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
- Designed with a focus on achieving the lowest possible resonance and optimal tracking accuracy
- Constructed from high-quality materials, including lightweight yet rigid aluminum
- Features a unique tapered design that minimizes unwanted vibrations
- Adjustable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing users to tailor the setup to their specific cartridge and listening preferences
- Employs thick-walled aluminum arm tube to ensure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid the transmission of vibration away from the cartridge
- Offers cascading features from the top-model NEXUS—such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias
Product Considerations
- The Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube, whereas the higher-end Nexus model uses more exotic materials for its tonearm tube
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Nexus: The Nexus model uses exotic materials for its tonearm tube, whereas the Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus headshell is produced through a precise laser cutting process on solid aluminum, whereas the Nexus headshell is precision-engineered from solid aluminum and undergoes rigorous machining to ensure compatibility with the arm tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus also uses the same DIN connector, RCA connectors, and high-quality external and internal cable loom as the NEXUS, the only difference is that the ALTUS is through-wired whereas the NEXUS allows the user to change the headshell wires
Takeaway: The Altus is a well-engineered tonearm designed for optimal tracking accuracy and minimal resonance, made with quality materials. It is a good option for those seeking a balance of performance and value, offering features trickled down from higher-end models
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.
Ingenium-turntable
- Positioning: The entry-level model aimed at budget-conscious users.
- Description: Offers a reliable belt drive mechanism and basic isolation features that help deliver clear sound in smaller rooms. In comparison to the other models, it provides essential performance without advanced engineering details for those who need simple functionality at a lower cost.
Diva-II-SP-turntable
- Positioning: A mid-range model that builds on the entry-level design with enhanced mechanical features.
- Description: Introduces an improved suspension system and refined tonearm design that help boost tracking precision and stability over the Ingenium. Compared to other products in the lineup, it offers a balanced step up in engineering for medium-sized setups.
Volvere-turntable
- Positioning: A mid-to-high tier option focused on greater mechanical stability and refined performance.
- Description: Uses an upgraded motor control and enhanced isolation measures that result in steadier operation and improved sound reproduction. In contrast to the Ingenium and Diva-II-SP models, its superior build quality and technical improvements suit buyers looking for a noticeable upgrade in performance and precision.
Acutus-reference
- Positioning: A high-end reference model designed for dedicated audiophile listening environments.
- Description: Features precision machining and an innovative motor system that markedly reduce vibration and enhance accurate tracking, setting it apart from the lower-tier products. Compared to the Ingenium, Diva-II-SP, and Volvere models, it offers advanced isolation and refined control.
Acutus-reference-mono
- Positioning: The flagship model with the highest level of engineering refinement in the lineup.
- Description: Features a bespoke mono-block design that significantly improves channel separation and minimizes interference, distinguishing it from all other models. Compared to the Acutus-reference and the rest of the range, it provides the most sophisticated circuitry and tonearm system.
Read the reviews
Altus
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Manufacturer's notes
Cascading features from the Nexus such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias, the Altus will impress with a performance which has focus and immediacy whilst retaining a delicacy that is absolutely captivating.
unveiled
Our rigid bearing architecture has been passed down from the Nexus to achieve realistic sonic images carved in the soundscape, astonishing your senses with a sound you can virtually touch.
Altus employs an thick walled aluminium arm tube to make sure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid transmission of vibration away from the cartridge, so your music is unveiled.
sound connection
The same Bias compensation mechanism found on the Nexus counteracts centripetal forces, thus avoiding tracking issues, undue record wear and maintaining your musical enjoyment. Our purpose designed low capacitance external phono cable reassuringly clicks into place using an superior right angled DIN connector and terminated with high quality gold plated RCA plugs. For purists wishing to embrace the naturally balanced output of a phono cartridge, the cable is also available fully balanced with XLR connectors.
Specifications
Effective Length:
233 mm
Mounting Distance:
216 mm
Offset Angle:
23o
Overhang:
17 mm
Effective Mass:
Medium / 15 g
Weight:
680g
Arm Cable:
Detachable 5 Pin DIN connector, RCA termination, 1.3M Length
Optional XLR termination, fully balanced
Our take on the brand
Used
Avid Hifi
What if you spend a bit more?
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.
superlative
Our rigid bearing architecture is paramount to delivering solid images etched in space, so each of its components are manufactured to unbelievably tight tolerances.
Nexus will astonish you with its ability to uncover previously camouflaged musical nuances with crisp clean clarity, outstanding solidity and precise superlative sound.
FIELD OF FORCE
Natural forces pull a tonearm, ever increasingly towards the centre of the record, which left uncorrected can result in a distorted sound.
Bias compensation is the mechanism that counteracts this, and our design, gradually increases the field of force as it gets closer to the centre, so your musical enjoyment remains constant from start to finish.
