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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Easy to set up, especially with an AMG turntable
- Enhanced stability and reduced friction due to dual micro-ball bearing assemblies
- Precise and easy adjustments of VTA/SRA, azimuth, and anti-skating via knurled knobs, reducing the need for specialized tools
- Improved imaging stability and bass control
- Able to control the vibrations of the coils and magnets in the cartridge
Product Considerations
- The DIN jack requires a cable with a vertically mounted DIN plug
- The overall picture was slightly darker and sweeter
- There's no way to adjust zenith angle
Takeaway: The 12JT Turbo tonearm is easy to setup and provides a solid soundstage, three-dimensionality, and a rich—well-fleshed-out rendering of records. It is a high-performance product that encourages one to listen to all kinds of music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
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.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
12JT
images
No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
The pinacle of AMG's tonearm development with improved higher mass bearing for maximum sonic performance and hand adjustable fine-tuning of all setup parameters. Higher mass bearing combined with 12" arm tube length creates perfect combination of reduced tracking error and resonance stability, improving upon the already excellent performance of the 12J2.
The pinacle of AMG‘s tonearm development with improved higher mass bearing for maximum sonic performance and hand adjustable fine-tuning of all setup parameters. Higher mass bearing combined with 12“ arm tube length creates perfect combination of reduced tracking error and resonance stability, improving upon the already excellent performance of the 12J2. A complete set of micrometer level adjustments built in allow for the tool-free fine tuning of all critical setup parameters including VTA, azimuth, anti-skate, overhang, and tracking force. Perfect combination of form and function with impressive build quality and tangible manufacturing precision. Assembled by hand as a precision-engineered single piece, precisely measured and comprehensively tested to the highest standards.
Manufacturer Specs
- Effective Length: 304.8 mm
- Distance from Pivot to Turntable Center: 291.4 mm
- Overhang: 13.4 mm
- Offset Angle: 17.89°
- Effective Mass: 12.2 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
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
3
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
301
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
8
Founded
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.
Brand Page
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What if you spend a bit more?
RS
14000
14000
/
7
Reviews
Kronos
-
Kronos Audio's turntables feature a unique counter-rotating dual-platter system that cancels out rotational forces and minimizes vibrations, setting them apart in the industry. Their turntables also use supercapacitors to operate off-grid for reduced electrical noise, while their Discovery RS tonearm employs a proprietary bearing system for precise playback.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Discovery RS brings a 'naturalness' and 'effortless' quality to the music, making it more 'soulful' and 'engaging'
- The Discovery RS opens up the soundstage, providing a broader and more expansive listening experience
- The Discovery RS delivers a significant reduction in 'groove rush,' resulting in nearly complete silence between cuts and in the lead-in groove
- The Discovery RS provides more refined and better-delineated bass extension with a more faithful sense of speed and texture
- The Discovery RS is designed with a unique resonance suppression system to minimize unwanted mechanical and acoustical contributions
Product Considerations
- One reviewer had trouble getting the right alignment, because the cartridge was too light for the tonearm
- The upgrade offer for existing Kronos owners won't be available much longer, so do not miss out
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Black Beauty tonearm, the Discovery RS brought a significant improvement to the entire sonic tapestry of the turntable
Takeaway: The Discovery RS is an exceptional tone arm with innovative technology that really gets the music out of your records. It provides a monumental improvement in LP playback.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Kronos Audio's turntables feature a unique counter-rotating dual-platter system that cancels out rotational forces and minimizes vibrations, setting them apart in the industry. Their turntables also use supercapacitors to operate off-grid for reduced electrical noise, while their Discovery RS tonearm employs a proprietary bearing system for precise playback.
Visit our
RS
page
Product Page
Phantom III
19250
19250
/
2
Reviews
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Graham Engineering
Phantom III is the same specification as the Phantom II, but has an updated arm wand, new internal wiring for arm wand and bearing housing. The Phantom III has exceeded our highest expectations, surpassing even the highly-rated Phantom II. And when compared to other tonearms on the market, tests and preliminary user comments have confirmed that the Phantom III is in another, altogether higher level of performance.
Compared to the original Phantom, as well as the Series II, the III has a similar outward appearance, but has important internal differences. In addition to the refined Magneglide (tm) stabilizer, new internal wiring for even better detail and improved freedom from any mechanical resistance, an upgraded pivot design for even greater dynamics, and a new titanium armwand, the III has incorporated a new pivot housing assembly.
