Torqueo Audio + Audio Creative
 

Hoping for some feedback on these two companies.

www.torqueo-audio.it
https://audio-creativeshop.nl/groovemaster-2019/

Thanks.

Not sure...but are all Torqueo turntables “direct drive” ? The website is a bit confusing.
I do like the look of them...thank you for introducing this Brand

They do all have the same idler drive system. Reminds me of an old Rek-0-Kut turntable my dad had.

Website has pretty pictures but could offer more detail.
Been chatting with them regarding possible direct purchase, will pass along any info I get.

I had a bad experience with Torqueo. I ordered a Pilastro base from them and the armboard arrived damaged. They ship in a mini crate but going from Italy to the US is a long trip. They didn't isolate the components in the crate and the base ended up dinging the armboard.
I communicated directly with Oscar of Torqueo and he accused me of "dropping" the armboard. Accuse is a rather conservative description of the tone he used. He couldn't fathom how it could be damaged in shipping although I sent him a picture of the crate that was damaged in shipping. Very poor pack job. After a few e-mails he eventually sent a new armboard.
This was my test of a new manufacturer since I was looking for a new idler as my next turntable. He failed and I ended up ordering an Artisan Fidelity 301, oh well.
If you order from them go through a Dealer so you have a layer of protection.

As for Audio Creative... I bought one of their Groovemaster II Ti tonearms, good customer service, quick shipping, no fuss. I did have a hum from the captive silver interconnect that I could not cure so I sold the arm. The manufacturer provided support to the best of their ability. Not really the arm's fault but was a lesson that I need a DIN connection with a well shielded cable in my system.

Thanks for sharing your experience with both companies.
I have been emailing with Oscar as well, but hesitant to deal direct. Seems they don't have US distribution. I may take another look at AF as well. Good feedback on the Groovemaster too...thanks again. Paul

I thought that I Believe in Hifi (Joshua Masonsong- Nice Guy) was their US Distributor.

https://www.ibelieveinhifi.com/distribution

Oscar did not tell me about Joshua when we spoke....strange.
Not getting a good vibe about this.

Thanks for the link, I will reach out to Joshua.