Tonearms
Reed 3P Pernambuco
A modern classic example of comeback of vinyl trend. Usage of traditional materials - wood, stainless steel and aluminum - and joining them into one piece of precisely crafted product creates unique visual experience. Its innovative technical design enables changing major tonearm parameters - VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle), cartridge azimuth and antiskating - on-the-fly, i.e. while playing a record. An exciting thing about the azimuth adjuster is that during the adjustment process the cartridge "swings" around the needle tip, hence keeping all other tonearm parameters intact. Reed 3P tonearm also features unique bearing setup, which allows listener to enjoy the slightest music tones.
Specifications:
Magnetic antiskating
Fine VTA adjustment on-the-fly (inherited from Reed 2P)
Azimuth adjustment on-the-fly
Innovative bearing system - mix of gimbal and unipivot principle.
Specifications
Effective length 9.5" 10.5’’ 12’’
Mounting distance, mm 223 / 251.6 / 295.6
Overhang, mm 17 15.4 13.4
Offset angle, deg 22.9 20.7 17.6
Effective mass (Varies) - See Link
Reed 2A / Reed 3Q Models available
Reed 2G
Reed's latest tonearm model, which merges the best features of Reed 2A and Reed 3Q tonearms and adds a few new ones.
Reed 2G is very easily adjusted and can be mounted to virtually any turntable with or without an adapter.
As other our tonearms, Reed 2G features 0.2 mm precision VTA adjustment and tonearm’s height can be adjusted from 28 mm to 48 mm.
Tonearm has cardanic bearing system: vertical axis has thrust rotation bearings and horizontal axis is based on thrust pivot bearings (a bit close to Reed 3P). Such bearing construction eliminates bearing wobbling, which has a great impact to the quality of the sound.
All Reed 2G tonearms have unique azimuth adjustment system, which allows implementing a tonearm with replaceable armwand. Replaceable armwand feature allows you to change tonearm effective length and effective mass with no hassle. For connecting the armwand and tonearm body, high quality LEMO connector is used.
As well as all our tonearms, Reed 2G has replaceable headshells.
Reed 2G can be wired with Finewire C37 cable or have a 5-pin DIN connector for a custom cabling solution.
Tonearm’s antiskating is magnetic and is similar to one used in Reed 3P tonearm.
Reed 2G with the laser option
Laser-enabled Reed 2G version continues tradition of Reed 3Q and helps audio enthusiasts to set up their systems using latest technology. Calibrated laser add-on, used in this tonearm version, allows user to adjust VTA and azimuth quickly and precisely.
Specifications
Effective length 9.5’’, 10.5’’, 12’’ inch
Mounting distance, mm 223, 251.6, 295.6
Overhang, mm 1715.413.4
Offset angle, deg 22.920.717.6
Effective mass From 14g to 22g, depending on armwand and headshell material
ikeda it-407
Built for dynamic balance, although it can support a cartridge weight of 6 to 38.5 grams, the stylus pressure ranges from 5 grams to utter weightlessness.
Specifications:
Type: Dynamic Balance
Overall Length: 388mm
Effective Length: 307mm
Overhang: 12mm
Tracking Error: +2° - 0°35'
Stylus Force Range: 0g - 5g (in 0.5g step)
Mounting Hole Diameter: 31mm
Arm Height Adjustment Range: 25mm - 60mm
Max Arm Board Thickness: 35mm
Cartridge/Headshell Balance Range: 6g - 38.5g
Headshell Weight: 17.2g
Pivot to Spindle Distance: 295mm
Reed 3P Cocobolo
Among other features, like fine VTA adjustment on-the-fly, this Reed tonearm also has a unique possibility of adjusting azimuth while playing a record. An exciting thing about the azimuth adjuster is that during the adjustment process the cartridge "swings" around the needle tip, hence keeping all other tonearm parameters intact (you can see how it works by watching a short video).
Magnetic antiskating and some other features, used in Reed 3P, were developed in our Reed Mag prototype model*, which made its first appearance in Analog Forum 2011 Krefeld, Germany.
Another 3Ps innovation is its bearing system. Although tonearm bearing system can be considered as gimbal, it acts like unipivot one. However, major difference from unipivot system is that instead of a single pivot three pivots and both vertical and horizontal axis' magnetic stabilizers are used. Such bearing system is as rigid as gimbal, but its friction coefficient is as low as in unipivot.
