Magna Audio's custom-made counterweight balance and armboard service!

You can't use a 12" arm on the Technics with its armboard positioning. It would have to be on an outrigger. To my mind, that would be a waste of time as the benefits of 12" arms wouldn't warrant it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Oh, the amount of money I could spend on that site!! :eek:

This would be great, Mike, if you obtained the heavy counterweight balance (necessary for the SPU), available from Ortofon (in the UK, via Henley):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ortofon-AS...item414ac6b0cc

Marco.

---

Quite. I must say I had 'urges'
How does the AS-212is compare to the 212D ?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by loo

yes Ortofon model numbers are a bit strange ,
the TA is a nice arm though much improved on its jelco cousin
Paul
PS Mike I wouldn't buy one from japan though I would buy it from Ortofon;)
they sell them direct on their web shop for 1450 euros so as cheep in the end

---

The TA-110 ?
How's that compared to the 212D, which I have heard working !

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MartinT

I don't know, but I've bought from 2juki and his service is excellent. He is in Hong Kong.

---

Yes I have had a few things off him agreed he is excellent, it probably is him showing sound business sense by exploiting his well earned reputation for supplying quality cartridges at very competitive prices , I'm just suspicious of everything on ebay these days
Paul

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MartinT

You can't use a 12" arm on the Technics with its armboard positioning. It would have to be on an outrigger. To my mind, that would be a waste of time as the benefits of 12" arms wouldn't warrant it.

---

I'm nowhere near that brave

I've been through the 12" arm thing and back again.
12" arms I tried sound great for bass and highs but lack the drive / get up and go of a 9".

My FR64s looks like it will fit but is toward the outer/back of the board but central enough for a nice dished board I reckon: its spindle to pivot of 230mm = 9.6" length.

I have an outrigger for 12" arms on the SP-10. I don't use it though since getting the 64s...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

I've been through the 12" arm thing and back again.
12" arms I tried sound great for bass and highs but lack the drive / get up and go of a 9".

My FR64s looks like it will fit but is toward the outer/back of the board but central enough for a nice dished board I reckon: its spindle to pivot of 230mm = 9.6" length.

I have an outrigger for 12" arms on the SP-10. I don't use it though since getting the 64s...

---

12" too far off the beaten track for me
:)

Hi Mike

the lowest price I could find for the Ortofon TA-110 (which is BTW the only Ortofon tonearm that fits the Techy AND that's currently available) is from this greek seller.
http://athensproaudio.gr/hi-fi/playe...alance-en.html
The arm got a great review from Adam Smith (Beobloke).
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...56343320,d.bGE

Hope this helps

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikeMusic

http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/TA-110-p882

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ortofon-TA...item2ecb62c33e

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008830978...84.m1438.l2649

---

Hi Mike,

Obviously the TA-210 is out, as it's a 12" arm...

I do rate the new TA-110, and if I were getting one I would buy it from Simon (at Hi-fi Sound in Stockton-on-Tees), where I've bought all my Ortofon 'bits', as he's a top bloke and *may* give you a small discount, most likely if you mention my name ;)

However, IMO, the RS-212D is the better tonearm (built to a higher, more exacting standard, which includes the 'Dynamic Balance' system that improves tracking - an effect I have tested, and so can confirm its efficacy). However, before ordering it from joynetcafe (whom I've used before and can recommend), I'd check with Simon to see if Henley can still obtain stock.

If not, I'd go for the brand new RS-212D from joynetcafe - but if you're serious about obtaining this tonearm then I'd bag it ASAP before stocks dry up completely! :)

Although, like I said, give Simon a shout first: http://www.hifisound.co.uk/

Marco.

Hi Michael,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by krugdoktor

the lowest price I could find for the Ortofon TA-110 (which is BTW the only Ortofon tonearm that fits the Techy...)

---

Sorry, that is untrue, as I'm currently listening to an Ortofon RS-212D (with an SPU Royal GM fitted) playing music on my own Techy!!

Oh look, here it is (as per my avatar):


http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/3799/m8ge.jpg


;)

Marco.

Hi Steve,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

I've been through the 12" arm thing and back again.
12" arms I tried sound great for bass and highs but lack the drive / get up and go of a 9".

