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.
All
TA-SF9
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Effective length: 229mm
- Pivot to spindle distance: 214mm
- Offset angle: 22°
- Effective mass without headshell: 18g
- Effective mass with HS-A02 headshell: 28g
- Horizontal axis bearing: Flexure pivot
- Vertical axis bearings: Ceramic hybrid rolling bearings
- Armtube material: Stainless steel
- Headshell connector: Ortofon/SME/JIS type
- Balance type: Static
- Minimum mass of headshell and cartridge combination: 10g
- Maximum mass of headshell and cartridge combination: 35g
- Cable connector: 5 pin MDIN, male
- Internal wiring: 6N OFC Litz
- Mounting types: JIS/Linn (min. Ø28 mm hole), SME
- Mass without headshell and mounting collar: 350g max
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:
Select products
TA-SF9
- Positioning: A fixed headshell tonearm designed for cost-conscious setups with a focus on simple yet precise performance.
- Description: Offers clear sound with a robust Korf design that features zero stiction flexure bearings and stable construction. Compared to its siblings with removable headshells, it delivers reliable performance in small rooms at an entry-level price point.
TA-SF9R
- Positioning: A 9-inch gimbal tonearm with a removable headshell aimed at users seeking balanced flexibility and simplicity.
- Description: Provides clear and detailed reproduction thanks to its improved bearing system and adaptable design with a detachable headshell. When compared to the fixed SF9 and the longer SF11R, it strikes a middle ground in performance and cost.
TA-SF11R
- Positioning: An 11-inch gimbal tonearm built for transcription turntables, emphasizing extended reach and sturdy design.
- Description: Delivers improved clarity and rigidity using a stainless steel arm tube combined with advanced bearing technology for enhanced motion quality. Relative to the 9-inch SF models, its longer effective length and robust build cater to larger turntables.
TA-AF9/10
- Positioning: A flagship tonearm available in 9-inch and 10-inch versions, crafted for high-end, premium audio systems.
- Description: Features aerospace-grade, zero stiction flexure bearings and an alumina ceramic construction that ensure exceptional precision and low energy storage. In contrast to the SF series, its advanced technological innovations and optimized rigidity provide top-tier performance and functionality.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Korf Audio is known for (1) use of zero-friction, zero stiction, zero play aerospace-grade flexure bearings for tonearm's horizontal axis and (2) for our focus on tonearm's rigidity, providing a stable platform for the pickup cartridge through the whole frequency range. Korf Audio uses advanced materials such as monocrystalline sapphire, alumina oxide ceramic and aerospace-grade stainless steel to achieve this goal.
What's your approach to customer support?
We provide 3 months' free email/call/video call support for all customers. In addition to that, all our customers, including our direct customers, can count on assistance from our dealers. For smaller items, the customers can expect immediate replacement once the problem is confirmed. For the tonearms, we either provide a replacement or service the customer's existing tonearm in our service center. Currently, Korf Audio operates service centers in the EU and US.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, Firebird, CBS, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, 1967. This recording shows Korf tonearm's superlative dynamic abilities, fine resolution, tonal correctness, ability to project large, deep and palpable stereo image
- Jojo, from Boz Scaggs' "Middle Man", Columbia, 1980. This track highlights the whole playback systems' ability to maintain propulsive pace set by Jeff Porcaro. It is also a good test for midrange "substance" and "flesh"
- Papillons, Robert Schumann, from "Richter in Italy" live album, EMI, 1963. No test is ever complete without solo piano material. Attacks and delicate sustains, tone, timing. Plus, this recording beautifully reproduces the ambiance of the recording venue.
What other products pair best with yours?
Korf tonearms pair well with most competently designed turntables and cartridges. Our unique zero-friction bearing enables Korf tonearms to work with the widest possible range of cartridges, from ultra high compliance Shure V15VMR to Koetsu and SPU low compliance cartridges. We use TechDAS turntables in the development process, and they are a fantastic match.
Used
Korf
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