Often, it is the tonearm that becomes the weak link in a high-end vinyl analog audio system – so it will never be superfluous to pay attention to this class of components. Our new expert editorial rating contains five of the most impressive High End tonearms for vinyl turntables.
Pros – crystal clear sound
Scheu Analog Cantus 12" is a long tonearm of an extravagant shape and design. The model literally “pumps air by the liters” – at the same time, the single-bearing system with hybrid technology of magnetic and traditional bearings is perfectly balanced (the tungsten counterweight with a suspended structure is controlled literally “with one hand”). Finally, in the design of tonearms, someone was not afraid to go against the accepted patterns.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
Cantus 12"
Type
Unipivot
Effective mass (g)
N/A
Effective length (mm)
307.5
Cartridge Balance range (g)
N/A
Offset angle (deg)
N/A
Overhang (mm)
14
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (g)
N/A
Official link
Pros – German precision in everything
9” Clearaudio Profiler is a tonearm with a double gimbal suspension, which guarantees reference tracking and the signature meticulous sound with a lot of details. Made of aluminum and stainless steel, equipped with bearings with sapphire and steel balls, this component is literally made “for centuries”. And it is ready to work with very expensive turntables – without fading against their background.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
Profiler 9”
Type
Gimbal
Effective mass (g)
N/A
Effective length (mm)
239.58
Cartridge Balance range (g)
3.5 - 17
Offset angle (deg)
N/A
Overhang (mm)
17.58
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (g)
510
Official link
Pros – deep bass, good timbre picture
Acoustic Solid WTB 313 is a precision long tonearm with a very large tolerance for effective mass – from 8 to 25 g. The model is made to the highest standard, like an “Rolex” watch, here you can examine every detail for a long time and enjoy the engineering skill of the creators. Continued sound and form - with thunderous bass, verified mids and brilliant highs.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
WTB 313 12"
Type
Gimbal
Effective mass (g)
N/A
Effective length (mm)
302.9
Cartridge Balance range (g)
8 – 25
Offset angle (deg)
N/A
Overhang (mm)
30
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (g)
450
Official link
Pros - "tomorrow's" design, sound with brilliance
The mid-weight Acoustic Signature TA-7000 NEO belongs to the High End level and guarantees a rich textured sound with charm and brilliance. The model uses custom-made "aerospace" bearings, tapered carbon fiber tube with a lightweight support structure and compound; all elements are verified and perfectly optimized for the best result.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
TA-7000 NEO 12"
Type
Gimbal
Effective mass (g)
N/A
Effective length (mm)
309
Cartridge Balance range (g)
N/A
Offset angle (deg)
N/A
Overhang (mm)
13.2
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (g)
687
Official link
Pros – tangential and air suspension, and that says it all
Bergmann Odin accumulates two proprietary approaches - a tangential design that eliminates angular errors, and an air bearing that minimizes friction. Made of aluminum and carbon, equipped with an external air pump, Bergmann Odin literally grabs the stars from the sky in terms of performance quality.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
Odin
Type
Tangential
Effective mass (g)
14
Effective length (mm)
N/A
Cartridge Balance range (g)
N/A
Offset angle (deg)
N/A
Overhang (mm)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (g)
1.18 + 5.7 (air pump)
Official link
Many music lovers and audiophiles are wondering what the future holds for the high-quality audio market? Will the trend for analog formats continue, what transformation will streaming undergo, what will happen to loudspeakers, amplifiers and sources? Well, our editorial forecast for the development of the Hi-Fi and High-End industry for the coming year is as follows - the ten points outlined below can significantly influence the market and change the balance of power in it.
The manufacturer itself calls the universal disc player Kalista Dreamplay XC a combination of all the best digital capabilities. In addition to playing CDs and SACDs, the device can work with a network stream (full functionality of a streamer), has a luxurious digital-to-analog converter and even provides preamplifier functions (although, also in digital form). The French company tried to make Kalista Dreamplay XC impressive in every sense - both in terms of characteristics, and in terms of ultimate sound quality, and in appearance. So, we are testing Kalista Dreamplay XC.
Modern High-End offers a lot of more compact and flexible solutions - among which, of course, it is worth noting traditional wired over-ear headphones. We have studied the market of this class of equipment in detail as of the beginning of 2025 and selected in this buyer's guide ten of the most impressive and striking models of extra-cash headphones that meet the most demanding views on sound quality and offer a genuine synthesis of modern technologies.
Analog technology has successfully secured its place at the top of the sound quality sky – but choosing a cartridge for the High End analog equipment is fraught with many nuances. The new editorial rating has collected six of the most impressive vinyl cartridges that you can choose in 2025.
It is digital audio technology that is developing at the fastest pace, so even a savvy audiophile can easily get lost in the sea of offers. Want to understand which newest digital-to-analog converter deserves attention if you are really sensitive to sound quality? Our buyer's guide to DACs of the beginning of 2025 will help.