Phonomac AT 1010 Mk VI mini review

Hi Guys

I've now had the Phonomac AT1010 MkVI tonearm for a few days and although I'm still at a few hours listening -and probably a few more away in terns of fine tuning/ tweaking- I'd like to offer some impressions. The arm replaces a PMAT 1005MKII which was itself a very admirable performer. (System consists of: Garrard 401 with Tenuto mat, LongDog power supply, AT33 PTG MKII, LongDog 300B SET, Valab LCR MKIII, Edingdale speakers).

Initial observations are as follows:


- Sound has gained a much greater sense of attack/ urgency/ dynamism. So much more energy and thrill to musical presentation, in a sense my system seems to have awoken from an extended hibernation.


- The bottom end has so much more depth and presence while still integrating seamlessly with the mids. Treble is very good too and I expect some tinkering with VTA and VTF will further improve matters.


- Presence and soundstage is stunning, Music spills from here, there, everywhere...I'm constantly hearing more aspects/ details to the musical arrangement on tracks I thought I knew inside out.


- I mentioned to Angus that while my wife usually just ‘tolerates' my music after a long day at work, just the other night she was singing out loud to Tracy Chapman. This, I think is the key: music is so much more engaging and draws the listener even closer to it.


Angus, in addition to his tireless advice and help has produced something very special here, I had no idea a tonearm could be such a critical component. More to follow in the next few days…

its a corker alright!
one of my best buys.

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Originally Posted by karma67

its a corker alright!
one of my best buys.

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Same here

Haha!

Ooooooohhhhhh yes.

Had my PMAT1010 from the MKIV, and it continues to impress me every time I listen to vinyl.

He is a master of the arm, and of the cartridge and you were wise to listen.

Enjoyed the writeup. Thanks for sharing!

It is very pleeasing to hear your initial thoughts on your new choice of PMAT-1010,
I look forward to your updates on how you become a extremely satisfied owner.

The PMAT -1010 is captivating in abundance, as well as involving.
Both of these traits evoke pleasurable emotion, and a great sense of satsfaction.
But the PMAT 1010 is much more than this, it is the Culmination of Angus's Career in Engineering, that was redirected into Micro Engineering in the later part of his career,
combined with a enduring love/fascination for vinyl replays that extends back to his youth .
All the knowledge pondered and researched over many years, on how to allow a Stylus to function at its most free travel across a Vinyl Disc are incorporated into a PMAT-1010 .
Tonearm Geometry is completely understood and the limitations found in other designs are overcome with this design in its basic form, the PMAT 1010 design excels the inherent strengths to another level, that few Tonearms can approach.
The understanding of the considerations required to be put into place for working against drag and friction being inhibitors to a free movement in the PMAT-1010, the resulting end design is possibly one of the lowest coefficients of friction to be created in a Pivot Axis Tonearm.
With the PMAT-1010 there is a mindfulness in it as a design that is beyond a usual offering, the fundamental design surpasses many competitors designs, combined with the flexibility of usage and ease of a correct set up as offered by the base model, it becomes a very attractive Tonearm.
For the very reasonable Outlay to acquire a PMAT 1010, backed up by the continuous support avaible from the designer/producer, in my view there is not another Tonearm to come near it.
It is now a Bespoke Item, produced by a individual who has put their Mind, Honed Skills and Heart into the creativity that is captured witin the PMAT 1010.
I've owned other noted Tonearms and still own a few, after hearing the PMAT 1010 and at a later date learning of it as a option to aquire one, this as my choice of Tonearm has relegated the others to being on the Subs Bench.

Great review Drew.
Leaves one wondering where to get one from?!
Answers on a postcard.

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Originally Posted by SteveW

Great review Drew.
Leaves one wondering where to get one from?!
Answers on a postcard.

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You need to speak to Phonomac of this forum.

Angus is a legend. No question.

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Originally Posted by Bigman80

You need to speak to Phonomac of this forum.

Angus is a legend. No question.

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Will do, cheers Oliver.

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Originally Posted by SteveW

Will do, cheers Oliver.

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No problem. Can't recommend him, or the arm highly enough

Roughly how much is a Mk6 nowadays and how long does one have to wait?

A PMAT-1010 Mk6 costs £1295 with the recommended MS-9 headshell (£1250 with no headshell). One could be available in about 8 weeks - so probably into the New Year.

With currently committed units that would be the last one that I have from a donor arm bought before the general price increase and scarcity of late. After that I will have to search deeper and pay more which will affect final price.

Not trying to push anybody into a purchase, just stating the situation.

Looks quite expensive to those who don't know exactly how much "modding" goes into the arm.

Luckily, I do, even if I don't understand it all lol.

The price puts this arm in the price bracket of lofty (by reputation) alternatives, but I wouldn't and won't swap mine for any of them.

A possible MK7 on the horizon too so I'd expect that price (and performance) to increase. Especially as Angus has managed to find a contact, on the ground IN japan, who is now sending him bearings that are not available online, or outside of Japan.

Last I heard, Angus had managed to source some Titanium rod but I haven't figured out what that is for lol, but I'm absolutely top of the list for the next upgrade. No hesitation.

You can always buy a donor arm yourself and send it for the upgrade service.

Seconded and next on the list :)

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Originally Posted by phonomac

A PMAT-1010 Mk6 costs £1295 with the recommended MS-9 headshell (£1250 with no headshell). One could be available in about 8 weeks - so probably into the New Year.

With currently committed units that would be the last one that I have from a donor arm bought before the general price increase and scarcity of late. After that I will have to search deeper and pay more which will affect final price.

Not trying to push anybody into a purchase, just stating the situation.

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Hello, I own an AT-1010 and would like to contact you privately for your upgrade which I am very interested in.
Sorry if I contact you publicly on this thread but I can't find the section for private messages on the forum, I hope someone can help me.
Thanks so much.

as a new member you have to make a certain number of posts before you can private message.

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Originally Posted by karma67

as a new member you have to make a certain number of posts before you can private message.

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Ok, many thanks!

are you on any other forums that you can private message?

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Originally Posted by karma67

are you on any other forums that you can private message?

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Yes, I joined other forums where I can send private messages, I didn't know you needed a minimum number of posts to be able to write in private. Thank you

well perhaps if you say what ones they are (uk based) it would help,if im also a member you can send me your email address and i will forward it on to him.

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Originally Posted by karma67

well perhaps if you say what ones they are (uk based) it would help,if im also a member you can send me your email address and i will forward it on to him.

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You are very kind, luckily Phonomac read my post and contacted me privately, thanks a lot anyway.

great a happy outcome!