Again, if you are bored with this technical talk, it is enough to know that in Reed 3P you can setup most of the tonearm's parameters (VTA, azimuth, antiskating) on the fly, and due to the very sensitive bearing system you will not miss the slightest music tones.
Reed 3P is acknowledged not only by its high quality sound, but also for it's distinctive design. It convinced the international 30-member expert jury of the “red dot award: product design 2012” international design contest and received one of the coveted awards - red dot - in the “Entertainment technology and cameras” category. The red dot design award, held by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen (Germany) and with origins reaching back to the 1950s, has established itself internationally as one of the most appreciated quality seals for outstanding designs.
Also in July 2013 the German Design Council committees have nominated Reed 3P tonearm for the German Design Award 2014, Lifestyle category.
The German Design Award is an international premium prize, which successfully enhances the standing of both designers and companies. Its organizer, the German Design Council, has been representing and supporting the German design industry with its expertise in all questions relating to design for 60 years now. A nomination for the German Design Award on the occasion of the anniversary of the German Design Council is especially significant - it stands for 60 years of design culture.
Specifications
Effective length 9.5" 10.5’’ 12’’ Mounting distance, mm 223 251.6 295.6 Overhang, mm 17 15.4 13.4 Offset angle, deg 22.9 20.7 17.6 Effective mass See details of each armwand material.
Reed 2A
Reed 2A is for customers, who have fixed audio setup and just want to listen for the perfect sound. Reed 2A model has the same sound quality as Reed 3Q model, but has less possibilities for adjustment.
Technical details
Tonearm base consists of two parts: the massive stand and moving part, made of solid metal. After adjusting tonearm height it is tightened to a stand. Such construction is rigid and stable. Height (VTA) adjustment is 20 mm, tolerance ±0.1mm.
Bearings feature carbide tungsten points and sapphire thrust pad. Such bearings have a very low friction and minimal contact surface, reducing noise transmission from base to the cartridge.
Lever antiskating mechanism is supported by ruby olive bombe bearings. Antiskating mechanism is dynamic. Antiskating force is constant while cartridge moves to the center of the plate. Ruby olive bombe bearings reduce mechanism friction to a minimum.
Tonearm is statically balanced. To minimize "swinging" effect, counterweight is at the same horizontal level as the needle tip. Downforce range is from 10 mN to 30 mN.
Currently our tonearm armtubes are made only from wood. After investigating various materials - metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber and, of course, wood, we came up to conclusion that our tonearms sound best (and have best acoustic properties) with armwands made from properly selected and processed wood. Armtube material also has significant impact to tonearms effective mass.
Specifications
Effective length 9.5’’ 10.5’’ 12’’ Mounting distance, mm 223 251.6 295.6 Overhang, mm 17 15.4 13.4 Offset angle, deg 22.9 20.7 17.6 Effective mass See details of each armwand material
kuzma 4point
Differs from other tonearms by introducing several new and unique features. The new zero-play bearing is configured on 4 points.
Specifications:
Effective length 280 mm
Arm mount distance 212 mm
Distance from spindle to horizontal bearing 264 mm
Bearing type 4 points
Effective mass 14 g Total mass 2050 g
Offset angle 19.5* VTA adjustment
Precise VTA tower Azimuth adjustment
Precise worm drive
Tube Conical Bias Yes
Max. standard cartridge weight 35 gram
Optional light and heavy counterweight Yes
Damping Separate vertical and horizontal damping
Detachable headshell Yes ( + 1 spare)
Arm mount Kuzma Standard
Wiring Crystal Cable Silver / Eichman RCA bullets, RCA box (75pF, Single 42 pF)
Accessories Protractors, Allen keys, cartridge mounting screws Options XLR, 5pin
Kuzma 4Point 14 Inch
4Point 14 is essentially the 4Point tonearm with 14 inch ( 353 mm) effective length which is fitted on 12 inch ( 291mm) primary base distance.
Technical data
Specifications:
Mass 2150 gr
Effective length 353 mm ( 14 inch )
Mounting distance 291.50 mm( Kuzma cut- 291 mm )
Offset angle 15.35 degrees
Distance spindle-horizontal bearing 340 mm ( 338 mm for Stabi M)
Effective mass 19 g
VTA adjustment yes
Azimuth adjustment yes
Bias adjustment yes
Vertical damping yes
Horizontal damping yes
Detachable headshell yes ( one extra supplied)
Cables silver wire type.
