Origin Live Encounter Tonearm

Each tonearm in the Origin Live range shares important features outlined below. Higher models are differentiated by refinement, increasingly costly materials, components and advanced engineering. Differences between various models are highlighted on the specific page allocated for each arm. You can also compare features on the Specifications page.

High Strength Alloys and Carbon fiber components

Your cartridge needs to be held with rock like solidity if it is to accurately extract the microscopic information contained within your record grooves. In strategic components rigidity is essential to reduce microscopic bending and “give” in the tonearm structure. The exact reasons why this is so critical go far beyond  superficial explanations such as reducing movement or resonance. The truth is little understood and would require a book to explain due to technical complexities.

Soft alloy castings and carbon fiber tubes (using fishing rod technology) are commonly used in tonearms but are wholly inadequate for high grade performance. Origin Live arms avoid these cheap alternatives and as you might expect the music benefits immensely from the improved rigidity. Gone is the soft, woolly, haziness and muddle that so many arms are responsible for producing. Instead notes have greater impact, dynamics, speed. This gives our arms their outstanding reputation for realism.

Reviews

“A new benchmark for musical communication, natural detail and timbral truth. All at a price that, considering the quality of its performance, can only be called a bargain.” Read More >
Stereo Times

“It says volumes for the excellence of this arm that it could put two such different pickups through their paces so even-handedly.”
The Absolute Sound, Editors Choice Award 2012

“And yet, in the firm grasp of the Encounter with the Calypso spinning the platter beneath it, there was nothing entry level about the Aurum Beta S at all. It sounded more like a $2000 cartridge. It became immediately obvious that in the Rega I had simply never heard what it was capable of. In the Origin Live rig it was warm, boisterous, fast, big and ballsy with tone that could only be described as lush and gorgeously vibrant.” Read More >
Tone Audio

“Sounds like nothing that I have heard or owned before. The tonal quality is accurate and clear, bass notes have no overhang. The arm is astonishingly transparent and neutral.” Read More >
Derek Abrahams 

Complete List of Encounter Reviews

Specs

KEY PARAMETERS FOR ALL ARMS

• Effective Length 239mm (9 inch Version),  254mm (10 inch Version), 309mm (12 Inch Version)
  
• Effective Mass: Varies according to model – See specifications (links above).
• Arm mount adaptors are available to fit many decks – See fitting guidance.
  
• Tracking Force set by Counterweight position – no springs.
• Side Bias set by falling weight on thread for ultra-low friction.
• VTA adjuster enables infinitely variable height adjustment in easily repeatable increments.