New Ortofon RS-212D tonearm, chez Marco

[Marco]

Hi Richard,

I've sold my old SPU to Barry, and the Jelco 750 to Canetoad (Bernie)

If Barry hadn't taken it, you were next on my list of 'first refusals'! I know you regret letting it go

I'm hoping that the elliptical version will retain all the 'balls' and drive of the basic SPU, and add a soupçon more sparkly lurveliness at the top end, too!

Marco.

[Marco]

Over 2K + VAT

So the Ortofon, price-wise, is in between an SME IV and an V? It would be interesting to hear how it compares with both, sonically.... No doubt I'll get the opportunity to do that sometime

Marco.

[hifi_dave]

Ah, so how much as an SME V, then, Dave?

Marco.

SME Series V is £2391 inc VAT, that is unless you want the gold plated option..

[Marco]

Lurvely - bring on the bling!

So the Ortofon is kind of in the same ballpark as the V....

The bottom line, for me, is that the RS-212D is the ideal modern tonearm for an SPU. How it would perform with 'normal' cartridges, compared to an SME IV or V, I have no idea, and nor is it relevant in my circumstances.

I did toy with the idea of bagging an FR64, and had my eye on a few, but in the end I decided to go for the more practical 'low-maintenance' option, where I can guarantee the quality of the bearings, and which comes with an actual guarantee!

Marco.

[Gromit]

Hi Richard,

I've sold my old SPU to Barry, and the Jelco 750 to Canetoad (Bernie)

If Barry hadn't taken it, you were next on my list of 'first refusals'! I know you regret letting it go

I'm hoping that the elliptical version will retain all the 'balls' and drive of the basic SPU, and add a soupçon more sparkly lurveliness at the top end, too!

Marco.

Hey, no worries. A lovely old thing though, would've been interested to hear it on my Garrard - would I think give a new meaning to the word 'ballsy' in its musical presentation.

[alfie2902]

Lurvely - bring on the bling!

So the Ortofon is kind of in the same ballpark as the V....

The bottom line, for me, is that the RS-212D is the ideal modern tonearm for an SPU. How it would perform with 'normal' cartridges, compared to an SME IV or V, I have no idea, and nor is it relevant in my circumstances.

I did toy with the idea of bagging an FR64, and had my eye on a few, but in the end I decided to go for the more practical low-maintenance option, where I can guarantee the quality of the bearings, and which comes with an actual guarantee!

Marco.

I'm really interested on how the RS-212D & SPU work on your 1210!

I quite fancy putting a 2nd arm on the Denon. It would mean a replinth though, but I did always plan to replinth it, the VPI Base was only going to be a starting point. Even with the FR's removeable headshells it's a royal PITA swapping from my SPU to 901, but I want to run two cartridges. It probably would make sense to keep the SPU on the FR & run a lighter arm for the Shelter or whatever other cart, but I quite fancy a 12" arm for the SPU & run the Shelter, or an AN Io if I can ever afford one, on the FR. I've been looking at the SME 3012R perhaps for the SPU, but seeing how you get on with the 212D will be interesting!

I understand where your coming from on buying an FR as it would be a gamble to some degree. We tried mine on speedysteve's SP10 last week with 3 SPU's & it sounded very nice indeed, so nice Steve's already bought one & is waiting for it's delivery. His horns are something quite special too!!!!

[Marco]

Nice one, Alfie... I'm literally just in the door, having driven just under 400 miles, going to pick up the arm and back from Simon at Hifisound in Stockton-on-Tees, and spending an excellent day there, so I'll reply properly after.

Just a quickie, in the meantime, do you know if Speedy Steve does bespoke T/T arm boards?

Marco.

P.S The Ortofon arm is stunning!

[alfie2902]

Nice one, Alfie... I'm literally just in the door, having driven just under 400 miles, going to pick up the arm and back from Simon at Hifisound in Stockton-on-Tees, and spending an excellent day there, so I'll reply properly after.

Just a quickie, in the meantime, do you know if Speedy Steve does bespoke T/T arm boards?

Marco

I'm excited for you! Put your feet up with a cup of tea or a nice glass of red & enjoy a good look at the arm.

I don't think Steve makes arm boards, but perhaps he can. PM him & ask mate.

[Marco]

Lol - will do, mate... I'll pop Steve a PM.

The first thing that strikes you about the Ortofon, before listening to it, is the phenomenal standard of engineering quality - it easily equals that of SME. In fact, I'd put it in the Graham Phantom league!

I think you'll agree when you see (and hear it)

Marco.

[alfie2902]

Do you need a new arm board then Marco? Do they have different mounting sizes?

Sounds very well engineered if comparable with the newer SME's & the Graham's, very nice! Will look forward to hearing it mate, is your TT going to Scalford or Martins?