Arm mount Kuzma cut ( 12 inch position)
Optional extra headshells, headshell containers, different wiring termination options (XLR, RCA).
graham phantom b44 supreme
Specifications:
Magnetically stabilized, fluid-damped unipivot tonearm. Mounting profiles: standard Graham Custom Mount and SME mount.
Effective Length (Standard model) 235mm
(Long version) 247mm
Offset Angle (Standard) 23.431 degrees
(Long) 22.230 degrees
Overhang (Standard) 17.6mm
(Long) 16.7mm
Tonearm Weight: 1100 grams
Cart Weight Range: 5-19 grams
Schroeder CB-1L Tonearm
CB-1L (11" Long)
Effective length 282mm
Pivot to spindle distance: 267.5mm
Offset angle: 19,35°
Effective mass 17gms with Certal cartridge plate and 22gms with brass
Shaft diameter: 23mm Distance between mounting surface and platter level: ~25-60mm, best:~30-35mm
Ceramic hybrid bearings with unprecedented low friction: < 2mg vertically, < 3,5mg horizontally
Internal magnetic damping for the horizontal movement
Frictionless, resonance free magnetic antiskating
Cryogenics treated, low loss, high purity copper wiring (single run from cartridge clips to RCAs), 1m from arm to RCAs Armwand made out of Kingwood
Schroeder CB-1 Tonearm
CB-1 (9" version) Eff. length: 239,3mm Pivot to spindle distance: 222mm
Offset Angle: 23° Eff. mass with supplied cartridge mounting plate:
14gr - (19gr with optional heavy cartridge mounting plate, 12,5gr. with ultralight cmp)
Shaft diameter: 23mm Distance between mounting surface and platter level: ~25-60mm, best:~30-35mm
Ceramic hybrid bearings with unprecedented low friction: < 2mg vertically, < 3,5mg horizontally
Internal magnetic damping for the horizontal movement
Frictionless, resonance free magnetic antiskating
Cryogenics treated, low loss, high purity copper wiring (single run from cartridge clips to RCAs), 1m from arm to RCAs Armwand made out of Kingwood
Schroeder Reference SQ
A yarn - torsion bearing , magnetically stabilized and steamed
No bearing friction , breakaway torque equal to zero , no " camp chatter"
Attenuation of the tone arm - Tonabnehmerresonanz by induction of eddy currents, adjustable
VTF remains in changing the VTA largely constant ( " neutral balance" ) !
Overhang , VTA , VTF and Azimuth sensitively adjustable
Variable armtube parameters , thus eff . Mass ( 5 - 35gr ) and eff .
Length ( 8.5 - 12inches ) usually at no extra charge to customer / request feasible
East Valhalla tonearm wiring , continuous, alternative cabling to arrangement
Tonarmrohre / rods with high internal damping of Bocote , rosewood , blackwood ,
Ebony , acacia , bamboo , Pertinax , carbon fiber u.m.
Patented design
Durand Talea II
"When a musician goes to a luthier or an instrument maker to buy an instrument he/she doesn’t spend too much time on the issues of engineering--although the materials and techniques used in the construction can be of the highest interest; the musician plays the instrument, and listens. He wants to know if the instrument can do what he wants it to do, if it produces the sound he wants to hear.
Choosing a tonearm involves the same process.The material used for the armwand is of course just as important as those used for every aspect of the assembly. The experiments conducted to determine which material for this part would deliver the best sound were not conducted in isolation: they had to be done with the armwand mounted on the base because all the elements of the Talea™ work in concert.
While the 1st generation Talea™ used the exotic hardwood Jatoba, it was found that, given the changes in other materials, another exotic hardwood, the Bolivian Rosewood now gave superior results. As before, the shape of the armwand was derived from careful analysis of the shape of the violin bow. Its cross section, in particular, is designed to allow the ideal combination of flexibility and rigidity for this application.
After the "raw" armwand is received from our woodworker, it first undergoes an 11-step process of sanding. It is then measured and weighedfor archival purpose, the other parts of its assembly are added, and it istested for mechanical balance.
If all is well so far, it is wired and testedfor sound: this is the "tuning," where final adjustments in shape can be made if necessary. Once the results are satisfactory, the armwand then undergoes a stainingprocess similar to the one that has been used by bow makers for centuries. It is let to dry andfinally goes back on the turntable, where it is played for several days.
The cartridge is first mounted on a cartridge plate, which is in turn fastened onto the headshell with a bolt. The bolt is also engaged in a slot cut in the cartridge plate, a system that allows the user to easily set the effective length by sliding the cartridge plate along the slot.
