DESIGN NAME: Reed 5T
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Linear Tracking Tonearm
INSPIRATION: In audiophile world it is well known that tangential tonearms are superior to pivot ones. The idea to design this kind of linear tracking tonearm came up from intention to create completely different tangential tonearm from others, which in most cases are very massive. While creating this tonearm the main focus was to create high quality functional, compact and unique design using innovative technological solutions. Keeping in mind that it will be dedicated to a true audio passionate.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: It's working principle is based on Thales theorem and the rule that given three non-collinear points it is possible to draw only one circle that has finite radius and passes through all three. According to these rules arm tube is tangential to the groove of LP. Bearing system is as rigid as gimbal, but its friction coefficient is very low. Tonearm's turning part is based on low noise thrust-sleeve bearing. For angular rotation limited rotation sectional torque motor is designed and built.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Tonearm's position is controlled by laser and linear sensor grid. When tonearm is operating, laser beam should point into a center of linear sensor array. LED indicator shows tonearm status. Reed 5T has user - replaceable arm tube - feature, which allows to change tonearm's effective mass yourself. It also has VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) and azimuth adjustments. Tonearm can be mounted almost on every turntable. Customer can choose the type of connectors (RCA, DIN, Cardas), cables, arm tube wood and also tonearm body coating.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Reed 5T tonearm was designed and manufactured in Lithuania. The project started in 2012, finished in 2016 and in 2017 launched on the worldwide market. It was exhibited in: Audio Gourmet 2016 in Lithuania, High End Munich 2017 in Germany, Tokyo International Audio Show in Japan. This tonearm was published on the cover of Analog magazine in Japan and got the Analog Grandprix 2018 award.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Digital and Electronic Device Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Tonearm is equipped with high quality electronic parts (laser, sensors, connectors). Arm tube, like all Reed tonearms, can be chosen of these woods: Macassar Ebony, Wenge, Cocobolo, Pernambucco. These woods were selected for their best acoustic capabilities. Main tonearm parts are made of aluminum and stainless steel. All parts are precisely crafted to ensure highest quality of Reed tonearm.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 326 mm x Depth 156 mm x Height 143 mm. Weight 1,9 kg.
TAGS: tonearm, tangential, linear, tracking, audio
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: While creating this tonearm a lot of practical research and technical experiments were made: absolute tracking error analysis; linear sensor array and laser experiments; research of suitable motor, which leaded to design and built necessary motor for ourselves; ergonomic and aesthetic form research - 3D printing for prototypes was used. After all researches that we made we came up with highest quality product. After all reviews that our clients made we received a lot of very positive feedbacks.
CHALLENGE: The main challenge of this project was to design absolutely new design of tangential tonearm. Also to find suitable electronic and mechanical parts that implements our idea to use mathematical ideas that this tonearm working principle is based on.
ADDED DATE: 2018-04-18 13:20:38
TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Loreta Kudirkaite, Vidmantas Triukas and Alfonsas Vaura
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Juozas Kamenskas, 2017
Image #2: Photographer Juozas Kamenskas, 2017
Image #3: Photographer Juozas Kamenskas, 2017
Image #4: Photographer Juozas Kamenskas, 2017
Image #5: Photographer Juozas Kamenskas, 2017
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