Ariston RD-11S (1974)

A 2-speed belt-drive turntable designed in 1971 and manufactured in Scotland, notable for its close mechanical resemblance to the Linn LP12.

Overview

The Ariston RD-11S is a 2-speed belt-drive turntable made by Ariston, designed by Hamish Robertson in 1971 and released as a 1974 model. It was manufactured at Castle Engineering in Scotland, the same factory that later produced the Linn LP12. The RD-11S is considered very rare today and is often the subject of restoration projects, as seen in dedicated forum threads. Owners note its striking visual and mechanical similarities to the Linn LP12, describing it as "eerily similar" and reporting that it "looks and plays fantastic!"

Specifications

Design

The Ariston RD-11S features a platter and sub-platter design, suspension elements, and layout nearly identical to the Linn LP12. A key difference is that the arm board on the Ariston is not detached. Many popular upgrades developed for the Linn LP12 Sondek, such as the Valhalla electronics package and Nirvana springs, are compatible with the Ariston RD-11S.

Context

Hamish Robertson, founder of Ariston, designed the RD-11 in 1971. He left the company in 1973 after Dunlop took control. That same year, Linn announced the LP12 with a statement noting: "The turntable previously available under the name Ariston RD11 is now available under the name Linn LP12." The Ariston RD-11 preceded the Linn LP12 by three years, establishing the foundational design that Linn would later refine and popularize.

Market

The Ariston RD-11S is described as "Very Rare," contributing to its status among collectors and restorers. Its close relationship to the Linn LP12 and shared upgrade path make it a sought-after piece for audiophiles interested in the origins of one of the most iconic turntables in high-fidelity audio.

eBay Listings

1984 Ariston Audio RD11s • ADC ALT-1 Arm • Pickering XV15-62

$1,000

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