If the user likes to change cartridges often, it might be worth having more than one cartridge plate. One can simply leave the cartridges fastened on their respective plate, simplifying the process of mounting them on and off on the armwand (alignment will still be needed for each cartridge, though!)."
Durand Telos
The Telos is our top-of-the-line model. It is the result of intensive interdisciplinary research, from shape optimization, stress analysis to materials science, guided by observation and informed by theory. The development of the project started with a thorough re-examination of the fundamentals of tonearm design, an approach that progressively led us to the most minimalist design that was possible, given the functions that were deemed essential to a tonearm operation. Each element is an essential part of the functional whole, and nothing is superfluous. The experience acquired in the long period that led to the Talea™ proved invaluable when developing this new tonearm. In some ways, it is a radical extension of the earlier project, and in other ways, it treads new ground by bringing new types of possible adjustments.
The design
Finite Element Analysis and computer stress simulations were systematically complemented with numerous audition tests, in order to determine which factors were the most relevant to playback performance. The research examined in great detail the questions of vibrations, stress and damping, and how their interactions apply to the system as a whole. Extreme attention was given to the many aspects of relations between the components that are involved in the structure of the tonearm, and the optimization of their shape. A vast number of materials, from common to very exotic (and terribly expensive...) were evaluated for each part: from the smallest screws to each major part of the assembly, nothing was left to chance.
One of the leading principles during the development was to simplify all the basic elements of the construction in order to obtain the purest design and the best mechanical integrity possible, while maintaining all functionality needed in a modern tonearm. As a result, the Telos is very easy to use and offers all the adjustments one could ever need--plus a few unusual ones designed to achieve extremely fine tuning of the sound result.
The Telos is now available with wooden or composite armwand.
Origin Live
Conqueror Mk3c
“Arguably the very best tonearm yet made – a startlingly capable all rounder with none of the vices or quirks of rival super-arms…” HiFi World full review
One of the very best tonearms on sale at any price, Conqueror is aptly named. Yet this isn’t an overblown, showy performer – it’s not voiced to impress some of the people, some of the time. Rather, it’s exceptionally even-handed and balanced in its presentation and sounds sublime across a wide range of music. An immensely high resolution measuring instrument, it is nevertheless consummately musical and organic sounding. A real ‘fit and forget’ product, no matter what you play, it just dissolves away…
Scroll down for online ordering and product information.
For more information, click on the relevant sidebar links. ‘Key Information’ gives a detailed overview of all Origin Live tonearms.
Performance
Conqueror is the culmination of many years of research work into tonearm design, and sounds light years ahead of its time. It incorporates a number of idealistic principles into engineering practice, to deliver superlative sonic performance.
Compared to more affordable Origin Live tonearms, it there’s an obvious increase in transparency, and with it a heightened sense of realism. Music sounds more natural and less processed, as if a bright light has been shone on the recording and it’s there in front of you, in all its glory. Yet it confers an uncanny smoothness on the music, too; there’s a wonderful sense of ease and rhythmic ebb and flow. Bass is yet more powerful and defined than Illustrious, which is no small feat. Vocals shimmer with natural timbre, and stereo imaging is almost holographic.
To understand the importance of tonearms in system hierarchy, see 'analysis of leading arms'. This explains why Origin Live products have cutting-edge performance and provides an in-depth explanation of many facets of their design.
Features
• hybrid arm tube composed of 5 materials, for superb energy dissipation
• ultra low friction dual-pivot bearings for optimum treble performance Dual-Pivot explained
• floating vertical bearings decouple the armtube from the deck, reducing coloration
• high strength aircraft alloy headshell for increased dynamics
• silver Hybrid arm cable standard; linear Flow 2 copper cable is a no-cost option
• superlative quality, pure copper WBT nextgen RCA plugs for lowest signal loss
• integral VTA adjustment
• fits all Rega armboard cutouts – old style threaded base or new 3-point mounting
Ortofon
Ortofon RS-309D 12" dynamic-balance tonearm
RS-309D 12 inch Ortofon’s D series tonearm takes analog sound reproduction to a higher level with highly configurable VTF options and a dynamic balance system for increased stability when tracking warps and other anomalies.
D series tonearms can be used for a wide array of cartridges, feature anti-skating control.
Features:
Dynamic balance graduated vertical tracking force (VTF) control through a new spring design
The new short wire spring, housed in the pivot case, eliminates unwanted vibrations in the tone arm
VTF in the range 0-5 grams can be precisely adjusted by means of the supplied digital force gauge
Anti-skate control adjusted by calibrated dial in the range 0-5 gram
Tone arm height, and thereby VTA, is easy adjustable on the tonearm base.
