Тонармы — Reed REED 5A

The REED 5A is a tangential-pivot tonearm from Reed of Lithuania, developed by founder Vidmantas Triukas as the next step in the company's work on tangential designs. Instead of a single swinging arm, it uses a linkage based on what Reed calls Double Birch or Thales geometry, in which three right angles keep the cartridge aligned with the groove across the record. Its American price is USD 11,995, and a custom build takes three to four weeks after the order.

Key specs that matter

Reed rates the worst-case tracking error at plus or minus 4 minutes of angle, against the 1.2 to 2.5 degrees Reed gives for conventional pivoted arms. Offset angle and overhang are both zero. Mounting distance is 251 mm and the maximum platter diameter the arm clears is 330 mm across. Effective mass runs from 10 to 16 g depending on the wand - wenge gives 10 to 14 g, Macassar ebony 10 to 16 g, cocobolo 12 to 16 g and light or dark teak 8 to 12 g. Downforce adjusts from 10 to 30 mN, VTA to within 0.2 mm, and azimuth over plus or minus 8 degrees. The height mechanism suits platters from 26 to 46 mm high.

Engineering and use context

Because the stylus stays tangent to the groove, the 5A needs no anti-skating device. It also works without the air compressors or electronic control units that many linear trackers depend on, which keeps it compact enough for ordinary turntables. Ceramic rolling bearings chosen for low noise sit in the rear link and in the lever, and the lever carries in addition a thrust bearing pairing sapphire with molybdenum carbide. At the front link, thrust bearings of the same sapphire and molybdenum carbide pairing handle both the vertical and horizontal axes. Suspension of the armtube follows the method used on the Reed 3P. A built-in level and a horizontal plane adjuster, accurate to plus or minus 2 mm per metre, help set the arm flat. Headshells fit through either a Reed or an SME universal connector. Metalwork is supplied in black or in seashell white, and wand timbers include cocobolo, light or dark teak, Macassar ebony, wenge and Panzerholz. The arm is offered in 9.5, 10.5 and 12 inch lengths, and several internal wiring and termination options are available.

Pairing

With the wood chosen by weight, the effective mass can be matched to high or low compliance designs. The SME style connector opens the arm to headshells from other makers, and the mounting position fits turntables already drilled for a standard arm base.

Alternatives

The Reed 3P is a conventional pivoted Reed tonearm that shares the armtube suspension of the 5A but uses offset geometry and magnetic anti-skating.