Spiral Groove

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Overview

Spiral Groove is a high-end audio brand specializing in turntables and tonearms, known for its Balanced Force Design approach that integrates physics, engineering, and materials like aluminum and Delrin to minimize vibrations. Positioned in the ultra-premium analog market, it offers complete turntable systems with heavy platters and custom tonearms, targeting audiophiles seeking low noise floors and precise imaging. The brand stands out for its focus on reliability and musical conveyance, stemming from founder Allen Perkins' prior work at SOTA.¹²³

History

Allen Perkins, who began his career as chief designer for SOTA in the mid-1980s, co-founded Spiral Groove with an investor around 2000. The company initially provided complete turntable systems but now concentrates on high-end turntable design and manufacturing. Key products include the SG1 launched in 2007, updated to SG1.2 with a heavier platter for improved focus and lower noise, and the Revolution model.²³

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
SG1.2 Turntable	Flagship high-end model	$30,000
Revolution Turntable	Mid-tier complete system	$18,000
Centroid Tonearm	Matching high-performance arm	$6,000

Manufacturing

Products are designed and manufactured in the United States, with the company address in Berkeley, CA. Construction uses materials like aluminum, Delrin, and heavy trapezoidal platters to manage vibrations, indicating in-house specialized production.¹²³

Notable Products

SG1.2 - Updated flagship turntable weighing 43kg with heavier platter for enhanced imaging and lower noise floor.
Revolution - Turntable system weighing around 80 pounds, paired with Centroid tonearm, using Balanced Force Design.
Centroid - Tonearm offered with turntables, priced at $6,000, compatible with SG models.
SG2 - Earlier turntable model with specifications listed by Stereophile.

Reputation

Enthusiasts and reviewers praise Spiral Groove for its vibration control, reliable operation, and musical accuracy via Balanced Force Design. Professionals note strengths in low noise and precise imaging from heavy, material-specific construction. Some uncertainty exists about current operations, with forum discussions questioning business status and founder's relocation from Berkeley.²³⁶

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