9-10" tonearms: Denon DA305, Fidelity Research FR24 MkII, FR54, FR64fx and Grace G540L

Tonearms are like violin bows...

When I posted the above picture + caption in my 2020 preview, I was drawing an analogy in which the turntable is a violin, the tonearm is the violin bow, and the phono cartridge is the violinist. Due to unforeseen circumstances that year, I was only able to cover 11-12" transcription length tonearms contained within the Garrard 401 + Alfred Bokrand AB309 essay. Even if I'm committed to transcription length tonearms for ultimate LP reproduction, below are capsule reviews of 9-10" tonearms I also like and use. 

Denon DA305

Spindle > pivot = 230mm

Although not the last word in terms of detail retrieval, the DA305 has the ability to recreate the atmosphere of a fine concert hall. Aside from bringing out the best from the Denon DL103, it also partners well with low compliance magnetic cartridges like the Shure M3D. Musically, very honest!

Fidelity Research FR24 MkII
Spindle > pivot = 230mm

The FR24 displayed excellent synergy with medium to high compliance magnetic cartridges. It was the perfect mate to the Nagaoka MP10 and is equally at home with the high compliance Shure SC39ED. The sound was not as exciting when paired with lower compliance cartridges. A beautiful design with a bejewelled feel!

Fidelity Research FR54
Spindle > pivot = 230mm

Tonally, the FR54 sits in between the DA305 above and the FR64fx below. I love this tonearm because it sounds detailed yet musical - a combination of virtues that's not easy to achieve. It is best paired with low to medium compliance magnetic and moving coil cartridges. Although at the limit of its range, it can handle an Ortofon SPU and does quite a fine job on playback! 

Fidelity Research FR64fx
Spindle > pivot = 230mm

This is the most massive tonearm in this group and the only dynamic balance design. Top flight low compliance moving coils like the SPU are its natural partners - definitely not designed for high compliance cartridges. It allows the proper cartridge to trace every micron of detail from the LP groove. However, there are moments when this virtue gets in the way of musicality, since it can also sound analytical and dry. It's the antithesis of the Denon DA305. Could this be the reason why its FR64S sibling is more sought after? 

Grace G540L
Spindle > pivot = 222mm

In the mid 90s, the G540L proved to my ears that the concept of a removable headshell being detrimental to good sound was a myth. So I unloaded my Rega RB250, RB300 and Sumiko FT-3 and started collecting tonearms that accepted IEC headshells.😊

Happy listening! 🎵

Syntec S220 Tonearm - bearing adjustment

AKA Piezo PU-402 or Sparta ST220

more info

I've handled a few of these through the years and the horizontal bearings usually have too much slack. I've yet to encounter a sample that had vertical bearing issues though.

Follow the tips below on how to reduce horizontal bearing slack.

This is a highly underrated tonearm that works great with medium to lower compliance cartridges!

Happy Listening!

Velvet Touch, Calrad SV12 + SV16

I may have shot myself in the foot when I spilled the beans in the original Retro Cool Tonearms article many moons ago, before collecting all the desirable models of viscous damped tonearms. 

But it's all good - more good karma to come, hopefully. 😇

I no longer aspire to be as lucky as my buddy Ding with his Gray 108 and Gates CB77. 😞 But I recently found a transcription length Gray clone locally, a Calrad SV16 complete with original box and instructions. 

Calrad SV16
Pivot > spindle = 276mm

Neat P58H + SV16 + GE RPX 

Top: Calrad SV16
Bottom: Velvet Touch (aka, Calrad SV12)

Courtesy of Ben C

Here we have the instruction manual for the Calrad SV12 which is also applicable to the Velvet Touch.

Neat P58H + Velvet Touch (aka SV12) + GE RPX

Velvet Touch or Calrad SV12
Pivot > spindle = 8 3/8"

Musicmaster Model 12 installed as per the above 8 3/8" pivot to spindle distance. Sounds okay. But read further...

This is my Realistic Mk VII idler turntable with a factory mounted Realistic A-3 viscous damped tonearm, which is identical to the Calrad SV12 and Velvet Touch.

 Pivot to spindle distance = 220 mm or 8.66142" or between 8 5/8" and 8 11/16".  

This is my preferred setting after listening to the following cartridges: Denon DL102, GE RPX and VRII + low cu stereo cartridges like the PickeringV15/Stanton 500, Shure M7D & SC35C.

Neat P58H + Calrad SV16

I've also gotten good feedback from ears I trust regarding brand new Gray 108 clones from Karmadon. Serge has come up with variations on the viscous damped tonearm theme. This route is well worth pursuing since prices on eBay for the original 108 and clones have become ridiculous.

Happy Listening!