Our purpose designed low capacitance external phono cable reassuringly anchors into place using an superior right angled DIN connector and terminated with high quality gold plated RCA plugs. For purists wishing to embrace the naturally balanced output of a phono cartridge, the cable is also available fully balanced with XLR connectors.
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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
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. All of AMG‘s precision adjustments of tonearm setup parameters are offered, with highest grade materials, individually assembled by hand and carefully measured and tested.
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
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.
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
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
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The TP 160 tonearm combined with the TD 1600 offers quality that is hard to beat
- The TP 160 is stable, rigid, extremely smooth-running, and comprehensively adjustable
- The TP 160's low-friction design allows the TAS 1600 cartridge to operate more precisely
- It is a modern-day version of the legendary EMT Tontechnik professional arm 929
- Exceptional build quality
Product Considerations
- Manual lift operation requires a gentle touch to avoid stylus impact and sub-chassis wobble
- The removable headshell design introduces a slight compromise in stiffness
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TP 160 is better and more balanced than the TP 92
- The TP 160 is comparable to the Linn Ekos, but at a much friendlier price, and is superior to the Akito
Takeaway: The TP 160 tonearm improves the turntable's performance with its quality build and adjustability. It is designed for those who appreciate a smooth and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, featuring Italian craftsmanship
- High-precision German-made bearings ensure fluid movement and tracking stability
- Offers comprehensive adjustment capabilities, including adjustable VTA, anti-skating, and azimuth
- Premium internal wiring with AWG36 Hyper Litz shielded 99.9999% OFC cables
- Elegant aesthetic design
Product Considerations
- Installation requires careful setup
- May be over-engineered for casual listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to a Transrotor rig, the B-5.1 combo offers a more lively and engaging sound, with deeper, more propulsive bass
Takeaway: The Gold Note B-5.1 tonearm is a beautiful piece of Italian engineering offering exceptional performance and adjustability. It is well-suited for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking to extract the finest details from their records with a lively and engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ultra-precise ceramic bearings provide superior and silent tracking
- Premium material construction ensures both visual appeal and acoustic superiority
- Comprehensive adjustment capabilities allow for precise fine-tuning
- Excellent resonance control thanks to the sectional design of the titanium arm wand
- High-quality internal wiring ensures signal integrity
Product Considerations
- Installation requires careful setup and may benefit from expert guidance
- 23mm mounting diameter may require modification for some turntables
- Premium pricing tier
Takeaway: The Gold Note B-7 Ceramic Tonearm is a high-end product that uses great materials and careful design to bring out the best sound from vinyl records. It is made for serious vinyl fans who want top performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Simple and elegant design
- Exceptional structural rigidity combined with ultra-low friction
- Simple adjustments for vertical tracking force, azimuth, anti-skating, and vertical tracking angle
- Easy setup due to a mounting bar that connects to the tonearm with one allen screw
- When paired together, the Satisfy tonearm and the Benz Micro cartridges offer value
Product Considerations
- Clearaudio offers limited aftersales service
- Does not get the best out of cartridges like Ikeda or Ortofon SPU
- Vertical tracking angle cannot be changed while playing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Only the Tri-Planar matched the Satisfy Carbon Fiber in musical realism
- Each of these arms, with the exception of the SME 3009, do some things better than the Satisfy Carbon Fiber
- The Satinwood arm was the warmest of the three versions, sacrificing a slight amount of transparency and micro dynamics
- The Ebony arm tube sounded bolder and more substantial compared to the Carbon Fiber and Satinwood versions
Takeaway: The Clearaudio Satisfy tonearms offer a simple yet effective design with good rigidity and easy setup, especially when paired with the right cartridge. It is a solid option for those seeking a musically realistic experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
- Designed with a focus on achieving the lowest possible resonance and optimal tracking accuracy
- Constructed from high-quality materials, including lightweight yet rigid aluminum
- Features a unique tapered design that minimizes unwanted vibrations
- Adjustable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing users to tailor the setup to their specific cartridge and listening preferences
- Employs thick-walled aluminum arm tube to ensure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid the transmission of vibration away from the cartridge
- Offers cascading features from the top-model NEXUS—such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias
Product Considerations
- The Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube, whereas the higher-end Nexus model uses more exotic materials for its tonearm tube
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Nexus: The Nexus model uses exotic materials for its tonearm tube, whereas the Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus headshell is produced through a precise laser cutting process on solid aluminum, whereas the Nexus headshell is precision-engineered from solid aluminum and undergoes rigorous machining to ensure compatibility with the arm tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus also uses the same DIN connector, RCA connectors, and high-quality external and internal cable loom as the NEXUS, the only difference is that the ALTUS is through-wired whereas the NEXUS allows the user to change the headshell wires
Takeaway: The Altus is a well-engineered tonearm designed for optimal tracking accuracy and minimal resonance, made with quality materials. It is a good option for those seeking a balance of performance and value, offering features trickled down from higher-end models
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