Which armboard to use?

[Stateside]

Hi all,

New to Art of Sound (already said my hello on the Welcome thread). Glad to be here with all you Technics afficionados (and others as well). Just acquired an SL-1210 and Origin Live Silver Mk2 tonearm w/standard mount, and I'm most interested in your experience with different armboards that will fit a Rega-type arm. The least expensive board (by Origin Live) has been criticized indirectly by other high-end mod firms (Mike New and Zu Audio come to mind) as flimsy and subject to excessive vibration. This is my next step, and your help is much appreciated. Thanks!

[JazzBones]

Hi all,

New to Art of Sound (already said my hello on the Welcome thread). Glad to be here with all you Technics afficionados (and others as well). Just acquired an SL-1210 and Origin Live Silver Mk2 tonearm w/standard mount, and I'm most interested in your experience with different armboards that will fit a Rega-type arm. The least expensive board (by Origin Live) has been criticized indirectly by other high-end mod firms (Mike New and Zu Audio come to mind) as flimsy and subject to excessive vibration. This is my next step, and your help is much appreciated. Thanks!

G'day Mike,
You could try making one out of wood first same round shape as the Techy but don't drill the hole for the arm until you have the arm geometry right from spindle to pivot. Once you've got that done then drill the Rega type hole. I used to use a Sound Hi Fi three laminated aliminium armboard which was quite good but I've now upped the anti to an ebony armboard which better suits my arm, a modified Linn Ekos., but the ebony is expensive as it obviously requires careful machining by someone who knows what the hell they're doing.

You'll get there same as us who have travelled the road before you. Delve around here or plain ask and you'll get help.

Welcome to AoS :D

Ron

[Stateside]

Hi Ron,

Hadn't seriously considered doing it myself, or hiring it out. But, now that you mention it, I know a guy who lives nearby and is a talented professional machinist. He's got what amounts to a fully equipped machine shop in the workshed next to his home. Maybe that's exactly what I ought to do.

Any idea how much ebony stock (and in what thickness(es) for proper VTA adjustment) I should be looking to buy, if I choose to go this way?

Thanks,

Mike

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Michael

The Origin Live armboard is the one to get. The reason I say that is that Mark Baker's arms are designed with a particular philosophy in mind and the Origin Live arm board matches that philosophy; thus allowing both to work in unison.

http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/images/dj-armboard350.jpg

[DSJR]

If you wanted to try wood, bearing in mind that I understand OL don't or didn't like their arms tightened up on the base-board, I'd suggest a medium or even softwood wooden plate being made and see what that does. If you can get one fabricated cheaply enough, it's well worth a shot. Either that, or upgrade the arm altogether...

[JazzBones]

Hi Ron,

Hadn't seriously considered doing it myself, or hiring it out. But, now that you mention it, I know a guy who lives nearby and is a talented professional machinist. He's got what amounts to a fully equipped machine shop in the workshed next to his home. Maybe that's exactly what I ought to do.

Any idea how much ebony stock (and in what thickness(es) for proper VTA adjustment) I should be looking to buy, if I choose to go this way?

Thanks,

Mike

Mike, I had my armboard made by Speedy Steve, whose on this forum, and who also makes bespoke counter weights for tonearms but having read Neil's response above I would say that this would be the most sympathetic combination of Origin Live tonearm and Origin Live armboard, Mark Baker (Origin Live) also makes a nifty record mat (quite thin) if your interested?

But creating things for yourself, ie home made armboard, is part of the parcel and fun of upping the Tech's performance and you have only a little time to loose before you start out putting big bucks.

Ron :)

[Stateside]

Dave: I see that many AOS users like their SME arms, and many a question has been raised concerning the synergy (or lack thereof) of Techy decks with Rega arms/clones/look-alikes. As for me, for now I'll go with the OL arm I just bought. An SME V arm looks terrific, but too rich for my blood as presently constituted. I'm planning to spend my cash--when its available--on Isonoe footers, Mike New bearing, new PSU (Paul Hynes?), Funk Firm platter, 1200 Achromat and Zu DL-103 (not necessarily in that order).

Neil and Ron: I take your point. Mark Baker's website speaks to the importance of decoupling his arms from the deck, and I assumed that's what gave rise to the 'wobbly' armboard criticism I read. It sure would be helpful, tho', to hear from someone who actually used the OL armboard with an OL arm. Anyone?

Best,

Mike

[Spectral Morn]

Dave: I see that many AOS users like their SME arms, and many a question has been raised concerning the synergy (or lack thereof) of Techy decks with Rega arms/clones/look-alikes. As for me, for now I'll go with the OL arm I just bought. An SME V arm looks terrific, but too rich for my blood as presently constituted. I'm planning to spend my cash--when its available--on Isonoe footers, Mike New bearing, new PSU (Paul Hynes?), Funk Firm platter, 1200 Achromat and Zu DL-103 (not necessarily in that order).

