the internal preamplifier must be switched on. The quality of the recordings was very good in our test series, without humming or disturbances. When the vinyl disc has run through, the recording stops automatically, and the music is saved, for example, as an MP3 or WAV file.
Sound Quality
For our practical sound test, we initially tested some singles and set the selector to 45 for this purpose. These included “Junges Blut” and “Engel und Teufel” by Nino de Angelo, “Ich will nicht wissen, wie du heißt” by Andy Borg, as well as “Sealed with a Kiss” and “Just Call Me Up” by Jason Donovan. Even if not every one of these titles fully matched our musical taste, it was a true pleasure to listen to the wonderfully delicate and extremely lifelike sound that managed to elevate the individual songs to a completely new level. The basses, which were somewhat scarce in the mentioned titles, were always precise, clear, and pointed. The mids also remained always crisp and concise, while the voices of Jason Donovan and others were consistently airy, clear, and detailed. Subsequently, we turned to the first long-playing record (LP), which required a reduction in speed to 33. With Roland Kaiser’s “Ich glaub es geht schon wieder los,” we first started with a very catchy hit that impresses with its lively instrumentation and the artist’s characteristic vocals. Sound-wise, the song also offers a balanced mix of bass, mids, and highs, which the Platinum Automatic EAS reproduced with great joy. Here, the particularly pronounced mids were convincing, while the basses sounded warm and well-defined, providing a solid foundation. The LP “40 Schunkellieder,” which includes classics like “Der treue Husar,” “Mein Hut der hat drei Ecken,” and the “Narhalla Marsch,” invited us to tap along, immediately transporting us to a bygone era.
Details Adjusting the rotation speed is possible on the SO-2100 via the minimally designed rotary knob made of high-quality plastic on the top. Above it is the Bluetooth indicator and pairing button, which can be used to start the connection mode. Below the selector switch is the lift button, which raises or lowers the tonearm.
Connections The offered connection options are housed on the back. They consist of two gold-plated cinch connections, including a grounding terminal that prevents ground hum, as well as a USB port through which records can be digitized. Next to it are the power supply connection and a power switch, which allows complete disconnection from the power. Exactly in the middle of the connections is a slide switch for turning the internal preamplifier on and off.
Overall, it can be stated that the elegant turntable from sonoro handled all the audio content we tested consistently well. During our test series, we also did not notice any noticeable static charges when placing or removing the records, which could lead to unwanted background noise. Meanwhile, the connection via Bluetooth also worked flawlessly, although the naturalness of analog playback is logically lost here. However, those who want to enjoy music undisturbed with their Bluetooth headphones on the couch or in the armchair can do so thanks to the supported Bluetooth function.
Conclusion
sonoro’s first semi-automatic turntable with the melodious name Platinum Automatic EAS (SO-2100) impressively shows that the love for vinyl records is still unbroken for good reason. Priced at approximately $770, the premium turntable offers a successful combination of the latest technology and classic design. The high-quality workmanship, simple elegance, and thoughtful features make it a real eye-catcher in any living space.
Particularly noteworthy are the analog and digital connection options, including a phono preamplifier and a USB port, which allow for easy digitization of one’s own record collection. Added to this is the semi-automatic operation, which lifts the tonearm at the end of the record and stops the platter, providing additional comfort and increased user-friendliness. In terms of sound, the Platinum Automatic EAS convinces with precise and detailed playback, offering a balanced mix of bass, mids, and highs, resulting in an all-around successful listening experience.
Thus, the Platinum Automatic EAS is an excellent choice for vinyl lovers who value quality and modern features, which is also reflected in our test result, where it achieves an excellent rating of 9.6 out of 10 points and the top grade “very good.”
by T. Metzger
JBL TT350 Classic Review
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