Review on 🎵 Gemini Sound TT-4000: High Torque Direct-Drive DJ Turntable with USB Audio Interface & Variable Pitch Control by Jim Bodnarchek

Comparing this Gemini to its most likely competitor (Audio-Technica AT-LP120X) as an audiophile (non-DJ) player, Audio-Technica has a better cartridge, more features (e.g. a dust cover) and more build quality. The AT also has less wow and flutter (0.20%) compared to the Gemini (0.25%, according to the instructions). However, the Gemini has on-the-fly arm height adjustment. Compared to DJ turntables, Gemini claims to have "higher torque" and it picks up speed almost instantly (although it goes out of range for a moment and then takes a moment to stabilize) and it has one too Brake that stops the disc in an instant. You press the pause button. Stamping on the wooden floor while playing Gemini had no effect - the lever didn't bounce and I couldn't detect any woofer movement. Impressive. Audio-Technica, on the other hand, removed some of the DJ features when they upgraded the AT-120 to the AT-120X, so it's not as good for DJing as the Gemini. although assembly should be smooth if you are familiar with this type of player. Tip: You need to line up the two "boobs" on the bottom of the two-hole plate so that it falls onto the spindle. When assembling it, I noticed that the fit and workmanship were "not so great" - the shell could not be screwed cleanly into the tonearm (AT like butter), the anti-skating knob does not rotate, the felt mat lies loosely on the Turntable, etc. However, the arm moves smoothly and the bearings have no play. The cartridge was installed all the way forward in the shell and had to be aligned. Downforce is not listed and the cartridge (looks like an AT-91 variant) has no model number so I entered 2 grams, max weight on the counterweight (and recommended setting for AT-91). This may change as I receive more information. IN USE The Gemini features a switchable phono stage via a switch on the rear panel. The power button is also on the same small recessed panel, which is a bit distracting for home use (not part of a DJ setup). There's also no space to stow the .45 adapter like there is on the AT. Judging by the flash, my device runs very fast; I have to use the pitch control (slider) to set it exactly to 33.33. Presumably there is some internal adjustment to fix this, but it probably should have left the factory dead. I'm familiar with the AT-91 cartridge, a durable and great sounding cartridge, a good choice for this Gemini, but there are better (albeit less durable) options for the audiophile. It depends on how you want to use the device. The AT-VM95E cartridge on the AT-120X sounds better, but it's not suitable for DJs. SOUNDI replaced it with the turntable in my main system (Technics SL-7), turned it on and it was quiet enough without recording. I played a well-known album and the overall sound was good. The budget AT pickup certainly doesn't have the exquisite highs of a high-end pickup, but it does have a nice tight bass and nice mids. I consider it the cheapest high-precision cartridge. I've also played classical piano (revealing unrelenting speed instability) and it sounded pretty good, with no obvious pitch changes. Loud passages do not distort. I could be happy with this Gemini as my main player. impressive immunity to external vibrations), Gemini is the best choice. All in all, this is a good sounding table.