Transrotor Bellini TMD Slate – Classic Analogue, Carved in Stone.
(Summarised from German)
From Bergisch Gladbach – a small city that’s become a surprising stronghold for high-end analogue – comes the Transrotor Bellini TMD Slate, a turntable that’s as grounded in tradition as it is elevated by innovation. In a glowing review, this refined model is praised as “a wonderfully relaxed, profound and delicate musical experience – an all-round wonderful machine.”
Transrotor, founded in 1971 by Jochen Räke and now run by his son Dirk, remains a family-led company with a loyal team and timeless ethos. The Bellini may be one of their more “down-to-earth” models, but it’s crafted with the same precision and pride as their top-tier creations.
At the heart of the Bellini is a solid slate base, split-rough from blocks sourced in Germany’s Sauerland region. The reviewer calls it “one of the most uncompromising materials there is,” highlighting how “due to its very special layered structure, the material absorbs sound much better than practically any other stone.”
Visually understated but structurally complex, the Bellini features Transrotor’s acclaimed TMD magnetic bearing and a standalone belt-driven motor housed in aluminum. The reviewer notes: “A belt drive couldn’t be built much more consistently, which is why Transrotor has been doing it this way for many years.”
With the TRA Studio 9” tonearm and Goldring-built Figaro MC cartridge, the package delivered a sound that was “extremely relaxed and unflappable.” Compared to the Massimo Nero, the Bellini was described as “a bit more laid back and a touch warmer,” yet still “extremely confident and mature.”
Musical highlights included Fiona Grond’s “heart-stoppingly beautiful ‘Lamento’” and John Coltrane’s Ballads, whose “playback on the Transrotor is truly moving.” Even experimental rock from Kungens Män came through with “earthiness, an exceptionally unwavering bass, and a wonderfully coherent and harmonious sound.”
In short, the Bellini TMD Slate blends tactile beauty with sonic grace – a turntable that doesn’t just play records, it honours them.
To read the review in German, go here. – (your browser may translate it)
To learn more about why we love Transrotor go here.
To learn more about the brand go here.
