A Sorane TA-1 tonearm, the evolving tonearm marketplace, and the Ortofon MC 90X

A friend who sells high-end audio gear once pointed out that people who shop for separate tonearms are very different from those interested in phono cartridges or turntables in general.

- BY MICHAEL TREI

If you think about it, this makes sense. Almost everyone buying a new turntable needs a cartridge to go with it, and most turntables come equipped with a tonearm. Tonearm shoppers are more avid enthusiasts than general consumers.

It wasn't always that way. In earlier days of high fidelity, 60 or more years ago, people putting together a cutting-edge phono playback system would typically buy what was known as a motor unit: a Thorens TD 124, Garrard 301, or a few years later the Garrard 401 or Technics SP-10. They would match it up with a tonearm from a company like SME or Ortofon. Then they would buy or build a wooden plinth to mount the motor unit and arm on.1 Decades later, many of these vintage motor units have gained near cultlike status, and their new owners are still shopping for arms and plinths to use with them. A good chunk of my recent turntable setup work involves helping these new owners assemble a motor unit, plinth, and tonearm that meets their needs, expectations, and budget.

Up until six years ago, selecting a new tonearm wasn't too complicated.

If you wanted superb bang for your buck, Jelco, from Japan, offered an extensive range of affordable options in various lengths, finishes, and performance levels. They sounded great, rarely gave trouble, and were easy to use, all of which made them an obvious, frequent recommendation. Many turntable manufacturers also went to Jelco to have custom arms built and branded just for them. In the early 1990s, when I worked for British turntable manufacturer Roksan, we sold thousands of the Jelco-built Tabriz.