Product review: Takumi TT Level 2.1 DC Turntable
Posted by Ed, Chelsea Store on 4th Nov 2026
Hear every drop of detail from your vinyl, with the Takumi TT Level 2.1 DC turntable.
We have seen some attractive turntables appear on our website over the years, including models from Origin Live, the Audio-Technica LPA2 and the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10. However I think few look quite as impressive as the Takumi Level 2.1 DC.
With its clear acrylic plinth, frosted white platter and chrome accents, this turntable is sure to become the centrepiece of any hi-fi system. Takumi prides itself on exceptional build quality and musical precision. With over 10 years of experience honing its craft, it is clear that considerable thought has gone into the design of this model. Priced at £1,699 without a premium cartridge, this premium turntable aims to deliver an engaging listening experience while still making a striking visual statement.
Constructed entirely from acrylic, the platter and plinth offer an effective combination of vibration control and sonic neutrality. By helping to minimise unwanted resonance, the design aims to preserve the original character of your records. The result is a cleaner and more detailed presentation, allowing subtle elements of the music to come through with greater clarity. The acrylic platter also removes the need for a traditional slipmat, maintaining a clean and minimalist appearance. Both components are precision-cut using CNC machining, ensuring a consistent finish and accurate construction. Compared with the wood, plastic and metal used in many other turntables, acrylic provides a distinctive alternative that complements the Takumi's understated aesthetic.
The tonearm is constructed from dual-cardanic titanium, contributing to accurate record tracking and effective vibration control. Its hollow titanium construction provides a balance of rigidity and low weight, helping the arm maintain stability as it follows the record groove. This is particularly important when extracting fine musical details while minimising unwanted interference. The cardanic bearing system ensures smooth, low-friction movement with virtually no play, allowing the tonearm to respond precisely to the record's surface. A comprehensive range of adjustments is also available, including vertical tracking angle (VTA), azimuth, anti-skating and tracking force. This flexibility makes it easier to fine-tune the setup to suit different cartridges and achieve optimal playback performance.
"For the style that best suits your taste, the TT Level 2.1 DC is available in Gloss Black or Transparent Acrylic. The Transparent Acrylic finish blends with the acrylic platter for a ‘ghost’ appearance that’s visually unassuming, while the Gloss Black delivers a strong contrast."
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Speed stability is another key feature of the Takumi Level 2.1 DC. Magnetic sensors positioned around the main chassis monitor the speed of the isolated motor, providing real-time feedback to maintain accurate rotation. If the platter's speed begins to deviate, the system can automatically make corrections to keep playback consistent. This helps preserve pitch accuracy and ensures that music sounds natural, particularly during sustained notes and more demanding musical passages.
The turntable also comes with a wireless remote control known as the Speedpod. This allows you to switch effortlessly between 33 and 45 rpm, making it convenient to play different record formats. More impressively, the Speedpod allows speed adjustments in increments of just 0.01 rpm, offering an exceptionally fine level of control for those who want to dial in their preferred settings.
Overall, the Takumi Level 2.1 DC combines distinctive design, carefully considered engineering and extensive adjustability in a premium turntable package. At £1,699 it makes a strong impression both visually and technically, offering an appealing option for vinyl enthusiasts looking to take their hi-fi system to the next level. If you would like to come and hear it for yourself, then pop into your local Richer Sounds store to try it out.