Braun - Atelier P1 Quartz-Controlled Direct-Drive Fully Automatic Turntable

Braun Atelier P1 Automatic Turntable (1980)

Offered here is the Braun Atelier P1, an elegant fully automatic direct-drive turntable introduced in 1980 as part of Braun’s celebrated first-generation Atelier Hi-Fi system. Designed by Peter Hartwein under Braun’s design direction led by Dieter Rams, the P1 combines precise record playback with the restrained, functional appearance that made Braun products icons of modern industrial design.

Manufactured in Germany, the P1 features a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor, a dynamically balanced straight tonearm and convenient automatic operation. Its front-mounted controls let you operate the speed, record diameter, start/stop function, and tonearm lift while the transparent dust cover stays closed.

Originally priced at approximately 688 Deutsche Mark, the P1 was a sophisticated turntable in Braun’s early-1980s Hi-Fi range. It was designed to accompany the Braun A1 amplifier, T1 tuner and C1 cassette deck, although it can also be used with other amplifiers equipped with a suitable phono input.

Features & Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Braun AG
- Model: Atelier P1
- Type: Fully automatic stereo turntable
- Introduction year: 1980
- Production period: Approximately 1980–1982
- Design: Peter Hartwein
- Design direction: Dieter Rams
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Drive system: Quartz-PLL-controlled direct drive
- Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
- Record-size selection: 17 cm and 30 cm
- Pitch adjustment: Approximately ±3.5%
- Wow and flutter: No more than 0.08% DIN-weighted
- Rumble signal-to-noise ratio: At least 68 dB DIN B
- Platter: Die-cast aluminium
- Platter diameter: 300 mm
- Platter weight: Approximately 1.05 kg
- Tonearm: Straight aluminium arm with four precision ball bearings
- Effective tonearm length: 222 mm
- Adjustable overhang: 15 mm ±3.25 mm
- Automatic tonearm movement with electronic end-of-record detection
- Mechanically operated, silicone-damped tonearm lift
- Adjustable anti-skating for conical and elliptical styli
- Audio muting during automatic operation
- Quartz-referenced stroboscope display
- Original cartridge: Braun MAG 1E moving-magnet cartridge
- Nominal tracking force: Approximately 1.5 g
- Cartridge frequency response: Approximately 20 Hz–20 kHz
- Cartridge channel separation: At least 22 dB at 1 kHz
- Cartridge compatibility: Approximately 4–8.5 g
- Audio connection: RCA cable with separate grounding lead
- Power supply: 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Maximum power consumption: Approximately 15 W

Condition:
This Braun Atelier P1 is offered as a vintage turntable and may show normal signs of use consistent with its age. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
The stylus and cartridge are consumable components whose condition can affect playback quality. Because this turntable is more than forty years old, professional inspection, lubrication and adjustment may be beneficial for reliable long-term use. Correct tracking force and anti-skating adjustment are recommended before playing valuable records.

The P1 has a moving-magnet cartridge and should be connected to an amplifier with an MM phono input or to a separate phono preamplifier. It cannot drive speakers directly.

Collectable & Practical Value:
The Braun Atelier P1 is appreciated both as a serious record player and as an important example of twentieth-century industrial design. Its remarkably slim profile, logical front controls, direct-drive mechanism and minimalist appearance remain attractive and practical today.

The Atelier 1 system received an iF Design Award Gold distinction in 1982 and is represented in major design collections, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The P1 is therefore a particularly interesting acquisition for Braun enthusiasts, vinyl listeners, design collectors and museums.

Tested and proudly presented by SpaceTime Engineering. Watch it in action on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@spacetimeengineering

Shipping:
The platter, counterweight and other sensitive components will be secured or packed separately where necessary to protect the mechanism during transport. We will professionally package the turntable for safe international delivery.

Worldwide tracked and insured shipping according to Catawiki guidelines. The stated weight is approximate and includes the packaging.

Seller’s Story
We are a highly specialised company based in the Netherlands, offering high-quality audio, video and electronic equipment throughout Europe and worldwide, generally through Catawiki.