---

I concur completely, as those are the results of my own findings. The best 9" arms, quite simply, 'boogie' better. 12" arms may be technically more accurate (they certainly sound smoother), but they sure as hell aren't as much fun to listen to - certainly not to my ears! :nono:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by krugdoktor

Hi Mike

the lowest price I could find for the Ortofon TA-110 (which is BTW the only Ortofon tonearm that fits the Techy AND that's currently available) is from this greek seller.
http://athensproaudio.gr/hi-fi/playe...alance-en.html
The arm got a great review from Adam Smith (Beobloke).
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...56343320,d.bGE

Hope this helps

---

Thanks Michael
So this is a replacement for the 212D.....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Hi Mike,

Obviously the TA-210 is out, as it's a 12" arm...

I do rate the new TA-110, and if I were getting one I would buy it from Simon (at Hi-fi Sound in Stockton-on-Tees), where I've bought all my Ortofon 'bits', as he's a top bloke and *may* give you a small discount, most likely if you mention my name ;)

However, IMO, the RS-212D is the better tonearm (built to a higher, more exacting standard, which includes the 'Dynamic Balance' system that improves tracking - an effect I have tested, and so can confirm its efficacy). However, before ordering it from joynetcafe (whom I've used before and can recommend), I'd check with Simon to see if Henley can still obtain stock.

If not, I'd go for the brand new RS-212D from joynetcafe - but if you're serious about obtaining this tonearm then I'd bag it ASAP before stocks dry up completely! :)

Although, like I said, give Simon a shout first: http://www.hifisound.co.uk/

Marco.

---

Thanks Marco
£1400 seems like a hell of a price to beat.
I'll give Simon a nudge.
I wasn't in a rush until you said they stopped making them !

Hmm, the TA-110 9" doesn't look like a SPU carrier somehow? Effective mass 3.5g? Headshell mass 15.5g. Plus 0-3g tracking force range.

My Royal N only came alive once in the FR64s headshell / arm effective mass of the 64s is 35g:)

Effective mass data on the 212D seem a bit elusive but the range is 0-4.5g or 0-5g.

Do I read it then as Ortofon don't have a 9" arm to handle the SPUs they make? Seems odd. Perhaps they have a CW booster?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikeMusic

Thanks Michael
So this is a replacement for the 212D.....

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Hi Steve,



I concur completely, as those are the results of my own findings. The best 9" arms, quite simply, 'boogie' better. 12" arms may be technically more accurate (they certainly sound smoother), but they sure as hell aren't as much fun to listen to! :nono:

Marco.

---

Marco, what would be your gut feeling and wisdom beyond years experience about using a Naim Aro unipivot arm on a highly specced 1210 complete with SS ebony or African hardwood mounting board... Something I would like to try at a future date? At the mo I'm using a modified (AO silver wired, damped) Linn Ekos. I swapped back to this after using a Jelco 750D, which I still own, preferring the Ekos (Akos :)). The JellyD is still a very good arm which I will be using on my Modified LP12 (Office system). Avid do, or did, an SME slide fitting to accommodate the Aro which would allow for adjustment and also provide a useful arm clip to hold the Aro in place when not as opposed to the horrible right angle nail that Naim themselves use as an arm rest.
Ron

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikeMusic

Thanks Marco
£1400 seems like a hell of a price to beat.
I'll give Simon a nudge.
I wasn't in a rush until you said they stopped making them !

---

No worries, dude. Don't forget that, being in the UK, Simon is only a quick phone call away, should any problems arise, and he has an excellent relationship with Henley (the UK importers for Ortofon products).

I've had first-hand experience of his (and Henley's) excellent customer service. You will not have the same level of care or peace of mind by ordering directly from Japan. I'm not saying that joynetcafe wouldn't look after you, but the fact is they're 1000's of miles way and don't have the same infrastructure in place (in terms of handling the sale of Ortofon products), as Hi-fi Sound and/or Henley, so I'd think carefully about that....

Furthermore, don't forget how much you'll get hammered for tax and import duty, should you buy direct from Japan (and it will be significant, so be sure to factor that into the equation), not to mention the risk of anything getting lost or damaged en-route to you. If Simon can get an RS-212D, he'll simply order it from Henley, and you'll be covered for all eventualities along the way, not to mention, when the arm arrives at Simon's place, it'll be examined and tested before it is sent onto you.

