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REVIEW: Tonearm Audio Cherry 12 Tone Arms

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Model: Cherry 12
Category: Tone Arms
Suggested Retail Price: $380
Description: 12
Manufacturer URL: Tonearm Audio

Review by Constantine on September 27, 2013 at 07:35:47
IP Address: 74.67.94.129
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for the Cherry 12


A review of TonearmAudio’s $380 12” cherry tonearm

First, allow me to list my gear, the result of four decades of searching for the sound I like.
Shindo Monbrison pre-amp with MC and MM capability
Shindo Montille 15 wpc 6V6 power tube amplifier
Technics SP-15 turntable updated and refinished by Roy Coffey of Roylcraft
Klipsch LaScala loudspeakers modified with ALK Engineering crossovers.

I was seeking a new phono cartridge and my Shindo dealer suggested the Ortofon SPU Classic N E as a natural companion for the MC step up transformers in the Monbrison. However, the SPU is weighty and I needed a new tonearm to accommodate it.

Then I discovered Len Johnson’s company, TonearmAudio. I was skeptical at first regarding a simple arm made of cherry. Don’t tonearms have to be complicated beasts to work properly? Shouldn’t they be made of some sort of metal? Shouldn’t a really fine arm cost a grand or two?

After reading positive comments by Len’s customers on various audio blogs, I phoned him for more info. I told him about the SPU model I wanted to use and he assured me that any cartridge could be mounted on his arm and balanced simply be utilizing a heavier counterweight. So where was the problem?

Sold! The arm arrived and set-up could not have been simpler. Then I began the serious evaluation process. Four hours later the floor was littered with album covers. The music was wonderful...the potential of the SPU was realized!

The fulcrum bearings give the tonearm a nice bass response that feels natural and as close to “live” as one can get. The mid-range is magical. The soundstage is large, deep and panoramic. The room becomes the recording venue from wall to wall, from floor to ceiling. The swivel bearings allow the arm to glide through any record unhindered. The arm is a pleasure to use.

Accurate, exciting, insightful and emotionally involving…these are the words that come to mind. The arm is a stylish, yet effortless, tool to bring the listener closer to his music. One of the most important concepts I have learned in my years in and around audio is that often the best is born from the simplest.

If you are searching for a great tonearm you can’t afford to overlook TonearmAudio’s affordable wonder.


Product Weakness: none
Product Strengths: Simplicity and musicality


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Shindo Montille
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Shindo Monbrison
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics SP-15
Speakers: Klipsch La Scalas
Cables/Interconnects: Auditorium 23
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Jazz, Rock, Symphonic Film Score
Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 14 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: Walls of LPs and CDs
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition




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Topic - REVIEW: Tonearm Audio Cherry 12 Tone Arms - Constantine 07:35:47 09/27/13 ( 14)