Phonomac AT 1010 Mk VI mini review

[da2222]

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…