VULKKANO TD20: groove by groove, without compromise
There's a difference between listening to a record and truly hearing it. That difference isn't always easy to describe in words, but it's noticeable from the very first note: in the texture of a guitar, the depth of a bass, the air between instruments. The VULKKANO TD20 is designed precisely for that—to make that difference audible, consistent, and justified by every engineering decision behind it.
With the TD20, we're writing a new chapter for our turntable range. This isn't a superficial revision or a cosmetic change. It's the result of asking ourselves what needed improvement in every component that directly impacts sound quality, and improving it without compromising the design that defines VULKKANO.
The cartridge that makes a difference
The heart of any turntable is its cartridge. It's the component that physically reads the information recorded in the groove and converts it into an electrical signal, which is also why the differences are most audible here.
The TD20 incorporates the Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge, one of the reference models in Audio-Technica's VM series. Its 0.3 × 0.7 mil elliptical stylus extracts significantly more information from the groove than a conventional spherical stylus: frequency response is extended, tracking distortion is reduced, and the result is a more detailed, natural, and faithful reproduction of what's recorded.
The Audio-Technica VM series is also modular; if you want to upgrade to a higher-precision stylus in the future, you can do so without changing either the headshell or the tonearm. It's an investment that grows with you.
A tonearm designed to stay on track
The cartridge can only perform at its best if the tonearm holding it does its job well. The TD20's tonearm is made of high-rigidity aluminum alloy, with a design that minimizes resonances and maintains precise alignment geometry throughout playback.
But the most significant new feature in this section is the incorporation of an adjustable anti-skating system, a first for our range of turntables.
What is anti-skating and why does it matter? As the tonearm travels across the record from the outer edge to the center, centrifugal force creates a natural tendency to pull it toward the inside of the groove. Without compensation, this uneven force results in asymmetrical pressure of the stylus on the two stereo channels, leading to distortion, uneven vinyl wear, and an unbalanced soundstage. Anti-skating precisely counteracts this force, maintaining uniform pressure on both channels throughout playback.
The result is clearer in high frequencies and more dynamic passages: less sibilance, more balance, and genuine respect for your records in the long term.
The mat that cleans up the sound
It's one of the least visible components but has a direct and measurable impact on the sonic outcome. The TD20 replaces the traditional felt mat with a high-density rubber mat, the standard in higher-end turntables.
High-density rubber mechanically decouples the record from the platter, absorbing internal resonances that would otherwise reach the stylus as background noise. The effect is an improvement in sound clarity: bass gains definition, the sound floor is cleaned up, and music emerges with more precision against silence.
The platter: visual presence and acoustic improvement
The redesigned TD20 platter features an integral matte black finish that enhances the turntable's visual presence, making it the centerpiece of any space. But the improvement isn't just aesthetic: the platter's increased mass helps reduce speed variations and residual vibration, resulting in more stable and uniform playback.
Design that speaks for itself
The TD20 is not an isolated product. It is part of a system designed for each component to perform better in conjunction with the others. The VULKKANO: A4 ARC MKII, A5 ARC MKII, A6 ARC, T40 ARC, and T50 ARC active speakers share the same design language, the same sound philosophy, and the same wood as the TD20. Connect the complete system, and you'll have a cohesive, functional, and visually consistent listening setup.
The TD20, available now
The VULKKANO TD20 is now available in our online store with free shipping throughout the European Union.
If you have any questions about which turntable or speaker system best suits your space, write to us; we're here to help you choose wisely.