CES 2008: Jim Hannon Mines CES for the Treasures in Turntables, Tonearms, Cartridges, and Phonostages
January 23rd, 2008 — By Jim HannonTonearms
While many analog rigs sported Tri-planar Mk VII, Graham Phantom B-44, JMW-12.7, Basis Vector Model 4, SME V, or SME 312S tonearms, several new high-performance arms were introduced that may challenge them. Linear tracking fans should love Clearaudio’s new TQ-1 arm ($9500). Mimicking the Statement arm, the wheels are enclosed in a glass tube and the arm seems to glide effortlessly across the table. Thorens, actively re-establishing itself on these shores, announced a new arm, the TP 125 Special Edition (~ $10,000) designed by DaVinci Audio Labs that appears to be derived from DaVinci’s Grandezza arm that some regard as the best in the world.
Kuzma introduced its 4Point tonearm (~$7300), offering an ultra-high-performance pivoted alternative to its AirLine tonearm. Both were mounted on the Stabi XL 4 turntable on VTA towers offering easy and repeatable VTA adjustments. The 4PT has a unique horizontal and vertical bearing configuration, is effectively an 11-inch arm but fits on a cutout for 9-inch arms, and offers bi-wiring to enable the use of two different phonostages.
Musical Surroundings was showing two versions of the Helius Omega tonearm ($3500 standard; $5000 deluxe). The Omega’s counterweight is on the same plane as the stylus, to improve stability and efficiency, and its large bearing housing improves motion control. An Omega, Clearaudio Anniversary table, and Stradiveri cartridge combination had amazing transient speed and clarity without blurring.