Neil and Ron: I take your point. Mark Baker's website speaks to the importance of decoupling his arms from the deck, and I assumed that's what gave rise to the 'wobbly' armboard criticism I read. It sure would be helpful, tho', to hear from someone who actually used the OL armboard with an OL arm. Anyone?

Best,

Mike

Hi Mike

I have experience with the armboard and a number of OL arms and I can assure you that the arm board is not 'wobbly' nor un level and I have both seen and handled a number of samples. The armboard is well made and solid.

The decoupling comes in the way the armboard is assembled/designed and how the arm is mounted into it.

I think the issue here is one of synergy, and OL armboards are a synergistic match with the OL arms. Now in saying that there may well be other options that are as synergistic or better, but unless others have tried them with an OL arm (and in particular your one) and can vouch for the superiority of the option they are presenting then I think the safer option is the OL armboard.

You won't be aware of this Mike but.....

I am finally (this has been hinted at often but the time is finally right) about to undertake a major Technics related series of reviews and that will include arms, carts, PSUs, platters, mats etc. I have been gathering stuff for about a year to do this (bought and paid for by me) and with a few manufacturer supplied items) to round out what I can't afford to buy and make it as complete as I can make it. I would love to have items from Vantage and a Funk Platter/arm to add to the mix but that may not be possible, though I plan to ask.

Audiomods also make a Technics related arm/armboad all in one, would be nice to have one of those to hand but I don't think that will happen. The main guideline for the review is to use UK sourced items or items distributed/easily available in the UK so that will sadly mean I exclude Zu and KAB as neither are distributed in the UK market.

I am well aware this will be a challenging series of reviews and I intend for it to be totally impartial and non partisan in manner and presentation.

I am hoping that this will help clarify the Technics paths as I will be listening to a number complete deck solutions as well as comparing and contrasting individual item options too.

[Stateside]

Looking forward to it!

[indus]

Hi Mike

I have experience with the armboard and a number of OL arms and I can assure you that the arm board is not 'wobbly' nor un level and I have both seen and handled a number of samples. The armboard is well made and solid.

The decoupling comes in the way the armboard is assembled/designed and how the arm is mounted into it.

I think the issue here is one of synergy, and OL armboards are a synergistic match with the OL arms. Now in saying that there may well be other options that are as synergistic or better, but unless others have tried them with an OL arm (and in particular your one) and can vouch for the superiority of the option they are presenting then I think the safer option is the OL armboard.

You won't be aware of this Mike but.....

I am finally (this has been hinted at often but the time is finally right) about to undertake a major Technics related series of reviews and that will include arms, carts, PSUs, platters, mats etc. I have been gathering stuff for about a year to do this (bought and paid for by me) and with a few manufacturer supplied items) to round out what I can't afford to buy and make it as complete as I can make it. I would love to have items from Vantage and a Funk Platter/arm to add to the mix but that may not be possible, though I plan to ask.

Audiomods also make a Technics related arm/armboad all in one, would be nice to have one of those to hand but I don't think that will happen. The main guideline for the review is to use UK sourced items or items distributed/easily available in the UK so that will sadly mean I exclude Zu and KAB as neither are distributed in the UK market.

I am well aware this will be a challenging series of reviews and I intend for it to be totally impartial and non partisan in manner and presentation.

I am hoping that this will help clarify the Technics paths as I will be listening to a number complete deck solutions as well as comparing and contrasting individual item options too.


Brilliant! Could you have your reviews ready by the morning please because I need to plan what to do next:)

Seriously though I look forward to it:)

[Spectral Morn]

Brilliant! Could you have your reviews ready by the morning please because I need to plan what to do next:)

Seriously though I look forward to it:)


:lol:

[Marco]

That should be very interesting to read, Neil, so I'm looking forward to it. When it happens, we'll start a separate thread here, discussing your observations, as no doubt some interesting points will be raised that deserve to be extrapolated :)

Do what you can though to get hold of a Funk platter (and at least an SR5 PSU), as trust me, that raises the game considerably! ;)

Marco.

[synsei]

I hope you have some luck with Vantage Neil as this will probably be where I'll be heading for my upgrades unless I suddenly develop deeper pockets ;)

[Spectral Morn]

All I can do with these companies is ask and hope they see the value of the project and thus take part.

[Marco]

I can't see Paul or Arthur not being up for their products being part of a major review. Have you spoken with them about it?

Marco.

[Spectral Morn]

I can't see Paul or Arthur not being up for their products being part of a major review. Have you spoken with them about it?

Marco.

Yes to Paul (all ready on board) and about to with Arthur, in fact he has just contacted me and we will chat latter about it.

I will contact Vantage latter today or tomorrow.