Detachable head shell and tone arm cable, with standard SME-type connectors
Acoustical systems axiom
* the AXIOM is entirely designed, made and assembled in Germany
* every AXIOM is assembled, tested and calibrated by the designer
* all parts of the AXIOM - even the screws, the inner wiring and
it's customized aluminum transport case are made in Germany
* the AXIOM is a full dynamic balanced design
* the AXIOM is a full lateral balanced design
* full radial/axial cardan shaft double gimbal bearing, using custom made to order German nano instrumental ball bearings of aerospace grade with the lowest move friction possible today.
* bearings are mounted in a certified laboratory under controlled clean-air room conditions and with the bearing-house preheated to ensure perfect contact closure fit of bearings after cool down.
* the mounting board, bearing houses, external and internal VTA tower and fixed headshell mounting are made from triple-tempered German AP70XX dural air frame grade aluminum and stress-relieved V2a stainless steel.
* the mounting plate is hardened stainless steel.
* the counterweight assembly is made from German HD18 Tungsten.
* the arm wand is an unique composite of Titanium and Carbon with inner surface liquid dampening.
* internal wiring is pure silver litz w/soft teflon insulation (other options available on customer's wish and directive).
* the AXIOM follows an all new geometrical design.
* the AXIOM is a 12" effective length design.
Nevertheless, the mounting distance of the AXIOM is the same as with most standard 9"-10" tonearms!
Unique features of the AXIOM - available for the 1st time in tonearm design
Exclusive features of the AXIOM:
* VTF (vertical tracking force) non-touch-adjustment: on-the-fly - during play.
* SRA adjustment is independent from tonearm height (fixed mounting head)
* dynamic tunable effective moving mass
- from 22 gr to 42 gr effective moving mass in fixed mounting version.
- from 29 gr to 48 gr effective moving mass in SME-bayonet version.
* dynamic antiskating
- w/exchangeable inserts for any tangential curve!
* carbide hardend titanium / carbon-composite arm pipe with
internal liquid dampening on whole inner surface.
* exchangeable inserts in counterweight tuned to cartridge's compliance.
Thus eliminating low frequency resonance peak.
* the AXIOM and it’s bearing axis can be precisely leveled on it's own. This is independent from the plinth's level and done with 3 precision set screws around the center mounting screw (these are covered by the large round metal cap and not visible when mounted).
All these features listed above you will find in the AXIOM only.
* the AXIOM is a special 12" design with mounting distance of 9-10" tonearm
acoustical systems aquilar
the AQUILAR (origin from ancient latin "aquila" - the eagle)
offers many of the prime choice and expensive materials, as well as most of the unique technical key solutions which made the AXIOM's performance easily standing heads above all competition.
the AQUILAR comes equipped with an unique bundle of features:
- 10” effective length
- very easy and swift set up
- customized dedicated 3D-alignment template
- non-resonance HD18 tungsten carbide counterweight
- unique acoustical-systems non-resonance titanium/carbon-hybrid arm wand
- precision leveling of bearing plane - independent of arm board / turntable
- adjustable SRA, VTA, Azimuth, Overhang and Offset angle at headshell
- VTA adjustement on-the-fly
- non-touch magnetic Antiskating on-the-fly
- dynamic anti skating following the tangential curve
- the design is based on the unique UNI-DIN* geometry
- the critical inner wiring is fine 5N pure silver litz wire
Product specifications
Acoustical Systems Aquilar – 10" Reference Tonearms, geometry: UNI-DIN
Effective length according to Loefgren A: 254 mm
Fulcrum distance to turntable center: 238 mm offset angle variable, about 17° - 25°
Overhang: variable, about 5 to 16 mm
Effective moving mass: 11,4 g
Internal wiring: highly flexible, aged pure silver strand
Resistance of the internal wiring: 0,9 Ohm/m
Capacity of the internal wiring: 25 pF/m
Possible Cartridge weight: 5,2 to 30 g
Adjustment ranges
Setting of the level of the bearing: +/- 6° horizontal
Height adjustment of the tonearm: 15 mm
Setting of the offset angle: +/- 4°
Overhang: max. 11 mm
Azimuth adjustment: +/- 8°
Setting of the stylus rake angle: 97° to 84°
Setting of the vertical tracing angle: 28° to 14°