Tag Archives: tonearm

Reviews

Audio-Technica Intros Turntable Setup Disc & High Performance Phono Cables

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Get the most out of your record player

Stow, OH, May , 2026 — Our friends at Audio-Technica makes cartridge setup and turntable performance easier with the introduction of its AT-CAP4 Multi-Function Cartridge Alignment and Stroboscope Disc, AT-TC300/1.2 High-performance Phono Cable, and AT6112x and AT6104x Headshell Lead Wires. The new accessories are designed to optimize cartridge alignment, calibrate turntable speed and maximize sound quality.

“A properly calibrated cartridge and turntable are essential to getting the most out of any record-playing setup,” noted Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “These accessories ensure listeners will enjoy the best sound possible from their analog playback.”

Four Setup Choices For Most Used Musical Styles

The AT-CAP4 (SRP: $40.00 usd/ $54.70 cad) enables users to set the correct cartridge geometry to ensure proper tracking with minimum distortion and minimize record wear. Side one of the disc includes null points for Baerwald, Stevenson, Löfgren B and UNI-DIN alignments, to accommodate the most-used calibration geometries, tonearm effective lengths from 200 to 250 mm, and user playback preferences.

Baerwald is effective for a wide range of musical styles and minimizes distortion throughout the record. Stevenson is good for classical, jazz and music where distortion should be reduced closer to the inner grooves. Löfgren B is ideal for those who want superior sound quality across most of the record but can accept slightly more distortion towards the inner grooves. UNI-DIN prioritizes clarity in the middle and inner grooves, which works well for rock and pop.

Side two of the disc features a stroboscope that enables users to precisely calibrate 33-1/3, 45 and 78 RPM turntable platter speeds at 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

Audio-Technica’s AT-TC300/1.2 phono cable ($99.00 usd/ $135.00 cad) is an effective upgrade from stock phono cables. It utilizes low-capacitance, HYPER OFC (oxygen-free copper) wiring to maintain the sonic purity and frequency range of the delicate signals coming off the phono cartridge and features a PVC jacket with mica filler to dampen unwanted vibrations. The AT-TC300/1.2 cable is double-shielded with a central ground wire, for exceptional signal-to-noise performance and resolution.

In analog playback, every detail counts – including the quality of the headshell wires used to connect the phono cartridge to the tonearm headshell. The Audio-Technica AT6112x and AT6104x ($59.00 usd/ $81.00 cad and $29.00 usd/ $40.00 cad) ensure that the most subtle musical nuances are clearly reproduced. Both feature 29 strands of 0.12 mm 7N-class Dia Ultra Crystallized Copper and Pure Copper Ultra High Drawability wire, respectively, along with a PVC sheath with mica filler for vibration control and triangular gold-plated cartridge clips for maximum signal transmission and durability.

The Audio-Technica AT-CAP4 Multi-Function Cartridge Alignment and Stroboscope Disc, AT-TC300/1.2 High-performance Phono Cable, and AT6112x and AT6104xHeadshell Lead Wires are now available- email [email protected] for ordering information.

Featured image: AT-CAP4 Multi-Function Cartridge Alignment and Stroboscope Disc (side one)

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.

— For more information on the complete range of Audio-Technica products, contact Jamie Bobek, Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224. Tel: (330) 686-2600; Fax: (330) 688-3752.

— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tanya Williams ([email protected]).

Reviews

Newly Improved Moving Coil Cartridges To Propel Your Record Listening

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Our friends at Audio-Technica have debuted their improved AT33x Series moving coil phono cartridges and you are gonna love them!

Stow, OH, October, 2025 — Audio-Technica announces the introduction of its AT33x dual moving coil phono cartridges, featuring a host of sonic and engineering upgrades over the previous AT33 Series. The new lineup offers five models including two dedicated mono cartridges, all designed to deliver warm, full-bodied and balanced sound along with easier installation.

“The AT33 Series has long enjoyed a cult following among moving coil fans in the know,” said Bob Peet, Audio-Technica Global Product Manager – Analog Products. “With the introduction of the AT33x models, listeners can enjoy even better sound in a variety of systems. We continue to support listeners seeking exceptional performance and high value in high-end stereo moving coil cartridges, as well as enthusiasts who enjoy their classic monophonic LPs.”

The new AT33x lineup includes the following:
AT33xMLB – microlinear nude stylus, solid boron tapered cantilever, $899 usd/ $1,257 cad
AT33xMLD – microlinear nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $799 usd/ $1,117 cad
AT33xEN – 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical nude stylus, duralumin tapered pipe cantilever, $699 usd/ $977 cad


AT33xMONO/I – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $649 usd/ $907 cad
AT33xMONO/II – mono, 0.65 mil conical nude stylus, duralumin pipe cantilever, $449 usd/ $623 cad

All AT33x Series cartridges are all hand-crafted in Japan.

All feature Audio-Technica’s unique dual moving coil structure with independent left and right coils, which provides exceptional channel separation, imaging and tracking capability for the stereo models, and sound quality that is dynamic yet delicate and refined. The AT33xMONO/I and AT33xMONO/II are configured as a true mono design that is unaffected by any vertical noise components picked up from the record groove. (They are also ideal for mono playback on a stereo system.)

