Ariston RD11S (1974)
A British belt-drive turntable from 1974, designed by Hamish Robertson and closely related to the iconic Linn LP12.
Overview
The Ariston RD11S is a high-end belt-drive turntable produced in 1974 by Ariston, a British manufacturer. Designed by Hamish Robertson in 1971, it represents a significant piece of UK audio engineering from the early 1970s. The turntable shares fundamental design elements, dimensions, and many interchangeable parts with the Linn Sondek LP12, which followed shortly after. In fact, the RD11 predates the LP12 and is considered its direct predecessor, with some accounts stating that Linn announced in February 1973 that the Ariston RD11 would henceforth be sold as the Linn LP12. Built with precision engineering by Castle Precision Engineering Ltd, the RD11S was positioned as a top-tier turntable for audiophiles seeking low rumble, minimal vibration, and exceptional speed stability.
Specifications
| Speeds | 33.33 and 45rpm |
| Wow and flutter | 0.03% |
| Rumble | -74dB weighted |
| Weight | 13kg |
| Drive | Belt drive |
| Drive Type | 24 pole synchronous motor & belt drive |
| Motor | 24-pole hysteresis synchronous motor on silicone isolation sub frame |
| Platter | Two piece precision ground and balanced platter, 3.2kg mass |
| Main bearing | Precision PTFE main shaft with Teflon-cushioned main bearing |
| Suspension | Free floating sub cradle with low mass circular tonearm board and platter, on steel coil springs with polyurethane dampers |
| Base | Teak with plexiglass cover and friction hinges |
| Tonearm options | Available with either SME, Grace or blank armboard |
| Detachable perspex lid | Yes |
| Power requirements | 220/240V AC 50Hz (or 110v 60Hz USA) |
| Required drive belt (for most models) | square section drive belt BELT134 |
| Note | Some very rare RD11S require a round section drive belt BELT60025 |
Design
Designed by Hamish Robertson in 1971, the RD11S features a free-floating suspension system, precision-machined PTFE main shaft with Teflon-cushioned bearing, and a two-piece balanced platter mounted on a silicone-isolated 24-pole hysteresis synchronous motor. Castle Precision Engineering Ltd machined many critical components and reportedly contributed to the design. The turntable uses a teak base with a detachable perspex lid and friction hinges. Its construction allows compatibility with many Linn LP12 upgrades, such as Valhalla electronics and Nirvana springs, due to shared design and interchangeable parts—though the Ariston retains a non-detached armboard unlike the LP12.
Context
The Ariston RD11 was designed by Hamish Robertson in 1971, with Castle Precision Engineering machining the critical bearing assembly. After a 1973 takeover by Dunlop, Robertson left the company. Ivor Tiefenbrun, son of Castle Engineering’s owner, went on to found Linn Products and introduced the Linn Sondek LP12—a turntable nearly identical in design and dimensions to the Ariston RD11. The RD11 preceded the LP12, and there is a documented claim that Linn announced in February 1973 that the turntable previously sold as the Ariston RD11 would now be sold as the Linn LP12. This makes the RD11S a pivotal model in the lineage of one of the most influential turntables in hi-fi history.
Market
The Ariston RD11S is considered very rare today. A commonly noted issue is minor deterioration of the chrome finish on the tonearm. Units can be serviced by technicians familiar with Linn LP12 specifications, benefiting from the shared design and compatibility with many LP12 upgrades.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.