AMG Giro MK II Turntable With 9W2 Tonearm

It’s time for us to show some love to AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany), who make Großartig (great, that is) turntables and tonearms. The recently upgraded Giro MK II turntable is the focus of our current platter affection.

AMG, which was founded in Bavaria in 2011, is, as noted above, known for high-quality turntables and tonearms, and the MK II is an upgrade of the company’s original MK ’table that was first introduced in 2015. The company doesn’t overtax its production lines, as the other two higher-end turntable offerings in their current line are the ones dubbed Viella (28kg) and Viella Forte (48kg). Meanwhile, AMG’s tonearm lineup includes 9in and 12in models available as both standard (9W2 and 12J2) and upgraded Turbo versions (9WT and 12JT). The other entry in this tonearm lineup, the 9W1, is a slightly longer 9in arm compatible with Rega’s mounting geometry, but it is not typically paired with AMG ’tables.

 0214,apnews.GiroMKII_3.png

The platter mass of the 12.8kg MK II turntable has been increased to 5.6kg, and together with the newly developed two-tier coupling area between the platter and subplatter, it is said to (quoting AMG here now) “ensure significantly improved speed stability resulting in a more realistic and engaging musical presentation.”

Other features of the nonsuspended, mass-loaded, belt-driven MK II include speeds of 33 1/3 and 45rpm, an ultra-quiet Swiss DC motor equipped with new damping elements, a newly added tonearm base that can be fitted with a wider range of tonearms (that said, the aforementioned 9W2 is a popular/preferred option), decoupled spindle/bearing construction, 40-percent heavier POM (polyoxymethylene) platter, and three adjustable spiked feet (one under the main bearing, and two on the right side of the plinth under the tonearm area).

 0214,apnews.GiroMKII_4.png

The Giro MK II has an SRP of $8,500, and the 9W2 tonearm has an SRP of $3,800. Though the MK II doesn't come with a standard tonearm cable, AMG offers four options, all made for them by Cardas: Basic ($300), Standard ($600), Reference ($1,500), and Turbo ($2,250). You can also, of course, go with your own cable (as well as your cartridge of choice).

For more about AMG, go here.
To find out where to purchase an AMG Giro MK II turntable from authorized dealers via U.S. distributor Sierra Sound, go here.

 0214,apnews.GiroMKII_1.png

AMG GIRO MK II TURNTABLE
($8,500)
Turntable Specs & Features
Speeds: 33 1/3 rpm, 45rpm
Platter: 12in (304mm) diameter, 1.97in (50mm) thick, 12.3lb (5.6kg) weight
Motor: DC
Dimensions (w/h/d): 16.8 x 12.4 x 6.77in (426 x 315 x 172mm)
Weight: 28.2lb (12.8kg)
Finish: Black anodized aluminum
Warranty: 2 years

 0214,apnews.GiroMKII_2.png

Tonearm Specs & Features (9W2)
Dual-pivot bearing aluminum tonearm
Effective length: 229mm
Pivot-to-spindle distance: 211mm
Overhang: 18.1mm
Offset angle: 24.07°
Effective mass: 9.1gm

 0214,apnews.GiroMKII_6.png

COMMENTS
SierraSound's picture

As the US distributor for AMG, let me extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Mettler for your kind words regarding the new AMG Giro MK II. As your article mentions, nearly every aspect of the design of the original Giro has been updated and improved, from the platter, to the bearing, pulley, armboard, electronics, and more.

The Giro MK II will be making its US trade-show debut at AXPONA in April. Those who will be in Chicago for the show can look forward to hearing the Giro MK II performing in multiple systems. Please reach out to Sierra Sound through our website for info about the show or a dealer near you!

Slammintone's picture

AMG makes amazing analog machines but I could see on of my cats traverse across that platter and tip the whole shebang over.

JACK L's picture

Hi

Sorry, I don't believe any TT makers should worry about yr house pets mischief. It is yr job to prevent damage to any TTs by them.

For worst comes to worst, I would suggest you to custom built a tall clear plastic cover to cover up the entire TT/arm at all time even when the TT is spinning records.

But then I somewhat concern about the micro vibration of the cover caused by the TT spinning, risking adding coloration to the tracked music due to the cover resonance !!

Would you mind caging in yr bouncy pet(s) when spinning yr vinlys ?

Jack L

PS: thanks goodness I don't own any house pets as my wife is very allegy to animal hairs.

X