Audio T Verdict
The Triangle LUNAR 1 is aimed squarely at someone who wants to start enjoying records without having to build and adjust a turntable from individual components.
It has been developed with Pro-Ject and comes with its straight aluminium tonearm and Ortofon OM-5E moving-magnet cartridge already mounted and adjusted at the factory. There is still some basic installation to carry out, but the important relationship between tonearm and cartridge has already been taken care of.
The turntable itself keeps things refreshingly straightforward. It is a manual belt-drive design for 33? and 45 rpm records, with speed selection controlled from the side of the plinth.
The supplied Ortofon OM-5E is a proper replaceable moving-magnet cartridge with an elliptical stylus rather than a basic fixed pickup. That gives the LUNAR 1 a sensible foundation for someone starting a vinyl collection while leaving scope for future stylus replacement or upgrading.
A 1.2m RCA phono cable is supplied, along with the belt, 5V power supply and protective dust cover, so there should be very little extra hardware required if your amplifier or active speakers already provide a compatible moving-magnet phono input.
Triangle has also designed the LUNAR 1 to partner naturally with its active speaker ranges, including AIO TWIN, Borea Connect and the Active Series, all of which provide suitably equipped models for building a compact record-playing system.
For someone looking for a stylish, uncomplicated manual turntable with proven Pro-Ject engineering and a recognised Ortofon cartridge already fitted, the LUNAR 1 makes a lot of sense.
Triangle LUNAR 1 Turntable
The Triangle LUNAR 1 is a manual belt-drive turntable developed in partnership with Austrian turntable specialist Pro-Ject and assembled in Europe.
Key features include:
- Manual belt-drive turntable
- 33? and 45 rpm playback
- Side-mounted speed selection
- 8.6-inch straight aluminium tonearm
- Ortofon OM-5E moving-magnet cartridge
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- Factory-mounted and adjusted cartridge
- MDF platter
- High-density plinth
- Flat drive belt
- RCA phono output cable supplied
- HP-OFC copper cable conductors
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- Protective dust cover
- 5V DC power supply
- 420 x 112 x 330mm W x H x D
- 3.5kg net weight
- Developed with Pro-Ject
- Assembled in Europe
Developed With Pro-Ject
Triangle developed the LUNAR 1 in partnership with Pro-Ject, one of Europe's best-known specialist turntable manufacturers.
The design combines Triangle's system approach with Pro-Ject's experience in turntable engineering and manufacture.
A Manual Turntable
The LUNAR 1 is deliberately simple in operation.
It is a manual turntable, meaning the listener remains involved in playing the record rather than relying on a fully automatic mechanism.
Manual Vinyl Playback
Use the tonearm cueing system carefully when placing the stylus onto a record and return the arm safely when playback has finished.
Keeping the operation simple avoids the additional mechanisms required by a fully automatic turntable.
33? and 45 rpm Playback
The LUNAR 1 plays the two most common modern vinyl speeds:
This covers the overwhelming majority of LPs, 12-inch singles and 7-inch singles in a typical record collection.
Easy Speed Selection
A control on the side of the turntable allows the required playback speed to be selected when moving between 33? and 45 rpm records.
This avoids having to reposition the belt manually every time you change record speed.
Belt-Drive Design
The platter is driven by a flat belt positioned beneath it.
In a belt-drive turntable, the motor is mechanically separated from the platter by the belt rather than driving the platter directly.
This approach is widely used in Hi-Fi turntables because the belt helps reduce the direct transmission of motor vibration into the platter and record.
Flat Drive Belt
Triangle supplies the required flat belt with the LUNAR 1.
The belt runs discreetly beneath the platter once the turntable is assembled.
8.6-Inch Aluminium Tonearm
The LUNAR 1 uses a straight aluminium tonearm measuring approximately:
21.5cm / 8.6 inches.
The arm is designed to combine relatively low mass with good structural rigidity while allowing the stylus to track the record groove accurately.
Factory-Adjusted Tonearm
Triangle and Pro-Ject set up the tonearm and cartridge during manufacture.
This simplifies initial installation and removes some of the cartridge-alignment work normally associated with setting up a new turntable.
Do Not Re-Adjust the Cartridge Without Good Reason
The supplied Ortofon cartridge is aligned at the factory.
If you later replace the cartridge itself rather than simply changing the stylus, correct alignment and tracking-force setup will be required.
Ortofon OM-5E Cartridge
The LUNAR 1 is supplied with an Ortofon OM-5E moving-magnet cartridge already fitted to the tonearm.
Ortofon is one of the longest-established cartridge manufacturers in Hi-Fi, and the OM platform also provides straightforward replacement-stylus options.
Elliptical Stylus
The OM-5E uses an elliptical diamond stylus.
Compared with a basic spherical profile, an elliptical stylus is shaped to follow the groove more closely across its contact surfaces, helping retrieve musical information from the record accurately.
4mV Cartridge Output
The Ortofon OM-5E produces approximately:
4mV output at 1kHz / 5cm per second.