Therefore, if it were me, I'd have to be saving PLENTY, and I mean plenty, (by ordering it from Japan), for it to outweigh the advantages of going through Simon - *if* he can get you the tonearm in question :)

Keep us posted of the outcome!

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

No worries, dude. Don't forget that, being in the UK, Simon is only a quick phone call away, should any problems arise, and he has an excellent relationship with Henley (the UK importers for Ortofon products).

I've had first-hand experience of his (and Henley's) excellent customer service. You will not have the same level of care or peace of mind by ordering directly from Japan. I'm not saying that joynetcafe wouldn't look after you, but the fact is they're 1000's of miles way and don't have the same infrastructure in place, as Hi-fi Sound and/or Henley, so I'd think carefully about that....

Furthermore, don't forget how much you'll get hammered for tax and import duty, should you buy direct from Japan (and it will be significant, so be sure to factor that into the equation), not to mention the risk of anything getting lost or damaged en-route to you. If Simon can get an RS-212D, he'll simply order it from Henley, and you'll be covered for all eventualities along the way, not to mention, when the arm arrives at Simon's place, it'll be examined and tested before it is sent onto you.

Therefore, if it were me, I'd have to be saving PLENTY, and I mean plenty, (by ordering it from Japan), for it to outweigh the advantages of going through Simon - *if* he can get you the tonearm in question :)

Keep us posted of the outcome!

Marco.

---

Thanks Marco
Take a stab at customs duties on £1400
Remember to stick your finger in the air
:)

Hi Steve,

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

Hmm, the TA-110 9" doesn't look like a SPU carrier somehow? Effective mass 3.5g? Headshell mass 15.5g. Plus 0-3g tracking force range.

My Royal N only came alive once in the FR64s headshell / arm effective mass of the 64s is 35g

Effective mass data on the 212D seem a bit elusive but the range is 0-4.5g or 0-5g.

Do I read it then as Ortofon don't have a 9" arm to handle the SPUs they make? Seems odd. Perhaps they have a CW booster?

---

Indeed there is (scroll down and see the section regarding installing the 'extra mass ring' for the TA-110): http://www.ortofon.com/products/tonearms/ta-110 Also, 3g VTF is the max that can be achieved, using the stock CW. With the extra mass ring fitted, that will change significantly!

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the spec for the RS-212D, in terms of mass, as one also has to consider how much mass the grinded wooden headshell adds to the equation, which the SPU is housed within, including the mounting hardware and wires.

Furthermore, and most importantly, you've heard the 212D, in conjunction with my (then) SPU Classic GM(E), in your own system, when I was down at your place, having my ebony armboard fitted, and if you remember, it didn't exactly sound shabby (or did any sonic evidence exist suggesting a lack of mass)! ;)

We also compared my T/T, fitted with said arm and cartridge, with your SP10/FR64S/SPU Silver-Meister, if you remember... :)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikeMusic

Thanks Marco
Take a stab at customs duties on £1400
Remember to stick your finger in the air
:)

---

Based on previous experience, I reckon you'd be looking at around £200-250, plus it could be held up in Customs for weeks, especially at this time of year...

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Based on previous experience, I reckon you'd be looking at around £200-250, plus it could be held up in Customs for weeks, especially at this time of year...

Marco.

---

Thanks Marco. And I won't/can't hold you to that as I know customs make up the rules as they go along

Hi Ron,

Nice to see you popping in again, matey! I hope that life is treating you well :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JazzBones

Marco, what would be your gut feeling and wisdom beyond years experience about using a Naim Aro unipivot arm on a highly specced 1210 complete with SS ebony or African hardwood mounting board... Something I would like to try at a future date? At the mo I'm using a modified (AO silver wired, damped) Linn Ekos. I swapped back to this after using a Jelco 750D, which I still own, preferring the Ekos (Akos). The JellyD is still a very good arm which I will be using on my Modified LP12 (Office system). Avid do, or did, an SME slide fitting to accommodate the Aro which would allow for adjustment and also provide a useful arm clip to hold the Aro in place when not as opposed to the horrible right angle nail that Naim themselves use as an arm rest.

---

First of all, I'm not surprised you like the Ekos, as others I trust have reported success with that combination, and knowing the sonic signature of both the Techy and the Ekos, I can see why it would work!

