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Reference Tonearms:
AXIOM |
AXIOM 12" Reference Tonearm
Analog tonearms in particular have always drawn my prime interest among
all components of the audio-chain. In the past 20+ years I have designed a
good range of not-so-ordinary high-end analog front-end audio components.
Starting with the 440lbs bi-radial air-bearing and air-suspended APOLYT-turntable
continuing with the UNI-Protractor triangular alignment instrument, the
UNI-P2S and the arché headshell.
However, what was always on my mind, was the all-out-assault on the analog
tonearm design - actually the tonearm I always wanted for myself - a pivot
design which finally takes into account all geometrical aspects, all the
various inherent forces and combines all solutions in a most consequent way.
Thus the very best performance possible for any given cartridge is enabled.
This tonearm design is now accomplished. It is manifested in the AXIOM
(ancient greek: 'that, which commends itself as evident', the premise of
reasoning in logic)
The final stages of the AXIOM design had two direct
preludes in the guise of the UNI-Protractor and the arché headshell. While
designing the UNI-Protractor I in-depth investigated the geometry-related
issues around the pivot tonearm in all consequences. Resulting in an unique
solution which has set the new standard in precision and universality for
cartridge-tonearm set-up.
The arché headshell is the all-out-assault on designing a headshell which
does not only offer for the 1st time all cartridge-related alignment
options. Enabling the audiophile for the 1st time to precisely adjust SRA/VTA
without having to alter and change the tonearm's set-up and inherent force
balance.
It furthermore supports each cartridge with an ultra fast energy transfer
and supreme rigidity - resulting in outstanding dynamic sound with unrivaled
low level detail. Both these designs were in fact rather early "spin-offs"
of the on-going research in the enduring design process of the AXIOM.
Features and components of the AXIOM's design had directly inspired these 2
components.
This all new high-end tonearm is the latest example of our efforts to design
and introduce really unique analog front-end products, - components which do
offer truly innovative and exclusive solutions for the benefit of the music
sound reproduction in your audio system.
The AXIOM is the 1st pivot transcription tonearm ever to comprise the
complete palette of cartridge and tonearm-related adjustments. In addition
it is the 1st design to utilize consequently the principle of perfect energy
transfer on a level which sets an all new state-of-the-art.
The AXIOM is a pure form-follows-function design with absolutely no
concessions to be conform to anything. Not corresponding with - nor bending
to - any hype, fashion or taste of the day. It is a compact design
incorporating serious solutions to all issues and questions related to the
tonearm-/cartridge complex. The AXIOM is available in a choice of striking
jewel-quality surface finishes.
Here all forces are focused and applied to maximize the performance and to
bring the analog front-end a few - very significant! - steps further in it’s
evolution. The AXIOM is entirely designed, made and assembled in Germany.
All parts used are of German origin - except the internal wiring (Japanese).
Please note:
Each AXIOM is assembled and tested in house. Quality control and
certification signed by the designer. Due to the unique special bearing
mounting procedure (explained in detail in the features of the AXIOM) the
AXIOM can be produced in serial production batches only. The first
production of AXIOM tonearms starts in January 2013 and ships March 2013.
If you are further interested in the AXIOM - just let us know.I will gladly
give more detailed information.
Thank you for your interest.
The AXIOM is available in both versions:
with fixed mounting head for any 1/2" cartridge
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| full SRA adjustable fixed 1/2"
mounting head |
unique adjustable SME-bayonet
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... or
with SME-bayonet mounting for detachable headshells and
Ortofon SPU,
EMT "Tondosen",
FR-7
and other integrated headshell cartridges ( like Technics, Yamaha, Sony,
Ikeda et al)
The AXIOM offers - in both versions - an unique complete range of features,
with several options & features not available in any other tonearm.
A personal note:
I always had a kind of "love affair" with 2 versions of the venerable
Fidelity Research FR-7f integrated headshell cartridges made by Fidelity
Research in the early 80ies of the last century.
