Sound of Sorane/Abis tonearms

[PeterKB]

Hi,

Sorane/Abis tonearms like the SA1.2 or the ZA12 had received some positive reviews (Art Dudley). I understand they are heavy tonearms suitable for low-compliance cartridges. How do they sound overall? I haven't seen much user comments about them and how would they compare with something like an Ikeda tonearm? thanks!

 

[tom539]

Hello Peter,

i have currently the SA-1.2 in use and have had the TA-1 in the past on the DDX-1500 from MicroSeiki.

The TA and also the SA are „middle“ tonarms about 15 gr. effective weight (I suggest).
In my setup, the TA-1 works well with ART9, Jico Seto Hori and AS Fidelis - but the arm is not the best partner for a SPU (Classic GME MKII).

The SA-1.2 plays on a StSt Motus DQ II (9‘‘) with several cartidges, like Benz Ruby Z, Allnic Rose, Dynavector DRT XV-1t and (currently) Colibri XGW Stradivarius.

First I use the Ruby Z, but it plays too "full-bodied" on the Motus in the SA-1.2. It was too imprecise in the bass, too "full" in the midrange and could still use a little more resolution.
So I switched to the Allnic Rose - and that was a good decision.

The combination of StSt Motus, SA-1.2 and Allnic Rose compairing to Bauer DPS3 iT with Colibri XGP plays much "wider" in the stage, but with less depth. The bass range is more "expansive", but not as focused and with less control / pressure. As a result, it subjectively goes a bit "deeper" in the bass - but that is objectively not the case.

In general, "size", "width" and foundation are the characteristics that I would attribute to the StSt + SA-1.2.
Which of these characteristics is to be attributed to the drive or the arm, I cannot say for lack of comparisons.


Maybe @shakti could say a little bit more, he has also the ZA12, Ikeda and StSt of course…

atb, Tom

 

[shakti]

The TA and also the SA are „middle“ tonarms about 15 gr. effective weight (I suggest)

Effective weight should be higher, as the Headshell alone is 17gr.

so it is more like 20 to 22 g, depending on the Headshell in use.

Yamamoto HS7 will create a 10 to 12g tonearm .

the Sorane arms are nice and high value for the given price point,
but Ikeda or Glanz (for around 3 to 4 times higher retail price) are much better.

 

[PeterKB]

Hello Peter,

i have currently the SA-1.2 in use and have had the TA-1 in the past on the DDX-1500 from MicroSeiki.

The TA and also the SA are „middle“ tonarms about 15 gr. effective weight (I suggest).
In my setup, the TA-1 works well with ART9, Jico Seto Hori and AS Fidelis - but the arm is not the best partner for a SPU (Classic GME MKII).

The SA-1.2 plays on a StSt Motus DQ II (9‘‘) with several cartidges, like Benz Ruby Z, Allnic Rose, Dynavector DRT XV-1t and (currently) Colibri XGW Stradivarius.

First I use the Ruby Z, but it plays too "full-bodied" on the Motus in the SA-1.2. It was too imprecise in the bass, too "full" in the midrange and could still use a little more resolution.
So I switched to the Allnic Rose - and that was a good decision.

The combination of StSt Motus, SA-1.2 and Allnic Rose compairing to Bauer DPS3 iT with Colibri XGP plays much "wider" in the stage, but with less depth. The bass range is more "expansive", but not as focused and with less control / pressure. As a result, it subjectively goes a bit "deeper" in the bass - but that is objectively not the case.

In general, "size", "width" and foundation are the characteristics that I would attribute to the StSt + SA-1.2.
Which of these characteristics is to be attributed to the drive or the arm, I cannot say for lack of comparisons.


Maybe @shakti could say a little bit more, he has also the ZA12, Ikeda and StSt of course…

atb, Tom

Thanks a lot for your message. So is it fair to say that the Sorane arms are more about size, impact with some emphasis on the low-end potentially while the Ikedahas a smoother sound.