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Thread: Phono cartridges for NAIM ARO

  1. #1
    Join Date: Apr 2016

    Location: Brussels

    Posts: 21
    I'm Sven.

    Default Phono cartridges for NAIM ARO

    For lots of hifi friends, the ultimate Linn Sondek LP12 is fitted with the Naim ARO unipivot pick up arm on a special made ARO Keel sub-chassis.
    The ARO was originally designed to fit the Linn LP12 turntable using a Linn cartridge, namely the Linn Troika. Linn cartridges have typically a stylus to bolt distance (the offset distance between the stylus and the cartridge mounting screws) of 7mm. In the absence of a sliding base, or sliding options in the fixed headshell of the ARO, the overhang is not adjustable. When used with a non-Linn cartrdige, the overhang might be off the curve, causing distortion.
    I will not start to discuss here the importance of a correct overhang, although this is an interesting question. I start this new thread to exchange some experiences using non-Linn cartridges in the Naim ARO.
    Generally, cartridges with a stylus to bolt distance (SBD) of 7-10mm are acceptable for an ARO. Most of the cartridge manufacturers does not state the SBD in the specifications of a cartridge.
    Most of the ARO users use Dynavector cartridges, with a SBD of 8mm. I personally use a Fidelity Research MC201, with a SBD of 10mm.
    Does anyone have other experiences? Maybe even medium output cartridges around 1mV with a 7-10 SBD?
    I know there are probably other threads about this same subject, but it might be interesting to update this question.
    What about Soundsmith cartridges on ARO?
    Audio Note AN-E/LX, OTO Phono SE Signature, ISIS speaker cable, Linn LP12-Naim ARO-Dynavector 20x2H, Technics SP10 Mk2-Audio Creative Groovemaster-Ortofon SL15, Garrard 301-SME3012-Linn/ Supex Troika-SME3009-Hana SL Mono, Thorens TD124-Schick 12”-Denon DL103PRO, Tavish Adagio, Ayre P5xe, Phasemation T-500, Denon AU-340, Nakamichi CR4, AQVOX, A23, AN-LEXUS interlinks, Atoll DR200-DAC200 Signature

  2. #2
    Join Date: Mar 2016

    Location: Barnet, london UK

    Posts: 2,146
    I'm Adam.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Boussven View Post
    For lots of hifi friends, the ultimate Linn Sondek LP12 is fitted with the Naim ARO unipivot pick up arm on a special made ARO Keel sub-chassis.
    The ARO was originally designed to fit the Linn LP12 turntable using a Linn cartridge, namely the Linn Troika. Linn cartridges have typically a stylus to bolt distance (the offset distance between the stylus and the cartridge mounting screws) of 7mm. In the absence of a sliding base, or sliding options in the fixed headshell of the ARO, the overhang is not adjustable. When used with a non-Linn cartrdige, the overhang might be off the curve, causing distortion.
    I will not start to discuss here the importance of a correct overhang, although this is an interesting question. I start this new thread to exchange some experiences using non-Linn cartridges in the Naim ARO.
    Generally, cartridges with a stylus to bolt distance (SBD) of 7-10mm are acceptable for an ARO. Most of the cartridge manufacturers does not state the SBD in the specifications of a cartridge.
    Most of the ARO users use Dynavector cartridges, with a SBD of 8mm. I personally use a Fidelity Research MC201, with a SBD of 10mm.
    Does anyone have other experiences? Maybe even medium output cartridges around 1mV with a 7-10 SBD?
    I know there are probably other threads about this same subject, but it might be interesting to update this question.
    What about Soundsmith cartridges on ARO?

    I previously used a Cartridge Man Music Master LE (moving Iron) to great effect on the Aro/LP12, also the less expensive Cartridge Man Music Maker was excellent.
    Didn't give way to anything the moving Coils offer..

    The Dynavector XX2 Mk2 was a great match on the MC front. Also used a Benz Micro Glider SL, which was pretty good but not on par with the Dynavector or the Cartridgeman options..

    Miss my Aro sometimes, great arm.
    "lack of passion is fatal"


    Vinyl: Thorens TD-124mk2 / SME-312 Aluminium 'special' / SME M2-9R / STEREO: Etsuro Urushi Cobalt / Shure M3D / Ortofon SPU A95 / Cartridge Man Music Master / Shure - SC35C (US) / SAEC C3 MC MONO: Miyajima Zero B 0.7mil mono / Miyajima Premium 1.0 / Amps & SUTs: Radford STA25 mk3 / AD Audio 'Satchmo2' pre & LCR phono / Hashimoto HM-7 SUT / ETR-MONO SUT Digital: Audio Note 4.1 (with DAC5 upgrades) DAC / Roon / Tidal Speakers: Tannoy 12" MGs' in RFC custom 'Rutland' Cabinets with RFC crossovers / Tannoy ST-100 Super Tweeters Cables: LFD Grainless phono / RFC Mercury / Duelund DCA16GA tinned copper / Kimber 12TC / SW1X Audio Design USB-SPdif / Duelund DCA20GA interconnects / SW1X Audio SPDIF Aero 6 / Mains Power Conditioner / Box Furniture rack / Audiodesk Systeme Vinyl Cleaner / a very beautiful & understanding Wife!

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2016

    Location: Brussels

    Posts: 21
    I'm Sven.

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    The discontinued Ortofon Rondo range seems to be a good match for the ARO. Anyone some old stock for sale of the Rondo’s?
    Audio Note AN-E/LX, OTO Phono SE Signature, ISIS speaker cable, Linn LP12-Naim ARO-Dynavector 20x2H, Technics SP10 Mk2-Audio Creative Groovemaster-Ortofon SL15, Garrard 301-SME3012-Linn/ Supex Troika-SME3009-Hana SL Mono, Thorens TD124-Schick 12”-Denon DL103PRO, Tavish Adagio, Ayre P5xe, Phasemation T-500, Denon AU-340, Nakamichi CR4, AQVOX, A23, AN-LEXUS interlinks, Atoll DR200-DAC200 Signature

  4. #4
    Bigman80 Guest

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Boussven View Post
    The discontinued Ortofon Rondo range seems to be a good match for the ARO. Anyone some old stock for sale of the Rondo’s?
    Think there was a rondo for sale on here but needed a new stylus.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Aug 2018

    Location: London Knightsbridge

    Posts: 414
    I'm Nari.

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    I have used the top grado,s with great effect personally finding them more engaging over the dynavectors, the Vdh Grasshopper iv and black beauty used to work well back in the day. I have a good friend using the Vdh Strad to great effect on the Aro for some reason there is some real synergy. I have heard a rondo on the aro sounding rather flat and boring.
    Most important and used Walker Black Diamond Etsuro Gold, Micro Seiki 8000mk2 Kondo special V12 Tiger Eye, Fidelity Research FR 66 Shindo spu, EMT 927, sme 312 aluminium. Fidelity research fr66, Sme 3012 mk1, Sme V, Ikeda 407 IT Sme Model 30/2/Dynavector 507 Kodo Beat Turntable Airtangent 10B modified Fidelity fr66s Etsuro Cartridge . Kondo Gakuoh Mk1 powers G70 Pre,Audio Tekne TFA-8695PCS pre Audio Tekne TEA 8695 Phono. Lfd Battery Phono Stage heavily custom rebuilt by Dr Richard Bews, Tharx Phono Stage. Lfd Master Dual Biamp power amp, Lfd Anniversary master preamp. Shindo Latour Field Coil. Rockport Cygnus Biamped, Voigt Domestic Corner Horns/ Feastex Fildcoils. LFD Custom silver Ribbons. LFD Diamond Vipor Mk2 interconnects, Lfd Golden Cobra interconnect. Koetsu blue lace mono special order, Koetsu burma jade mono special order.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Aug 2012

    Location: North East

    Posts: 3,670
    I'm Steve.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Bigman80 View Post
    Think there was a rondo for sale on here but needed a new stylus.
    I have a Bronze in need of a stylus. Any offers?