As for unipivots, yup, if you fancy it, I'd go for it. The unipivots I've heard so far on the Technics (Hadcock GH242 Integra, Roksan Nima) sound FAB, creating a rather 'musically infectious' sound, full of colour (in a good way) and insight. If the Aro (a tonearm which I've always rated highly) can be successfully mounted onto the Technics, with the right cartridge, I'm sure the results would be fantastic :cool:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikeMusic

Thanks Marco. And I won't/can't hold you to that as I know customs make up the rules as they go along

---

No worries, dude. You have to weigh it up carefully for yourself. However, if Simon can get the arm, I know what I would do.

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

No worries, dude. You have to weigh it up carefully for yourself. However, if Simon can get the arm, I know what I would do.

Marco.

---

And seeing you and Ron talking about an Aro
I have one, currently on the LP12...

Indeed, but you'd have a bugger of a job trying to fit your SPU onto it...! ;)

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Indeed, but you'd have a bugger of a job trying to fit your SPU onto it...! ;)

Marco.

---

Couple of elastic bands and a hard push ?
:)

I don't really wish to discuss your bedroom activities here :eyebrows:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Hi Steve,



Indeed there is (scroll down and see the section regarding installing the 'extra mass ring' for the TA-110): http://www.ortofon.com/products/tonearms/ta-110 Also, 3g VTF is the max that can be achieved, using the stock CW. With the extra mass ring fitted, that will change significantly!

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the spec for the RS-212D, in terms of mass, as one also has to consider how much mass the grinded wooden headshell adds to the equation, which the SPU is housed within, including the mounting hardware and wires.

Furthermore, and most importantly, you've heard the 212D, in conjunction with my (then) SPU Classic GM(E), in your own system, when I was down at your place, having my ebony armboard fitted, and if you remember, it didn't exactly sound shabby (or did any sonic evidence exist suggesting a lack of mass)! ;)

We also compared my T/T, fitted with said arm and cartridge, with your SP10/FR64S/SPU Silver-Meister, if you remember... :)

Marco.

---

Oh yes I remember - Great day. Making the armboard - fitting and listening all in one longish day;)

It did sound superb so I have no worries on the 212D. It was the new kid on the block I was referring too.

Indeed the SPU wooden or other contruction headshell inc cart weigh about 30g. The FR64s headshell and Royal N cart weigh in at 32g.

Here is the latest ebony board for the SME 309 fitting.

In the post today Phil;) along with your SME template and the fitting kit. I'll send some instructions on fitting. Its pretty simple but the blind nut plates fit in a certain way...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8145be5da6.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f446334c42.jpg

Steve that's a bleeding work of art mate:cool:

Cool that you like...
Yours is next up;)

Fab work (as usual), Steve! :clap:

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

Oh yes I remember - Great day. Making the armboard - fitting and listening all in one longish day;)

It did sound superb so I have no worries on the 212D. It was the new kid on the block I was referring too.

Indeed the SPU wooden or other contruction headshell inc cart weigh about 30g. The FR64s headshell and Royal N cart weigh in at 32g.

---

Yup, it was a great day - very enjoyable watching the master at work! :)

With regards to the efficacy of the Ortofon TA-110 tonearm, in relation to its use with an SPU, I foresee no problems. I used an SPU quite happily in a Jelco SA-750D (as does Mike), with the Jelco heavy counterweight balance. Both arms are of similar mass. The TA-110 is also made by Jelco, but recently has been significantly improved in a number of areas, notably in terms of damping of the armtube. It also comes with a rather nice (very high quality) Ortofon tonearm cable.

Therefore, with the extra-mass ring in place, it should sing rather nicely with an SPU. I suspect that it won't be quite as good as an RS-212D, but if the latter is genuinely no longer available (which Mike will no doubt confirm soon) then, along with the Jelco SA-750, it's the only new tonearm option suitable for use with an SPU, which is widely available.

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

Cool that you like...
Yours is next up;)

---

Thanks Steve, there's no rush mate, the tonearm is still en-route from Hong Kong but I expect it will be in sunny Glasgow by the end of the next week.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will escape the RM customs gestapo:eyebrows:

Yes, Fingers crossed on that one.

Ebony arrived. Armboard work to comment on Monday...
Should have it with you by the time the arm arrives;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twotone

Thanks Steve, there's no rush mate, the tonearm is still en-route from Hong Kong but I expect it will be in sunny Glasgow by the end of the next week.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will escape the RM customs gestapo:eyebrows:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

Yes, Fingers crossed on that one.

