The Diatone DP-EC5MK II Turntable is a beautifully engineered Japanese direct‑drive turntable from the golden era of analog audio, designed for listeners who value precision, stability, and musical authenticity. Produced by Diatone (Mitsubishi Electric), a brand revered for its broadcast‑grade engineering and uncompromising standards, the DP‑EC5MK II reflects a period when vinyl playback was treated as a serious science rather than a lifestyle accessory.
Positioned as a refined evolution of the original DP‑EC5, the MK II version incorporates improved motor control, enhanced isolation, and a more mature sonic presentation. It is a turntable built not for spectacle, but for long‑term listening satisfaction—neutral, composed, and deeply engaging.
Today, the DP‑EC5MK II is increasingly sought after by collectors and audiophiles who appreciate understated industrial design, reliable Japanese mechanics, and a sound signature that prioritizes accuracy over coloration.
Diatone DP-EC5MK II Turntable
Quartz‑Locked Direct Drive System
The high‑torque direct‑drive motor ensures excellent speed accuracy and fast start‑up, with quartz lock control maintaining pitch stability over long listening sessions.Heavy Die‑Cast Aluminium Platter
Designed to suppress resonance and rotational irregularities, the platter contributes to stable playback and improved low‑frequency definition. The unit features a substantial 1.4kg aluminum alloy die-cast platter (327mm). This mass provides high rotational stability, effectively ironing out micro-variations in speed (wow and flutter).Low‑Resonance Plinth Construction
The aesthetic is classic Japanese luxury, featuring a heavy, wood-grain or charcoal finish (depending on the market version) designed to minimize external vibrations from reaching the sensitive stylus.Precision S‑Shaped Tonearm
The statically balanced S‑shaped tonearm offers smooth tracking, compatibility with a wide range of cartridges, and adjustable counterweight for fine tuning.
Classic Japanese Industrial Aesthetic
Clean lines, solid switches, and a purposeful layout reflect Diatone’s broadcast and laboratory heritage—timeless, functional, and elegant.MK II Refinements
Compared to the original version, the MK II benefits from improved electronic control and subtle mechanical refinements for quieter operation and greater long‑term reliability.Optoelectronic Record Detection: One of the hallmark features of the MK II is its intelligent "auto-size" sensor. By using optical sensors near the platter, the turntable automatically detects the size of the record (12" or 7") and sets the speed and tonearm lead-in position accordingly. This prevents the needle from ever dropping onto an empty rubber mat.
Integrated Logic Control: The entire automation process is managed by a single-chip LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit. This ensures that the movement of the tonearm is fluid, silent, and highly responsive compared to the mechanical linkages found in earlier automatic players.