DIY 12" Tonearm VAS Ortofon 2M Red

Click pics to enlarge. Note the Rider Weights. Bearing Housing cannibalized from Lenco L-78, but with new bearings installed. If you need any of the other parts, perhaps visit Home Depot, or ask your local plumber for help. :-)

NY Diary (19-17): The Incredible DIY Plumber 12" Tonearm
VAS modified Ortofon 2M Red

Modified 11/27: Youtube Link added (see bottom of article)

After Kevin cut an armboard for my Thorens 124 for my Thomas Schick 12" arm (here), he set to work on his own turntable. We all knew he was going to DIY a tonearm, but we were shocked how soon he got it done, and so yesterday we gathered at his place.

I got there in late afternoon. As soon as I walked in, I heard a BIG sound. Yes, it was his DIY tonearm working his Thorens TD-124. Instantly, I knew it sounded better than any of his other rigs (Lenco L-78, Thorens TD-125, VPI, see link above). Kevin's Infinity RS-1B had tended to sound somewhat lean, but this analog setup had killer bass, and fills out the soundscape. Andy and James had been there before me, and from their beatific smiles I knew they think so too.

Not unexpected, of course, the Thorens TD-124 is a superior turntable! I have always maintained that. My favorite.

I brought several of the records featured in my recent posts, and they all passed with flying colors.

Kevin cockily asked me if I'd like to exchange my Thomas Schick for his "shxx" arm. Ha, I certainly would like to commission him for another one! But given the source of his parts, no two arms are going to be alike!

The tonearm is modeled a little after the Thomas Schick, and a little from SME (I had lent him my 3009 original and 3009R recently; witness the rider weight). Kevin comes across a lot of discarded building material in his job, which is where a lot of the parts came from. He jokingly referred his arm as a plumber's arm.

I asked him what tonearm wiring he used. Cardas? Of course not, he said, it had to be much cheaper stuff befitting of the tonearm parts' humble origin. They are Chinese OFC tonearm wires bought from the internet. Very good, I say. When it comes to tonearm wires, I have to say the two most common ones, VdH and Cardas, come from companies whose products I usually frown upon. Perhaps I'll ask him to rewire some of my arms!

That is not the whole story. What cartridge was he using? My, a VAS re-tipped/modified Ortofon 2M Red, likely the most popular entry level cartridge that comes with many turntables. But this one is different. I know the sound of the stock 2M Red (my experience here), but was still surprised by the bigness of this VAS update. This was actually the second VAS/Ortofon 2M Red we have heard, and the two differ greatly in sound due to different cantilever lengths (and perhaps other parameters). This latest one is on steroids.

This brings back memories. In HK, I have heard at least two DIY tonearms, both excellent. The first was by Wesley, very simple yet ambitious, with air bearing! The second was Thomas in North Point (a visit 10 years ago, a much better time in HK, sigh). Ah, I do miss my friends!

Great Stuff! And why are tonearms and cartridges so expensive these days? Move over, Swedish Analog Technologies (and maybe Michael Fremer?)!

Cautionary Tale: If you read the comments below, you shall see that our Russian friend has submitted a youtube clip of how absolutely insane DIY efforts can get! Link here for your convenience.

Dinner was Seafood Pasta. Too bad, no white wine.

 I thought it was going to be a Chinese meal, so I brought in
 my over 25 year-old Chinese wine (said to have medicinal properties), 五加皮,
 left by my father. Though not compatible with the meal,
we tasted it anyway. It was very good! Vintage! Great!