Townshend Rock

Born of research at the Cranfield Institute of Technology, Max Townshend's Rock damps the headshell end of the tonearm in a silicone-filled trough at the record's edge, attacking arm resonance where it matters most. It evolved through Elite Rock, Rock Reference and later versions.

The only classic deck that damps the arm at the headshell — a genuinely unique British solution.

Who it suits

Best suited to: buyers comfortable assessing used condition and budgeting for servicing (drive mechanism, bearing, stylus). Less ideal for: a no-hassle purchase with a manufacturer warranty — buy a current model instead.

Good to know

• No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
• This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the drive belt (often perished or stretched with age) and bearing, plus the stylus regardless.

Specifications

Where to buy the Townshend Rock

2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.

Compare it

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