Sound-wise, the Wheel 2 sounds like the entry-level models of the well-known turntable brands. You are paying a premium for its design and exceptional engineering. It is up to you to make this trade-off.
As backers of the Kickstarter project, we transferred €663 in 2017 and another €150 in 2023. This is reasonable for a turntable with phono preamp, considering the innovative design and intuitive operation. An entry-level model with comparable features from the well-known (turntable) brands costs easily € 500.
The Wheel 2 currently costs € 2,000. There is an audiophile version of Wheel, the Black Wheel with a price of € 3,800 . The Black Wheel has an Audio Technica VM95 Nude Shibata element that is said to have a wider dynamic range and a matching built-in phono preamp. The Black Wheel also has a minijack stereo audio output and does not offer the ability to switch phono preamps.
Conclusion
The Wheel 2 is beautiful, innovative and a conversation starter in your living room. Very spectacular to see and to operate, especially in upright position. All respect to the Miniot team that started and finally delivered this adventure. But. We think the post-Kickstarter price of €2,000 for the basic model and nearly €3,800 for the premium model is too much. If we listen, the Wheel 2 is sonically comparable to the entry-level models with built-in preamp from brands such as Thorens, Rega or Project. The design certainly adds value and that may also reflect into the asking price. We at Alpha-Audio pay attention to the sound characteristics and then for € 2,000 (Wheel 2) or € 3,800 (Black Wheel) you have turntable-phono preamp combinations that will give you much more back in audio terms in music experience and take you into the music. Sure, they look like ordinary turntables. If you like innovative design and favour the form factor, then Miniot's Wheels may be your choice.
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