This assembly, comprised of a constrained layer combination of brass and tungsten, provides greater energy control and damping, along with improved bearing performance. Incorporating a slightly reshaped counterweight to allow for great cartridge weight ranges and lower moment of inertia, the result is greater transparency, broader soundstaging (both side to side and front to back), with greater bass impact and extension.
Graham Engineering is known for their tonearms that use magnetic stabilization to control wobble and allow users to adjust tracking angle while records are playing. Their flagship Phantom series features interchangeable armwands in different lengths and a unique unipivot design that minimizes resonance through its removable headshell.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Phantom III does not impose a consistent signature or coloration on the music, leaning towards an ideal of neutrality that allows cartridges to express their individual character more overtly
- Offers a proportionate blend of resolution, detail, bass response, soundstaging, and imaging—creating 'wholeness' in musical reproduction
- Provides stable and repeatable adjustments for fine-tuning tracking force, azimuth, overhang, zenith angle, and VTA/SRA
- Facilitates easy daily operation
Product Considerations
- The price point may be prohibitive for some
- Initial leveling may need to be checked and adjusted after a few weeks due to settling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Graham Engineering Phantom II Supreme: The Phantom III's bass reproduction was far more robust and controlled
Takeaway: The Graham Engineering Phantom III is a high-quality tonearm that allows for precise adjustments and stable performance, letting the true character of cartridges shine through. Its ability to trace grooves accurately and portray subtle differences in recordings makes it a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Graham Engineering is known for their tonearms that use magnetic stabilization to control wobble and allow users to adjust tracking angle while records are playing. Their flagship Phantom series features interchangeable armwands in different lengths and a unique unipivot design that minimizes resonance through its removable headshell.
Visit our
Phantom III
page
Product Page
KV9 Max
10352
10352
/
2
Reviews
J.Sikora
The KV9 Max Tonearm features a unipivot bearing design and uses a unique Kevlar tube construction, which provides lightness, stiffness, and internal damping capabilities that other materials cannot match. The tonearm incorporates oil damping, a proprietary VTA smooth adjustment mechanism, and uses a combination of premium materials including aluminum, bronze, brass, and stainless steel. The design allows for easy calibration and adjustment of attenuation, anti-skating, azimuth, and VTA which can be adjusted while listening to music.
The KV Max series represents an evolution from previous models, featuring a new, lighter and stiffer Kevlar tube, improved tube filling, and a new zirconia-based bearing. The design uses two types of bronze in place of aluminum elements, has improved VTA and azimuth adjustment accuracy, and features enhanced counterweight precision. The arm's wiring uses 24K Gold plated 6N OCC Copper.
J.Sikora stands out for being the only hifi brand to use Kevlar in their tonearm tubes, combining this unique material choice with a unipivot bearing design for optimal sound performance. Their tonearms feature a distinctive VTA adjustment mechanism modeled after a photographic lens, allowing precise adjustments during playback, while incorporating a mix of aluminum, bronze, and brass to enhance sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique, highly engaging, and factual rendition of the music
- Design builds on the best aspects of the KV12 tonearms, and takes performance to an even higher level by reducing weight and increasing rigidity
- New, unique bearing is made of zirconium oxide, and improved damping guarantees maximum stabilization of the tonearm with unsurpassed tracking
- Most of the aluminum elements of the arm are replaced with bronze, contributing to an increase in stability and a further reduction of resonances to an exceptional level
- Ability of unique playful interaction with the cartridge and turntable opened up a deeper interaction with the music, that is normally associated with pricier tonearms
Product Considerations
- Significantly more expensive than other models in its category
- Returning the tonearm after testing it without the hope of purchasing it will be difficult
- Even poor releases are clearly shown for their weaknesses
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KV12: KV9 Max offers even better resolution, even better differentiation, even better insight into the smallest details and subtleties of every recording, or into even the most delicate tonal shifts and texture changes
- Vs KV12: KV12 is the clear winner when it comes to macro-dynamics
- Vs KV12: On the Dead Can Dance's Spiritchaser, what the KV9 Max did with the powerful, deep, almost subsonic electronic bass was brilliant—truly impressive, but the KV12 added even more mass and powerful slam to these deepest, lowest sounds
Takeaway: The J. Sikora KV9 MAX Zirconium is a high-performing tonearm that delivers exceptional sound quality, with great detail and clarity. This tonearm could be a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best in analog audio reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
J.Sikora stands out for being the only hifi brand to use Kevlar in their tonearm tubes, combining this unique material choice with a unipivot bearing design for optimal sound performance. Their tonearms feature a distinctive VTA adjustment mechanism modeled after a photographic lens, allowing precise adjustments during playback, while incorporating a mix of aluminum, bronze, and brass to enhance sound quality.
