Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Tonearm Audio Cherry 9 Tone Arms by mbeatless

Model:	Cherry 9
Category:	Tone Arms
Suggested Retail Price:	$190.00
Description:	Wooden tonearm
Manufacturer URL:	Tonearm Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by mbeatless on August 29, 2010 at 08:33:48
IP Address: 99.7.222.10 Add Your Review
for the Cherry 9

Hello, I just bought this tonearm for my stock Lenco L75 turntable. Early impressions are very favorable. I am using it with two cartridges: a Grado Prestige Gold (moving iron) and a Denon 110 (high output moving coil). It sounds sweet and warm with the Grado, and clear and bright with the Denon (as it should!). I didn't know what to expect from this tonearm, as I've never heard a tonearm that was made of wood. I am using it in the stock tonearm hole of the Lenco. I haven't heard any other tonearm in this Lenco, so I can't compare it. I'd like to get a Rega RB-250 or RB-300 to compare, although I am told that the measurements for the Rega will be off in the stock hole. This tonearm comes with a cartridge platform that is screwed into the headshell, and more platforms are available for $15 if like me you like to change cartridges often as I do.

I also placed an order for a Shure M97xE which I got from Amazon for $64 including shipping (!) I want to get a Jico SAS stylus for this as I've heard great things about that combo. Ultimately I'd like to try one of the Soundsmiths as funds permit. I think this tonearm, being low to medium mass, might be more at home with a slightly more high compliance cartridge such as one of the Soundsmiths. Although, right now I've got the Denon running in it and it sounds superb. The Denon has a better needle than the Grado and seems to have less surface noise. The Grado does have that magical midrange (so many choices!)

This tonearm is terminated in RCA's, so I am connecting it to my preamp via Signal Cable Analog One interconnects. The PRAT and dynamics of the Lenco, even being in the stock plinth, are very much in evidence with this turntable/tonearm combination. The sound is much more neutral and transparent than I expected from a all solid wood tonearm. Overall I am very impressed. I think as the tonearm wire breaks in the sound will continue to be more refined and detailed. I am coming from years of belt drives (essentially Rega P3, P25, and Linn LP12) and love the leading edge dynamics and clarity of the Lenco idler rim-drive design. Music also seems to come from a nice black background. Tonearm Audio also makes plinths, and was quoted a price of $320 to build a solid wood plinth for the Lenco.

Product Weakness:	none so far
Product Strengths:	Clear, detailed and organic sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Harman Kardon Citation 12
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): SAE Mark IX
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Lenco L-75
Speakers: KLH Model 6
Cables/Interconnects: Signal Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections): rock, pop and jazz
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Isolation transformer
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Harman Kardon Citation 12
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	SAE Mark IX
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Lenco L-75
Speakers:	KLH Model 6
Cables/Interconnects:	Signal Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	rock, pop and jazz
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Isolation transformer
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner