Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
12J2
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Effective Length: 304.8 mm
- Distance from Pivot to Turntable Center: 291.4 mm
- Overhang: 13.4 mm
- Offset Angle: 17.89°
- Effective Mass: 13.9 g
- Null Points (inner): 66.04 mm
- Null Points (outer): 120.9 mm
- Bore Size for Mounting Bushing without Adapter Socket: 20 mm
- AMG Viella Adapter Socket: 25 mm
- AMG Viella Forte Adapter Socket: 30 mm
- Borehole Circle Diameter for Screws: 30/48 mm
Description
The original 12 inch tonearm design incorporating AMG's self developed dual pivot bearing technology, for maximum agility and low-friction performance.
The original 12 inch tonearm design incorporating AMG‘s self developed dual pivot bearing technology, for maximum agility and low-friction performance. High-precision radial axle horizontal bearing with highly accurate adjustable magnetic anti-skating system. Balanced and powerful sonic performance with excellent spatial depth and dynamics across the entire audio spectrum. Fine adjustability of all critical setup parameters for perfect trackability and maximum dynamic performance across a wide range of compatible phonograph cartridges.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They utilize a dual-pivot bearing design in their tonearms, employing spring-steel wires to allow for fine azimuth adjustment while eliminating bearing play, inspired by helicopter rotor technology.
- The company offers complete solutions, designing and manufacturing their own cartridges, like the Teatro and SLR Gullwing, to complement their turntables and tonearms.
- AMG's products feature user-friendly designs, such as easy VTA adjustment, magnetic anti-skating, and simplified cartridge mounting, that enhance the overall user experience.
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GIRO:
- Position: The entry-level turntable designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Uses a straightforward mechanical design with basic vibration control, making it suitable for small rooms and casual listeners. Offers essential functionality compared to models with more refined features found in the rest of the lineup.
9W1:
- Position: The basic tonearm option intended for everyday listening setups.
- Description: Provides steady tracking and simple adjustability that serve the needs of standard audio environments. Its performance is practical for casual setups compared to the enhanced precision seen in higher-tier tonearms in this range.
VIELLA:
- Position: The mid-range turntable balancing quality performance with approachable cost.
- Description: Features improved tonearm mechanics and better vibration damping compared to the entry-level model. This design supports a clearer sound in medium-sized spaces and shows noticeable enhancements over the Giro's more basic performance.
9WT:
- Position: The premium tonearm built for precise tracking in more demanding setups.
- Description: Has advanced damping features and fine-tuned adjustments that offer higher precision than its simpler counterpart, the 9W1.
VIELLA FORTE:
- Position: The flagship turntable aimed at audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.
- Description: Incorporates groundbreaking motor control and superior anti-vibration measures that distinguish it from the mid-range Viella.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
10
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
309
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
2011
Our take on the brand
AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
AMG
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What if you spend more?
Dynavector
DV 507 MkII
8966
8966
/
2
Reviews
Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Unique bi-axis design separates horizontal and vertical movements, offering a stable platform for the cartridge and excellent tracking ability, even with warped records
- Extremely well-built, matching the high standards of SME tonearms in terms of fit and finish, with a robust and solid construction
- Cartridge swapping is made easy due to the detachable headshell and simple setup process
- Demonstrates wide cartridge compatibility, working well with both low and high compliance cartridges
- Sonically neutral and uncolored, allowing the characteristics of different cartridges to shine through
Product Considerations
- Heavy, best suited for turntables with solid plinths, making it potentially incompatible with suspended turntables
- DIN plug/cable exits straight down, requiring adequate clearance (around 70mm)
- VTA adjustments are not micrometric
- The detachable headshell, while convenient, introduces a joint in the armtube
- Soundstaging may not be as wide or airy as some other tonearms, tending to present a strong central image
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DV 507 MkII matches SME standards in fit and finish and allows each cartridge to give its best
Takeaway: The Dynavector 507 MkII is a well-engineered, versatile tonearm with a unique design that promotes excellent tracking and neutral sound. Its solid build, easy cartridge swapping, and wide compatibility make it a worthwhile investment for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynavector, a hifi cartridge brand with nearly 50 years of history, was the first to use gemstone cantilevers like ruby and diamond in their cartridges, while also developing unique technologies like the Flux Damper for improved magnetic linearity. Their cartridges are distinguished by the use of extremely fine wire coils and current amplification (rather than voltage) in their head amplifiers, making them particularly well-suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.
