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How to Choose a Tonearm for a Vinyl Turntable Today?

High End Tonearms Rating for 2025

28.01.2025 08:34 | ~2 minutes read

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.

Scheu Analog Cantus 12
Scheu Analog Cantus 12". Image source - (c) Scheu Analog

Scheu Analog Cantus 12"

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.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

Tonearms — Scheu Analogue Cantus 12"

Clearaudio Profiler 9”
Clearaudio Profiler 9”. Image source - (c) Clearaudio

Clearaudio Profiler 9”

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.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

Tonearms — Clearaudio Profiler 9”

Acoustic Solid WTB 313 12“
Acoustic Solid WTB 313 12“. Image source - (c) Acoustic Solid

Acoustic Solid WTB 313 12“

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.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

Tonearms — Acoustic Solid WTB 313 12"

Acoustic Signature TA-7000 NEO 12”
Acoustic Signature TA-7000 NEO 12”. Image source - (c) Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature TA-7000 NEO 12”

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.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

Tonearms — Acoustic Signature TA-7000 NEO 12"

Bergmann Odin
Bergmann Odin. Image source - (c) Bergmann

Bergmann Odin

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.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

Tonearms — Bergmann Odin

  • 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

  • Weight (g)

    1.18 + 5.7 (air pump)

  • Official link

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