Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Origin Live Silver RB-250 Tone Arms by Don T

Model:	Silver RB-250
Category:	Tone Arms
Suggested Retail Price:	$725
Description:	Highly modified Rega RB-250
Manufacturer URL:	Origin Live
Model Picture:	View

Review by Don T ( A ) on April 22, 2003 at 00:29:32
IP Address: 68.99.211.200

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for the Silver RB-250

I recieved the Silver tonearm for Origin Live about 10 days ago and have got 50 hours on it. I listen to mainly pop and rock records.
The manufacturer recommends 100 hours of break in but I haven't noticed many changes and think the thing works just fine out of the box. It replaces a Rega RB600 in my system and mounting it was a breeze - though the VTA adjuster didn't fit in my Roksan armboard.
First thing I noticed was an improvement in dynamics. Not so much more dynamics but a greater assuredness of dynamics - I found myself turning the volume up just a bit when listening. I sense this is simply a function of the stylus riding more firmly in the grooves of the record.
Secondly I noticed better resolution of low level details. I'm not really sure there are more details than with the RB600 but these details are better seperated and etched in space than with my previous arm. Again this sounds like a function of the stylus/groove interface being more firmly controlled.
Tonally the balance has shifted towards the upper midrange. At first listen it seems that there is more information in mids/highs and less bass. I'm sure the bass is much better articulated and powerful when called for - though I do sense the upper mid range / highs are more present than with the RB 600 but there also seems to be additional detail in these ranges. Whether this observation of brightness is a function of the Silver being more tonally bright, the prescence of the additional detail or reflects some character of the RB600 I don't know and I don't find this character undesirable in my system.
Overall I find the musical presentation brighter, leaner and more dynamic than with the RB600. Additionally I feel more of the recording is obvious and in general the system allows me to feel more like I am listening to a master tape with the new arm. Overall the sound of vinyl becomes more analytical and the mechanics of the cartridge/record surface interaction have been highlighted by this upgrade. For sure I am getting more out of the XX2 when using the Silver.
No the arm doesn't make music sound more natural or organic - but it does let the XX2 hang in the grooves with more conviction - leading to a more confident and assured presentation of the recording. Music is more vibrant, immediate and forceful with this arm and that's a very good thing.

Product Weakness: Increase brightness and slightly metallic character.
Product Strengths: Easy to install - fits a Rega arm board. Hairshirt good looks. Excellent performance.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Exposure DR4
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Exposure 21
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Roksan Xerxes DX2
Speakers:	Spendor SP100
Cables/Interconnects:	Sakura Labs OTA
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	pop/rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 18 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Increase brightness and slightly metallic character.
Product Strengths:	Easy to install - fits a Rega arm board. Hairshirt good looks. Excellent performance.