  7. #7
    Join Date: May 2015

    Location: London

    Posts: 63
    I'm martin.

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    I’ve owned an Aro since 2007 now on a Tangerine Audio Stiletto in that time i’ve used 3 cartridges a DV20L moved onto a Micro Benz Wood SL. Three years ago had a Kiseki Blue NS fitted by Derek Jenkins ( R.I.P ) a gifted engineer on an LP 12 known him for some 35 years.

    The Kiseki is a wonderful cartridge very smooth and delicate price in the region of £1700. I thought the SL was very good but this Kiseki is on another level.

    Regards,

    Martin

  8. #8
    Join Date: Apr 2016

    Location: Brussels

    Posts: 21
    I'm Sven.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vrajbasi View Post
    I have used the top grado,s with great effect personally finding them more engaging over the dynavectors.
    Well, the Grado's have a mounting-hole-to-stylus distance of 10mm, so that's 3mm off the curve. Maybe I am a maniac, but I have difficulties accepting that because of the distortion.
    Audio Note AN-E/LX, OTO Phono SE Signature, ISIS speaker cable, Linn LP12-Naim ARO-Dynavector 20x2H, Technics SP10 Mk2-Audio Creative Groovemaster-Ortofon SL15, Garrard 301-SME3012-Linn/ Supex Troika-SME3009-Hana SL Mono, Thorens TD124-Schick 12”-Denon DL103PRO, Tavish Adagio, Ayre P5xe, Phasemation T-500, Denon AU-340, Nakamichi CR4, AQVOX, A23, AN-LEXUS interlinks, Atoll DR200-DAC200 Signature

  9. #9
    Join Date: Apr 2016

    Location: Brussels

    Posts: 21
    I'm Sven.

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    Are there any Naim ARO users left, or is this pick-up arm out of date, boxed in closed cabinets?
    Audio Note AN-E/LX, OTO Phono SE Signature, ISIS speaker cable, Linn LP12-Naim ARO-Dynavector 20x2H, Technics SP10 Mk2-Audio Creative Groovemaster-Ortofon SL15, Garrard 301-SME3012-Linn/ Supex Troika-SME3009-Hana SL Mono, Thorens TD124-Schick 12”-Denon DL103PRO, Tavish Adagio, Ayre P5xe, Phasemation T-500, Denon AU-340, Nakamichi CR4, AQVOX, A23, AN-LEXUS interlinks, Atoll DR200-DAC200 Signature

  10. #10
    Join Date: May 2014

    Location: Solihull

    Posts: 717
    I'm Martin.

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    I have had the LP12 fitted with the Aro arm for many years with 3 Troikas. One used, one from new and that one rebuilt.
    I also had the Tangerine Audio Karmen top plate and the Plateau sub chassis.
    I sought advice from those nice people in Salisbury who said that many had gone for the Benz Micro Glider, but opted for the Benz Wood SL, which I like enormously and found it not unlike the Troika.
    I do think that the solid Karmen top plate gives the LP12 much better focus than the original.
    And for those of us lucky enough to still have an ARO the SKALE counterweight is mandatory (IMHO)
    Lumley Heliosphere Audiomods 5
    Voyd Valdi AN Arm 1 V2 and Denon MC
    Audiomeca Talisman Highly Modded
    Audiomeca Kreatura &,SW1X DAC1
    Hovland HP200 MC
    Hovland Radia
    Ming Da 805 monos
    Magnum Dynalab Etude, RWA Cassabria + LCD 3
    Wilson Benesch Actors
    Cables by Cardas, Hovland G3 and Yter

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