Visit our
KV9 Max
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
DV 507 MkII
8966
/
Released
Dynavector
The new MKII version of the Dynavector DV 507 tonearm has made its long-awaited debut, building on the strengths of the original DV 507 tonearm which has enjoyed the highest reputation among audiophiles world-wide since its appearance in 1984. As it is a bi-axis inertia controlled tonearm the DV 507 tonearm, no matter the type of cartridge can trace the music signal grooves cut in the recording with extreme accuracy. The DV 507 tonearm also provides superb trackability on warped recordings. Resolution and musical detailing are quite remarkable.
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
No items found.
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.
Visit
DV 507 MkII
Page
Product Page
RB Titanium
6995
/
Released
2023
Rega
The RB Titanium tonearm is the most advanced and accurate production tonearm we have ever manufactured. The entire tonearm structure is designed to have the minimum of mechanical joints whilst using the stiffest materials in all critical areas. The RB Titanium was originally designed to complement our highest performing turntable the Naia, it is now available for the first time to purchase separately as a retail model.
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
Expand Details
Our Summary
No items found.
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
Visit
RB Titanium
Page
Product Page
EMT 912
7568
/
Released
2022
EMT Tontechnik
Within the new EMT tonearm technology, we were able to combine most modern bearing- and manufacturing-technology with the traditional EMT design. Each EMT tonearm consists of over 150 individual parts.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
No items found.
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.
Visit
EMT 912
Page
Product Page
CB
5195
/
Released
Thrax
Frank Schröder created an entirely new, radical technique to decrease friction in captured bearings. The resultant experimentation generated a coefficient of friction lower than anything ever published. This is complemented with a new multilayer carbon fibre wand, establishing a new level in tonearm design. Constrained layer damping and material transitions are used throughout the design to tune and separate sources from the impeding mechanical movement in the device. The end result is no discernible sonic fingerprint is added to your system by the wand.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
No items found.
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.
Visit
CB
Page
Product Page
EMT 909-HI
5951
/
Released
2022
EMT Tontechnik
Within the new EMT tonearm technology, we were able to combine most modern bearing- and manufacturing-technology with the traditional EMT design. Each EMT tonearm consists of over 150 individual parts.
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.
Expand Details
Our Summary
No items found.
Product Strengths
- Compact with a sleek, low profile look
- Built like a tank
- Easy to use and set up
- Sounds great, producing fast, clean, well-extended, and solid low frequency performance
- The EMT 909 HI tonearm integrates modern bearing manufacturing technologies into the traditional arm design
- Setting up the 909 HI tonearm was a pleasure
Product Considerations
- The EMT JSD Pure Black MC cartridge does not include a stylus guard
- When placing the EMT 909 HI tonearm into the arm rest, being careful is important to prevent it from springing forward
Takeaway: The EMT 928 II turntable and EMT 909 HI tonearm combo is easy to use, great to look at, and sounds amazing, making it well worth considering. It's a compact—explosive-sounding—disc player.
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.
Visit
EMT 909-HI
Page
Product Page
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
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Easy to set up, especially with an AMG turntable
- Enhanced stability and reduced friction due to dual micro-ball bearing assemblies
- Precise and easy adjustments of VTA/SRA, azimuth, and anti-skating via knurled knobs, reducing the need for specialized tools
- Improved imaging stability and bass control
- Able to control the vibrations of the coils and magnets in the cartridge
Product Considerations
- The DIN jack requires a cable with a vertically mounted DIN plug
- The overall picture was slightly darker and sweeter
- There's no way to adjust zenith angle
Takeaway: The 12JT Turbo tonearm is easy to setup and provides a solid soundstage, three-dimensionality, and a rich—well-fleshed-out rendering of records. It is a high-performance product that encourages one to listen to all kinds of music.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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