This is a conventional moving-magnet output level intended for an MM phono input or moving-magnet phono stage.
Requires a Moving-Magnet Phono Input
The LUNAR 1 uses a moving-magnet cartridge and does not connect directly to a normal AUX, CD or other line-level input by itself.
Connect it to an amplifier or active speaker system with a compatible MM phono input, or use a separate moving-magnet phono stage between the turntable and a normal line input.
What Is a Phono Stage?
A turntable cartridge produces a much smaller electrical signal than a conventional CD player, streamer or other line-level source.
A phono stage:
- Amplifies that very small cartridge signal
- Applies the required record equalisation
- Provides a normal line-level output for an amplifier
If your amplifier already has an input marked PHONO or PHONO MM, a separate phono stage may not be required.
Browse phono stages at Audio T.
Recommended Tracking Force
Ortofon specifies approximately:
1.8g recommended tracking force.
Because the cartridge is factory set, this should not need routine adjustment during normal initial installation.
20-Degree Tracking Angle
The OM-5E is specified with a 20-degree tracking angle as part of its cartridge geometry.
Replaceable Stylus
The stylus assembly can be replaced separately from the cartridge body when it becomes worn or damaged.
This avoids having to replace and realign the complete cartridge every time a stylus eventually reaches the end of its useful life.
Protect the Stylus
The stylus is extremely small and delicate.
Avoid touching the diamond or cantilever with your fingers, and lower the tonearm carefully using the cueing mechanism rather than dropping the stylus onto the record.
MDF Platter
Triangle specifies an MDF platter for the LUNAR 1.
The platter supports the record during playback and is driven by the belt beneath it.
High-Density Plinth
The turntable chassis uses a high-density wood-fibre construction designed to provide a stable base for the platter, bearing, motor and tonearm.
Controlling unwanted vibration is particularly important with a turntable because the cartridge works by converting extremely small mechanical movements into an electrical signal.
Why Turntable Position Matters
A turntable should be placed on a rigid and level support wherever possible.
Avoid:
- Unstable furniture
- Surfaces that rock when walked past
- Placing the turntable immediately beside a loudspeaker
- Strong direct vibration
- Uneven surfaces
Keep the Turntable Away From Strong Vibration
Do not place the LUNAR 1 directly on top of a loudspeaker or subwoofer.
The cartridge is designed to detect tiny movements in a record groove, so unwanted mechanical vibration can also reach the stylus and affect playback.
Keep the Turntable Level
A level support helps the tonearm and cartridge operate as intended.
If the furniture itself is not level, correct the support before attempting to compensate by altering cartridge or tonearm settings unnecessarily.
Supplied RCA Phono Cable
The LUNAR 1 includes a 1.2m RCA phono cable.
Triangle specifies high-purity oxygen-free copper - HP-OFC - conductors together with gold-plated RCA connectors.
Connecting to a Traditional Amplifier
If your integrated amplifier has a moving-magnet phono input:
- Connect the LUNAR 1 RCA cable to the PHONO input
- Select PHONO on the amplifier
- Set the correct record speed
- Place the record on the platter
- Lower the stylus carefully
Connecting to an Amplifier Without Phono
If your amplifier only has conventional line-level inputs, use an external moving-magnet phono stage.
The signal path becomes:
LUNAR 1 ? MM phono stage ? amplifier line input.
Connecting to Active Speakers
The LUNAR 1 is particularly convenient with active loudspeakers that already incorporate an MM phono stage.
Triangle offers several compatible active speaker systems with dedicated phono connectivity.
LUNAR 1 With AIO TWIN
The AIO TWIN active speakers include a moving-magnet phono input, allowing the LUNAR 1 to connect directly without requiring a separate amplifier or external phono stage.
Explore the Triangle AIO TWIN at Audio T.
A Complete Vinyl and Streaming System
Combining the LUNAR 1 with a suitable pair of Triangle active speakers provides access to vinyl alongside modern digital sources within the same compact system.
Depending on the speaker model, this can include:
- Vinyl playback
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi streaming
- Television sound
- Computer audio
- Subwoofer connection
Protective Dust Cover
An acrylic dust cover is supplied with the LUNAR 1.
The adjustable hinged cover helps keep dust away from:
- The platter
- Tonearm
- Cartridge
- Record surface
Keep Records Clean
A stylus physically traces the groove of a record, so dirt and dust can directly affect playback.
Good vinyl care includes:
- Handling records by their edges
- Keeping the stylus clean
- Using a suitable record brush
- Returning records to their sleeves
- Keeping the turntable covered when not in use
5V DC Power Supply
The LUNAR 1 uses a 5V DC external power supply, which is included with the turntable.
420mm Wide
The LUNAR 1 measures approximately:
- Width: 420mm
- Height: 112mm
- Depth: 330mm
Allow additional vertical clearance if you want to open the hinged dust cover fully.
3.5kg Net Weight
The turntable weighs approximately:
3.5kg.
The support beneath it should nevertheless be rigid and stable rather than simply chosen according to weight capacity.
