Ballfinger goes Vinyl

Ballfinger, a company specializing in the manufacture of analog tape recorders, announces the launch of the T 002 B turntable. With this addition to its product range, the company continues its tradition of precision analog technology.

Technical Development by Helmut Thiele

The technical design of the T 002 B was entrusted to the experienced engineer Helmut Thiele. The device features a meticulously engineered belt drive that operates in combination with a dedicated power supply and control unit. This system achieves a speed stability of 0.02%, ensuring a very stable sound image and exceptionally smooth operation. Another distinctive feature is the chassis, which is constructed from multiple layers of cross-laminated bamboo panels and incorporates an additional, elastically suspended damping weight that dampens audio-damaging vibrations within the chassis far more effectively than conventional designs.

There are two tonearm systems to choose from:

• Thiele TA01: This sophisticated combination of a radial and tangential tonearm represents the cutting edge of technology. Its ingenious geometry minimizes tracking error and sets new standards in playback accuracy.
• Zavfino Crossbow TZ-1: For those who wish to combine the elegant Ballfinger design with a classic 9-inch tonearm, this model—also developed by Thiele—offers a product of the highest quality.

Design Philosophy: Form Follows Function

The T 002 B was designed by Roland Schneider, the man behind Ballfinger. In keeping with the design guidelines of the Ulm School of Design (HfG), the design follows the principles of rational justifiability and visual restraint. The surface and form are directly based on the M 002 P tape recorder to ensure design coherence when both devices are combined. The housing is available in either silver or black.

About Ballfinger and Roland Schneider

Over the past eight years, Ballfinger has established itself as a global leader in the development of new analog tape recorders. Roland Schneider, whose designs are deeply rooted in the German design tradition, takes a holistic approach: from mechanical engineering to aesthetic design, the entire development process is handled in-house. The products represent a symbiosis of technical durability and a timeless, functional design language that is internationally regarded as the epitome of “German Design & Engineering.”

About Helmut Thiele

Helmut Thiele is regarded as one of the most renowned developers in the hi-fi industry. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he has served as chief designer and engineer for numerous well-known manufacturers. His focus lies on the physically accurate optimization of sampling processes. With the development of the TA01 tangential tonearm and his involvement in the T 002 B, Thiele brings his extensive knowledge of resonance optimization and mechanical precision to the project to achieve unadulterated signal reproduction at the highest level.