Disclosure: Muarah components are distributed by Octopus Tree Audio which began operations last year and is run by our long-time writer Max Geiger. Rarely has this conflicting situation occurred, but I found the look and reasonable price of the MT-3 intriguing and I wanted to bring it to the attention of our readers. Here is my honest assessment. I have not discussed the review or shown Max a copy of the text before publication.

Muarah Audio is a company based in Warsaw, Poland (founded in 2015) and manufactures turntables, tonearms, an integrated amplifier and a phono stage. They produce three turntables, the top MT-1 EVO, MT-2, and the MT-3 here under review. The MSRP of the MT-3, including their in-house MY-1/9 tonearm is USD 2990. Muarah also offers their tables with a range of OEM Sorane (Japan) tonearms or Mørch (Denmark) tonearms if desired.

The MY-1/9 tonearm is a 9” design and is very easy to set up. We filmed a video here (note, not a full, ready-to-play setup).

Muarah assures us the: MT-3 turntable was created based on our experience from building best-in-class turntables for many years. It is the result of the evolution of Muarah MT-1 and MT-2 models towards some simplification but also with an effort to optimize construction and achieve the best quality product. The MT-3 unique solution is the vibration damping system featuring platter height adjustment and levelling features. It is inspired by automotive solutions like many of our technical solutions. The assembly holding the platter bearing reassembles old school leaf springs suspension construction. It is made of composite materials carefully selected within an experimental process to achieve the best vibration damping and uncompromised stability.

Features and Specifications

The MT-3 is made of MDF and includes a platter weighing a solid 2.5 kg of 30 mm acrylic with a striking look due to its integrated record mat of aluminum with anti-static rubber foam inserts. The base and inserts for the motor and armboard feature sandwich construction with additional isolation from the motor. Speed checks with the RMP Pro app were spot on at 33.3 and 45 (manual belt change). The sub-chassis is a leaf-spring design featuring height adjustment and levelling function (the levelling mechanism features two rotating knobs). I was surprised the ceramic bearing design calls for no lubrication (it includes a hardened steel shaft and Teflon ball seat). Muarah uses a synchronous motor said to have very low vibration and noise levels. I can attest to this. Silent operation.

My Use and Setup

If you watch our unboxing video, you’ll see the setup is a snap. Of course, fine-tuning will take some time but the basic setup is a quick job.

VTA is adjusted easily by the rear post with an Allen key and anti-skate is the pendulum balance type. The cue lever worked smoothly and the armlock had a screw down for extra security.

I used an Ansuz Acoustics C2 for a phono cable and accompanied the ‘table with my Phasemation EA-350 Phono Amplifier and my MBL N51 Integrated Amplifier. Speakers were my reference Borresens. The Muarah had every chance to shine.

Sound

Turns out, the $2200 Skyanalog G-3 MC Phono Cartridge was an excellent match with the MT-3 and its MY-1/9 9'' tonearm. Tracking was excellent so real dynamism and punch were heard throughout each record’s full side.

As I have a specific mono setup, all the records auditioned were with the Muarah in a stereo configuration.

We began with Songs for Distingué Lovers, Billie Holiday’s 1958 LP, here reissued by Classic Records 33 RPM in 1996 and remastered by Bernie Grundman. This is a superb recut by Grundman heard to perfection at the start of track 1, “Day In Day Out”, with Alvin Stoller’s kick drum very effective with the sound of the felt and hammer beautifully combined. And Holiday’s unique timbre hanging delicately in the soundstage. The Muarah gave a good account of this famous record with Ben Webster and Harry Edison making important contributions. Both the sax and trumpet timbres were captured with accuracy by the Skyanalog/Muarah combination.

It was here, after some time breaking in the cartridge, I wanted a quick reality check, so I threw on the Holiday record onto my CAD 30,000 stereo rig. It was an abrupt fall to earth. Significantly better—weight, slam, tonal references, much tighter imaging and amazing soundstage—but at a plus 20K Canadian price difference. Not fair. But I thought I should hear it. So, when buying this excellent, good-looking ‘table at such a reasonable price, expect excellence, not the unexpected. But playing The Reiner Sound right after, specifically Ravel’s sensuous Rapsodie Espagnole, recaptured my attention immediately. I was thinking about its accurate and dynamic sound and was happy that Muarah could design and offer such a good-looking value-added ‘table for less than 3Gs. As far as ‘tables in the 3-4K range, its sound is very competitive.

The massive sonorities on The Reiner Sound were very effective and controlled. And the ultra-low bass drum tap at the end of “Malagueña” was a defining moment for both the cartridge and the ‘table. It comes from the rear of the Chicago Symphony Hall and directly after the master tape takes an fff beating. As the orchestral mass dissipates, the pp bass drum can be heard from most well setup carts/tables, but here it was defined and very deep, which advertised the bass response from the Muarah as well as any repertoire.

Comparisons. If you dig the look (I do, and aesthetics in analog are far more important than people let on), the Muarah can play among ‘tables up to 4K. So, a good value. The company has been around for less than ten years but looks to be a serious, design-driven company with solid engineering.

Suppose we proceed under the axiom that you get what you pay for in analog and audition the MT-3 next to a competitive Thorens TD 1500 or a Rega Planar 6. In that case, the Muarah wins the day, but by jumping up to a Rega Planar 8 or a Thorens TD 1600, the decision becomes more complicated, more “your style”.

No matter the genre, the Muarah’s sound signature held firm. So, the UHQR of Countdown to Ecstasy or the Impex 1STEP of Jennifer Warnes’ Famous Blue Raincoat playback was refined yet vigorous and detailed. Purchasers of this ‘table will acclimatize themselves to this quality of sound very quickly—it has good dynamic range and the timbres I found more accurate than the sometimes thick-in-the-middle Thorens presentations. And it appears equally well made compared to Rega's ‘tables.

Summary

Type “3K turntables” into Google and press the shopping tab. It’s almost overwhelming the choices for your analog dollar. As such, only the very best sound and design value-for-money products will survive. I’m confident that an audition of this ‘table, correctly set up and with an appropriate cartridge, will convince those searching for their next turntable to shortlist the Muarah Audio MT-3. At USD 2990 including a well-designed tonearm, it’s a solid analog bargain. A warm recommendation from me.

Further information: Muarah Audio