Available Finishes
The LUNAR 1 is offered in a selection of contemporary finishes including:
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Green
- Cream
- Burgundy
What's Included?
Triangle supplies:
- Triangle LUNAR 1 turntable
- 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm
- Ortofon OM-5E cartridge
- Flat drive belt
- Protective dust cover
- 5V DC power supply
- 1.2m RCA phono cable
Who Is the Triangle LUNAR 1 For?
Well Suited To
- First serious turntable systems
- Existing Hi-Fi amplifiers with MM phono inputs
- External MM phono stages
- Triangle AIO TWIN speakers
- Triangle Borea Connect systems
- Triangle Active Series speakers
- 33? rpm LP collections
- 45 rpm singles and records
- Listeners wanting a factory-set cartridge
- Simple manual vinyl playback
Check Before Buying
- Requires an MM phono input or external MM phono stage
- Manual turntable operation
- 33? and 45 rpm playback
- 420mm cabinet width
- Allow room for the hinged dust cover
- Use a rigid, level support
- Keep away from strong loudspeaker vibration
Key Features
- Triangle LUNAR 1
- Manual turntable
- Developed with Pro-Ject
- Assembled in Europe
- Belt-drive design
- Flat drive belt
- 33? rpm playback
- 45 rpm playback
- Side-mounted speed selection
- 8.6-inch tonearm
- 21.5cm tonearm length
- Straight aluminium tonearm
- Factory-adjusted tonearm
- Factory-fitted cartridge
- Ortofon OM-5E
- Moving-magnet cartridge
- Elliptical stylus
- 4mV cartridge output
- 1.8g recommended tracking force
- 20-degree tracking angle
- Replaceable stylus
- MDF platter
- High-density plinth
- HP-OFC phono cable
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- 1.2m RCA cable supplied
- Protective dust cover
- 5V DC power supply
- 420mm width
- 112mm height
- 330mm depth
- 3.5kg net weight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Triangle LUNAR 1?
It is a manual belt-drive turntable developed by Triangle in partnership with Pro-Ject.
Where is the LUNAR 1 assembled?
Triangle states that it is assembled in Europe in partnership with Pro-Ject.
Is it automatic?
No. The LUNAR 1 is a manual turntable.
What record speeds does it play?
33? and 45 rpm.
How do I change speed?
The required 33? or 45 rpm speed can be selected using the control on the side of the turntable.
Is it belt drive?
Yes. A flat belt drives the platter.
Is the belt included?
Yes.
What tonearm does it use?
A straight aluminium tonearm measuring approximately 21.5cm or 8.6 inches.
Is the tonearm already set up?
Triangle states that the tonearm and cartridge are adjusted during manufacture to simplify installation.
Which cartridge is included?
An Ortofon OM-5E.
Is the Ortofon OM-5E moving magnet?
Yes.
What stylus does it use?
An elliptical diamond stylus.
What is the cartridge output?
Approximately 4mV.
What is the recommended tracking force?
Approximately 1.8g.
Can I replace the stylus?
Yes. The Ortofon OM platform uses replaceable stylus assemblies.
Does the LUNAR 1 have a built-in phono stage?
No integrated phono stage is specified. Use a compatible moving-magnet phono input or an external MM phono stage.
Can I plug it directly into an AUX input?
Not by itself. A moving-magnet phono stage is required between the turntable and an ordinary line-level AUX input.
Can I connect it directly to an amplifier with a PHONO input?
Yes, provided the input is compatible with a moving-magnet cartridge.
Can I use an external phono stage?
Yes. Connect the LUNAR 1 to the phono stage and then connect the phono stage's line output to the amplifier.
Can it connect directly to Triangle AIO TWIN speakers?
Yes. The AIO TWIN provides a moving-magnet phono input.
Is an RCA cable included?
Yes. Triangle supplies a 1.2m RCA phono cable.
What type of cable is supplied?
Triangle specifies HP-OFC copper conductors with gold-plated RCA connectors.
Is a dust cover supplied?
Yes. A hinged protective cover is included.
What is the platter made from?
Triangle's technical specification lists an MDF platter.
How large is the LUNAR 1?
Approximately 420 x 112 x 330mm W x H x D.
How much does it weigh?
Approximately 3.5kg net.
What power supply does it use?
A 5V DC power supply, which is supplied with the turntable.
Should I put the turntable near my speakers?
Keep it on a stable support and avoid strong direct vibration from loudspeakers or subwoofers wherever possible.
Does the turntable need to be level?
Yes. A stable, level support is recommended for correct turntable operation.
Which finishes are available?
Triangle offers the LUNAR 1 in a selection of finishes including Black, White, Blue, Green, Cream and Burgundy.
Related Triangle Products and Vinyl Accessories
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Turntable demonstrations
- Turntable setup advice
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Amplifier compatibility advice
- Active speaker matching
- Cartridge and stylus guidance
- Tracking-force advice
- Turntable-support advice
- Record-care guidance
- Part-exchange options
- Setup and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the Triangle LUNAR 1, phono-stage compatibility, active speaker matching or setting up your first vinyl system.