Having used these favorites of mine on FR66s and FR64s tonearms for 2
decades constantly made me wonder, why no tonearm ever offered the option to
actually adjust integrated headshell cartridges. There is no way in any
tonearm - not even in the Fidelity Research FR-60 tonearms - to adjust
overhang, azimuth or off-set angle.
The AXIOM ends this sad negation of integrated cartridges like the classic
Fidelity Research FR-7, Ortofon SPU, EMT-Tondosen and others.
Please note:
In the AXIOM w/SME-bayonet it is possible -for the 1st time ever in audio
tonearms!- to precisely align integrated headshell designs like the famed
Ortofon SPU, EMT-Tondosen or Fidelity Research FR-7-series cartridges. You
think you know what sound these classic cartridges can produce?
Well, listen to them in the AXIOM - you may well be in for a big and
positive surprise.
IMPORTANT notice for owners of Micro Seiki RX/SX-turntables (RX-1500, 3000,
5000, SX-5000 and SX-8000):
* there is a very special version of the AXIOM mounting board available.
With this the AXIOM directly couples to Micro Seiki mounting
domes/pillars.
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the AQUILAR 10" Reference Tonearm:
prime materials + intelligent solutions +
unique features + careful handcrafted in Germany = outstanding sonic
performance
In the past 2 years our R&D dedicated a lot of energy, time, money and
brain-storming in offering the unique sonic abilities of the AXIOM in a more
affordable version.
To create an all-new superior 10" tonearm design - which also should be easy
to mount on all turntables thanks to the slightly reduced effective length.
We have succeeded.
Introducing ... the AQUILAR - the all-new 10” reference tonearm
Immediate audible outperforming all other tonearms except the AXIOM.
the AQUILAR (origin from ancient latin "aquila" - the eagle)
offers many of the prime choice and expensive materials, as well as most of
the unique technical key solutions which made the AXIOM's performance easily
standing heads above all competition.
the AQUILAR comes equipped with an unique bundle of features:
- 10” effective length
- very easy and swift set up
- customized dedicated 3D-alignment template
- non-resonance HD18 tungsten carbide counterweight
- unique acoustical-systems non-resonance titanium/carbon-hybrid arm wand
- precision leveling of bearing plane - independent of arm board / turntable
- adjustable SRA, VTA, Azimuth, Overhang and Offset angle at headshell
- VTA adjustment on-the-fly
- non-touch magnetic Anti-skating on-the-fly
- dynamic anti skating following the tangential curve
- the design is based on the unique UNI-DIN* geometry
- the critical inner wiring is fine 5N pure silver litz wire
* the UNI-DIN geometry is available only in 2 tonearm designs:
the AXIOM and the AQUILAR
UNI-DIN is the intellectual property of Dietrich D. Brakemeier.
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| The
inquisitive design and
execution |
top notch performance due to
highest adjustability |
- available with 2 terminal options:
direct-to-phono 1.2 m length phono lead (RCA or XLR - choice)
or
male DIN 5-pole connector
- available in 2 fine finishes:
black satin matt
or
ceramic-alloy silver matt
(note: this looks just great - especially on Kronos, TechDAS AFO, TechDAS
AF2 and Sperling turntables!)
- available in 2 mounting versions (exchangeable by user in a minute):
with flat top mount plate (same as Tri-Planar, Jelco or DaVinci)
or
drop-in replacement for any standard SME-mounting plate
Please note: the AQUILAR can drop-in replace TriPlanar, DaVinci, Jelco, SME
IV, SME V, SME 309 or Graham Supreme/Elite without any alternation to user's
pre-drilled arm board.
All geometric proportions and dimensions within the AQUILAR's
design do follow the principles of the Golden Ratio
Harmonics and Feng-Shui.
The AQUILAR is entirely designed, its materials sourced, its parts machined
and finally carefully handcrafted in southern Bavaria, Germany.
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