All models have threaded mounting holes for easier installation and feature composite cartridge bodies made of die-cast zinc, aluminum and high-rigidity polymer to ensure clear, detailed sound with freedom from unwanted resonances. Rigid, dense die-cast zinc is used for the cartridge base for additional resonance suppression and to add clarity to the bass and midrange.

Every cartridge in the series utilizes PCOCC (pure copper by Ohno continuous casting) and gold-plated cartridge pins to ensure maximum signal transmission and musical clarity. Depending on the model, AT33x Series cartridges employ either neodymium or samarium cobalt high-strength magnets for responsive, high-resolution vinyl playback. A newly-developed suspension and rubber damper design (with lower compliance than other Audio-Technica cartridges) enable every AT33x model to be used with a variety of tonearms.

All are available now. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives

Reviews

New Flagship Turntable From Audio-Technica Delivers

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STOW, OH, September 30, 2024 — Our friends at Audio-Technica are pleased to announce the introduction and availability of its AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable.

The AT-LP8X is Audio-Technica’s new flagship turntable and its first-ever semi-automatic model.

It is designed to deliver exceptional vinyl record playback, with features including a VM95 Series cartridge (included), adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), a newly-designed motor, and additional refinements.

In addition to delivering outstanding sound from 33-1/3, 45 and 78-RPM records, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X offers the convenience of semi-automatic operation, where the tonearm raises itself off the record and the motor stops at the end of a side. The AT-LP8X comes with a pre-mounted high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, for superior resolution, stereo imaging, and tracking. The cartridge is pre-mounted on Audio-Technica’s new AT-L10 removeable headshell (also available separately) for easy installation. The AT-VM95E is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.

Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle VTA

The J-shaped aluminum tonearm is inspired by classic Audio-Technica designs and has adjustable VTA, enabling it to be optimized for virtually any phono cartridge. In addition, the AT-LP8X provides adjustments for anti-skating and tracking force, and comes with a sub-counterweight that enables the use of cartridges with a weight range from 14 to 23.5 grams.

The AT-LP8X incorporates a new low-torque direct drive DC motor, with a speed sensor system that ensures accurate speed stability. It features a 1-inch-thick (25 mm) rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter and a rubber mat, the most substantial platter ever offered on an Audio-Technica turntable, for reduced resonance and more accurate and uncolored vinyl playback. It also features a new internal switching power supply that is optimized for audio use, ensuring minimum noise in the signal chain. The AT-LP8X comes with a detachable RCA cable, removeable hinged dust cover, and 45-RPM adapter.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable is now available, at a suggested U.S. retail price of $999 / CAD $1,348. For the Silo, Frank Doris.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.

— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tanya Williams ([email protected]) please mention The Silo when contacting.

Reviews

Supreme Analog Vinyl Record Weights Trending

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“If there is no sound philosophy in making the audio gear, then all product you make is plagiarism.” Zoran Mihajlovic
Having grown up around record players of dubious quality, I remember very clearly my first ‘real’ turntable. An audiophile friend of the family helped my father put together an entry level system for my 15th birthday. The system included 3 way Acoustic Research speakers, Sansui integrated amplifier, Sansui 3 head cassette deck and my first decent turntable- a gently used Sansui direct drive with a shiny S-arm and what looked like a strange silver hockey puck.

At 15 I was into my second year of drumming and with this turntable was now able to play along to LP records without having to worry about the inevitable skipping that the cheap family record player performed almost every time I hit the bass drum hard. I later learned that the puck was actually a custom made record clamp that the previous owner had fashioned to squeeze every last bit of performance out of the record player.

There is a surprising amount of science behind the advantages of using record clamps to ‘push’ the vinyl down onto the slipmat and platter and people that use them swear by them. In general terms, the added mass from the fitted clamp flattens warps in the record and a beneficial flywheel effect takes place once the record is spinning at speed.

Today, turntable designs have advanced and exotic materials and technologies are incorporated into high end models. This has translated into a need for ultra high quality clamps designed to properly secure records to all kinds of esoteric spindles and platters.

Enter Zoran Mihajlovic- a man devoted to producing the highest quality record clamps such as the Model 1 via his Serbian company Supreme Analog. At 3000 euros (at time of this article, 1 euro = 1.5 Canadian dollars) , this is a record clamp (Supreme-Analog calls it a record weight) that is produced on order only and commands attention.

Supreme Analog Model 1 record weight
70mm wide, 50mm high, 460g weight
Swiss stainless steel and Serbian sinked wood

Supreme Analog Basic Line Record BL006 stainless steel
If you are on a more modest budget, they also offer the BL-006 for 250 euros. Also made from Swiss stainless steel, the more basic model weighs in at 950g and ships world wide for free in a solid wood box.

It’s easy to tell that Supreme-Analog have a real passion for audio and they make a number of interesting products including jewel like tonearms and gorgeous horn speakers. Check them all out.  For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.