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Rega
RB Titanium
6995
6995
/
2
Reviews
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
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Our summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
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EMT Tontechnik
EMT 912
7568
7568
/
1
Reviews
Professional 12-inch tonearm for EMT Tondose, as an option also for other connections (SME, Ortofon A)
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The EMT 912-HI tonearm, along with the EMT JSD 6 cartridge, made every record sound dramatically more exposed, clearer, and punchier
- The EMT 912-HI tonearm looks sleek, sexy, and more refined in machining and finish compared to earlier EMT arms
- The EMT 912-HI tonearm seems better built than the 997s
Product Considerations
- Adjustments took a couple of weeks to settle in comfortably with the new EMT sound
- Comparing the 909 remake with the original 929 is essential to identify differences and limitations
- The EMT 912-HI with fixed headshell costs $6995 with fixed wire, $7409 with the DIN connector
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EMT 912-HI arrived and, together with the EMT JSD 6 cartridge, threw everything he thought he knew out the window, compared to when he was using Thomas Schick 10.5' tonearm
Takeaway: The EMT 912-HI tonearm can significantly improve the sound of records, making them clearer and more dynamic. Its sleek design and improved build quality make it a luxurious addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
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Thrax
CB
5195
5195
/
1
Reviews
The design skills of Frank Schröder are no where more apparent than in the CB tonearm. Visually simplicity with timeless aesthetic conceals cutting edge technology and mechanical wizardry.
Simple principles of physics applied in a masterful way like balancing the mass of the tonearm on the bearing to reject vibrations conducted through the mounting plate that originate from other turntable components such as the motor, plinth, bearing or airborne feedback, any force acting on that point will effectively eliminates external excitation by generating equal forces to all sides of the arm, maintaining the dynamic stability of the system and preventing a deflection of the cantilever effectively ignoring the incoming disturbance.
Another issue are the disturbances generated constantly by the cartridge. Problem here is energy reflected back to the cartridge due to the stiff bearings of tonearms. Here the issue is addressed with adjustable counterweight coupling to sink some of this energy and a wand that is super stiff and very well damped coupling those vibrations to the magnetic centring of the lateral bearing, operating as an eddy current brake, absorbing all the vibrations that reach it.
Different type of materials are used to create an impedance mismatch for all the vibrations travelling the path. This reduces energy coupling without being visually noticeable. The use of magnetic force is exploited in the anti-skating compensation. Here a system of 3 magnets takes care of this without any dangling weight or spring eliminating yet another source of signal contamination.
Tonearm effective mass is controlled by the use of different material cartridge mounting plates allowing the use of almost any cartridge on the arm. Last but not least the use of continuous wire from cartridge to preamplifier with no intermediate contact or joints maintains cartridge signal integrity.
Thrax Audio is distinguished by its use of transformers for volume control instead of traditional potentiometers in their Dionysos preamplifier, and their Spartacus amplifier features a unique two-stage shunt regulated Directly Heated-Triodes push-pull design in pure class-A with no feedback.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The design allows for fine-tuning to maximize sound quality
- Instructions are included outlining how to tune by various degrees of screw tightening
Product Considerations
- There are options for screw tightening
Takeaway: The Schröder CB tonearm allows adjustments to get the best sound. It's designed to work with modern turntables.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thrax Audio is distinguished by its use of transformers for volume control instead of traditional potentiometers in their Dionysos preamplifier, and their Spartacus amplifier features a unique two-stage shunt regulated Directly Heated-Triodes push-pull design in pure class-A with no feedback.
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What competes at this price?
AMG
9W2
2919
/
Released
Further development of the 9W1, designed with a slightly shorter effective length allowing a wider range of turntables to work with an AMG tonearm. Excellent spatial presence and dynamic performance owed to a resonance-optimized design.
AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The 9W2 tonearm is beautifully made with superb execution, smooth bearings and no play in the two dimensions
- Excellent fit and finish, with quality in the packaging and clear instructions
- The AMG Giro provides a very low noise floor, allowing more details to be revealed in recordings
- Musically satisfying, the Giro has a sense of lively confidence and direct musical communication, is quick, clean, and presents players with verve and vitality
- Offers the ability to adjust each geometrical aspect of cartridge setup and alignment, including VTA/SRA, overhang and offset, azimuth and bias
Product Considerations
- The Giro's controls do not always respond to one's first fingertip touch
- Azimuth and bias adjustments may be exacting, as they are devoid of any sort of incremental scale or zero point
- The bottom end definitely loses weight as it goes deeper, but it's not as great a loss as first impressions suggest
- The Teatro moving-coil cartridge was found to be unusually sensitive to dust accumulation on the stylus' tip
- The 9W2 arm only uses one grub screw to hold the arm in place, and some feel two screws are a more effective method of holding an arm in place
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega RP10: the AMG Giro is richer and warmer sounding, has a slightly quieter noise floor, a bit more weight and power at the bottom end, as well as a bit more dynamic oomph
- Vs AMG Viella: The AMG Viella has a bit more weight and scale and better detail retrieval—advantage of a 12 inch arm over 9 inch?
Takeaway: The AMG Giro turntable and 9W2 tonearm are beautifully made with stunning levels of fit and finish, offering clear set up instructions and sound quality to match. It provides deep levels of musical pleasure to make you forget about the gear and immerse yourself in the beauty of the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
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AVIDHIFI
Nexus
4722
/
Released
2023
Designed to the same extreme precision engineering standards as our turntables, every tonearm is painstakingly hand assembled with the trademark craftsmanship that you would expect from AVID. Supporting your cartridge rigidly whilst playing a record is vitally important and the reason we have harnessed our bespoke hyper strong titanium arm tube and simply pushed rigidity to another level.
AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Expertly produced to be one of the most versatile hi-end arms on the market for real-world use
- The build translates into musical delivery, achieving high levels of low frequency grip and dynamics
- Made of an ultra-rigid Grade-9 titanium designed to resist torsion and bending
- Fitted with high-specification ball bearings and incorporates high-precision bearing shafts to ensure minimal friction and precise movement
Product Considerations
- The headshell is a one piece design, being permanently fixed to the main wand for rigidity, meaning there's no easy way to adjust azimuth
- Setting anti-skate is a bit more manual than most
- The review sample had a quirk where flicking the cueing lever would cause the arm to stop halfway down—requiring assistance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Nexus at £4,500 is still around a grand cheaper than what SME was charging for its Series V before it went off sale
Takeaway: The Nexus tonearm is a superbly engineered and simple to use piece of equipment designed to work with a wide-range of pick-ups and it can hold its own on any turntable that's up to its standards. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a versatile hi-end tonearm.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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Ortofon
AS-309R
3252
/
Released
2023
Since 1953, Ortofon has been designing tonearms with the philosophy of combining craftsmanship and technology. All parts and every component of the tonearms have been upgraded with material meticulously chosen to minimize unwanted vibration and distortion, ensuring crisp clear, and accurate sound. Careful attention to precision and durability of every part and assembly in both models ensures lasting durability for years to come. The AS-309R is a 12 inch tonearm.
Ortofon pioneered the moving coil cartridge and continues to use Selective Laser Melting technology to create exceptionally precise cartridge bodies. Their SPU series, introduced in 1958 and largely unchanged since then, remains a classic in the audiophile community, while their newer cartridges feature advanced materials like titanium, boron, and diamond to achieve superior sound quality.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Jewel-like quality and non-fiddly competence
- Precision machining, ease of setup, and an attractive price for such a well-designed and manufactured arm, make for an attractive combination of enticements
- Provides removable head shell convenience and versatility without paying a sonic price for it
Product Considerations
- The AS-309R has an unusually long 323.5 mm effective length and pivot to spindle distance of 311 mm, so be sure the turntable can handle it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pro-Ject EVO 12 Premium HG—in terms of build quality and feel, the Pro-Ject is 1080p, while the Ortofon is definitely 4K or 8K, the Ortofon is in a different precision league
Takeaway: The AS-309R is a well-designed and manufactured 12' tonearm with easy setup and precision. It would make an excellent choice if head shell swappability is a priority.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ortofon pioneered the moving coil cartridge and continues to use Selective Laser Melting technology to create exceptionally precise cartridge bodies. Their SPU series, introduced in 1958 and largely unchanged since then, remains a classic in the audiophile community, while their newer cartridges feature advanced materials like titanium, boron, and diamond to achieve superior sound quality.
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VPI
Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D
4500
/
Released
VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Fatboy brings each cartridge's strengths to the fore as well as revealing the sonic differences among the cartridges
- The tonearm's preciseness and linearity parallels and complements the sound of the Vanquish table
- The tonearm's strongest suit is its dynamics and that special ability to rapidly move and shift between dynamic levels
- The Fatboy's ability to recreate a ginormous soundstage
- The Fatboy's slightly heavier mass also allows for the use of lower compliance and heavier massive cartridges
Product Considerations
- The Fatboy falls slightly short of ultimate in the areas of finesse, refinement, and total sense of ease
- There's also some decrease in bass texture
- The tonearm can also at times sacrifice harmonic integrity for detail
- Setting up the dual pivot version of the Fatboy tonearm, in particular azimuth, can be a little tricky and trying
- The character of the new VPI 3D printed Fatboy tonearm lies ever so slightly to the yang side of neutral, no part of the frequency spectrum is emphasized to the detriment of another
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to VPI's earlier all JMW Aluminum-based tonearm, the Fatboy is superior when it comes to resolution, speed, and dynamics—and eliminates much of the sonic signature from the previous 3D printed tonearm
- Compared to earlier 3D generation VPI arms, the new Fatboy tonearm is a sizable step up from VPI's earlier 3D printed arms
Takeaway: The VPI Fatboy tonearm is a stunning product and could easily be many audiophiles' final tonearm. The Fatboy's slightly heavier mass allows for the use of lower compliance and heavier massive cartridges.
Video review
Our take on the brand
VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
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Linn
Arko
3900
/
Released
2022
With Arko, we have returned to fundamentals, by removing all bar the mission-critical elements of tonearm design, boiling these down to their essence, and then honing what was left to superlative standards. Perfectly poised and rigorously refined, Arko is effortful simplicity.
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Arko tonearm allows the 7075 aluminium arm to float delicately above the record with as near as possible to no resistance
- The 7075 grade aluminium used from the gimbal base all the way through to the headshell helps filter unwanted resonance away from the cartridge and down through the sub chassis
- The Arko/Kendo combination work beautifully, the Kore then stiffens the chassis to keep things tight and pacey
- The overall result is a fast and detailed sound that's not fatiguing, with a smooth warmth
Takeaway: The Arko tonearm elevates the Selekt LP12 with its meticulous construction and resonance-dampening design, working in tandem with other components to deliver a detailed and enjoyable listening experience. Records sound amazing with the Arko.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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