".....a tonearm that is only accurately aligned at 2 points across a record is about as good as a stopped clock that shows the correct time twice a day......." Clive Meakins, reviewer for Enjoythemusic.com, referring to a conventional pivot arm.
I am pleased to anounce the NEW Terminator T3Pro.
Updated from the previous T2 version, VTA & Level adjustments are now completely independant. Once the level is fixed, it no longer has to be touched. This allows VTA adjustments on-the-fly so you can tune in the 'sweet point' of your cartridge. In addition, scale markings are etched onto the front plate so you can reproduce these points for different cartridges.
The T3Pro remains an affordable tangential tracking air-bearing tonearm with a no-compromise high-end performance. It is designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, & is sold direct with no middle or VAT men involved! It is proudly manufactured & assembled in Great Britain using all UK sourced parts & labour!
This is, without a doubt, one of the best sounding tone arms & best deals in the Audio World! Don’t take my word for it, read the reviews here:
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For those among you skeptical of reviews, visit my Clients Corner here:
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Based on Ladegaard's principles, this design uses an inexpensive low pressure aquarium pump & smoothing tank. The inverted angle bearing operates more efficiently than the conventional tubular format used in other air bearing tonearms requiring less air pressure, typically below 200LPH. This means it does not suffer from the usual audible hiss & pump noise is very low. It also differs from all other air-bearings in that the horizontal & vertical components are kept separate. In this way, inertia can be optimized for each plane: high for horizontal, low for vertical.
Also unique is the way the wand is suspended below the main assembly. This allows for the carrier to be positioned directly above the record resulting in a shortened arm-wand & low centre of gravity. The shorter wand dramatically reduces internal resonances contributing to the overall sound. You will hear bass notes start & stop instantly with no overhang. The actual detail will improve enabling the various timbres & textures within the bass note to be heard......probably for the very first time! Midrange will become more distinct, detailed & clearer as the plume of colouration disappears; treble will become sweeter & less sibilant. Soundstage & dynamics are also greatly improved, as is the ability to track warps.
Watch video of Terminator handling warps with ultra compliant Shure tracking at 1.2g!
The main advantage in using a parallel tracking arm is the elimination of tracking error & bias compensation. Pivoted arms are always a compromise as correct stylus alignment is not constant throughout its travel. The Terminator tracks reliably in perfect alignment from the start to the end of the groove, extracting information without distortion or compromise, as was originally intended! Because of this simplified geometry, bias compensation is also redundant.
Wand
- New Tomahawk integrated headshell/shaft design.
- New headshell also includes both threaded & unthreaded cartridge fitting options.
- Tonearm wand easily swapped for fast cartridge changes. Extra wands available to order.
Friction-free twin pivot bearing with azimuth adjustment.
Option of light & heavy counterweights, both supplied, with coarse & fine easy adjustment.
User replaceable wiring harness. Standard option consists of copper Litz/molex connector, but options include 4N silver wiring. See website (Trans-fi.com) for options.
General
Horizontal friction-free airbearing & sliding runner made from highly polished anodized aluminium.
Easily accessable INDEPENDENT thumbscrew adjustments for level & VTA.
Stable , repeatable VTA on-the-fly adjustment.
Analogue scale encorporated with option of digital VTA displays.
Sturdy 6mm solid brushed aluminium mounting & adjustment plates.
Low lateral inertia of just over 80g including cartridge & counterweight!
Solid Aluminium mounting block.
- Low operating pressure, typically <200LPH (approx 3LPM)
- Retro fittable to any turntable using existing pivot arm hole.
- Price includes pump, smoothing tank & 5m of tubing.
- Lifetime, no-quibble warranty (excepting accidental damage).
This is a hand-made item manufactured to order in my own workshop using solid quality CNC cut stainless steel & aluminium - no mass produced plastic injection mouldings. I will therefore need some time to complete the order - anything from 1-3 weeks. Please email beforehand for a more precise delivery date.
I will require measurements on the mounting hole position for your deck & the platter height. A special order-form exists on my website for this purpose. More pictures & technical info can be found on Trans-fi.com.
Version in this listing is for copper Litz wired Tomahawk wand with molex connector. Other options available on my website.
Price includes pump/tank, tubing & all necessary fittings. Turntable/cartridge & VTA display not included & are for illustrative purposes.
Air bearing tonearms require a certain amount of fettling as they need to be perfectly level in all planes to track properly. Your turntable also needs to be firmly supported. A wobbly floor won't do! If you are coming from a pivot arm, there is a small learning curve involved!
This is a high-end audio product. It is aimed at audiophiles with a certain amount of expertise & respect for operating this type of equipment. I will not be accountable for any damage occuring to ancillary equipment through its operation!
I dont have the space in this listing for a full description. Please refer to my site for more info & pictures. Any queries enthusiastically answered!
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