Ebony arrived. Armboard work to comment on Monday...
Should have it with you by the time the arm arrives;)

---

Hi Steve, the arm has arrived and is in amazing condition however there are no screws or fixings to fix the arm to to the arm board, I'm hoping you have something suitable?

Kind regards

Tony

PS, the arm slipped past the RM gestapo:cool:

Cool the arm made it:) It's a very nicely made arm indeed.

I remember using 3 M3 or M4 bolts on Robbie's.
I've PM's you regarding solutions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twotone

Hi Steve, the arm has arrived and is in amazing condition however there are no screws or fixings to fix the arm to to the arm board, I'm hoping you have something suitable?

Kind regards

Tony

PS, the arm slipped past the RM gestapo:cool:

---

Here is Tony's.

For a Mikro Seiki MA-202.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...67f479f8f3.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a09ab2a4da.jpg

Steve I love you:wow::popcorn:

Superb! We expect a full (sound) report in Strokes of Genius, when you try it, Tony! :cool:

Marco.

Steady on! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twotone

Steve I love you:wow::popcorn:

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Superb! We expect a full (sound) report in Strokes of Genius, when you try it, Tony! :cool:

Marco.

---

Thanks Marco, will do.

BTW, Steve's communications have been fantastic, he's responded very quickly indeed to every stupid question that I've thrown at him:cool:

Indeed, that's what makes him a top bloke (along with the fact that he's, erm, 'not bad' working with wood)! :eyebrows:

Enjoy your armboard - I guarantee you that it will 'sound' as good as it looks!!

Marco.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Marco

Indeed, that's what makes him a top bloke (along with the fact that he's, erm, 'not bad' working with wood)! :eyebrows:

Enjoy your armboard - I guarantee you that it will 'sound' as good as it looks!!

Marco.

---

Hi guys, the armboard arrived today, thanks Steve.

Absolutely wonderful job, beautiful peice of wood and workmanship.

Steve, with the best will in the world, there is no way that I would have been able to drill three 4mm holes in that armboard mate:D

I've worked in the building trade for over 35 years and have drilled into every conceivable material including granite and porcelaine tiles but that ebony wood is something else...

I can only imagine the tools you use to make these armboards, the drills and cutters must be super sharp and the machines must have very powerful motors indeed.

Tony.

BTW, the arm board is also a bleeding bargain:eek:

Hi Tony,
Great. Glad you like it :cool:... What's the new arm sound like then???:)

It's an odd material, sort of hard and soft at the same time. Sharp tools yes - a must. It blunts them quickly as you say but not as bad as hard stainless steel - Machining that I really don't do...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twotone

Hi guys, the armboard arrived today, thanks Steve.

Absolutely wonderful job, beautiful peice of wood and workmanship.

Steve, with the best will in the world, there is no way that I would have been able to drill three 4mm holes in that armboard mate:D

I've worked in the building trade for over 35 years and have drilled into every conceivable material including granite and porcelaine tiles but that ebony wood is something else...

I can only imagine the tools you use to make these armboards, the drills and cutters must be super sharp and the machines must have very powerful motors indeed.

Tony.

BTW, the arm board is also a bleeding bargain:eek:

---

Here's Ali Tait's Jelco spacer.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b610ae0e43.jpg

Here is Loo's Luxman pd300 armboard. Rega fitting.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9f8cfa4e6e.jpg

Wahey! Looks great Steve.

ooh Steve , that looks fantastic I cant wait to get it fitted
thanks for your workmanship
Paul

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by speedy.steve

Hi Tony,
Great. Glad you like it :cool:... What's the new arm sound like then???:)

It's an odd material, sort of hard and soft at the same time. Sharp tools yes - a must. It blunts them quickly as you say but not as bad as hard stainless steel - Machining that I really don't do...

---

Hi Steve, thanks.

Not got the arm installed yet:doh:I'm going to do it at the weekend so will post results then.

Tony

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by twotone

Hi Steve, thanks.

Not got the arm installed yet:doh:I'm going to do it at the weekend so will post results then.

Tony

---

Tony how can you wait so long , you some sort of saint:eyebrows:
I will be mugging me postie at the sorting office to get mine fitted that bit quicker:lol:
nice arm choice BTW
Paul