Tonearm »12.1« 

"Only one word really describes the way the Brinkmann 12.1 is built; the same word that describes how it sounds – exquisite." 

Roy Gregory, Hi-Fi+ (UK), Issue 56

 

By definition, when tracking a record with a pivoted tonearm, the cantilever is aligned perfectly perpendicular to the groove in only two instances. The longer the tonearm, the smaller the offset error will be between these two instances, resulting in lower distortion. This explains why LPs tracked with the 12.1-inch long tonearm sound just a tad more poised, relaxed and natural (no rose is without thorns however: there are not that many turntables that can accommodate the »12.1« – among them our »LaGrange« and »Balance«). By the way: The »12.1« is not just a »10.5« with a longer armtube. Since a longer arm tube offers lower torsional stability and is more prone to resonances, we had to implement quite a few structural changes. We're proud of the fact that you will probably not notice any them at first sight, and even more proud of the fact that the »12.1« sounds even better than the »10.5«.  

 

Here is a little of what Roy Gregory wrote in HiFi+ (UK)

"The sound of this arm is all about quick, precise, delicate resolution. It unravels
recordings with a consummate ease, separating instruments and voices, deftly
revealing reverb or acoustic details, synthetic or natural, without fear or
favour. Listen to a familiar disc and the first thing you’ll notice just how quick the
system sounds, the speed with which it reacts to musical and dynamic demands." 

Reproduced from Hi-Fi+ Magazine, Issue 56

 

Benefits of a 12" Tonearm.

Primarily the reduction in tracking errors that occurs because the arc the the cartridge follows in a 12" arm is closer than the arc of a 9 or 10" tonearm to the ideal straight line of the LP cutting head.  However by reducing the distortion due to tracking errors, there is normally an increase in the effective mass in the longer tonearm, in the case of the 12.1 it is not sigificant; Helmut Brinkmann measures the dynamic mass of the 1.5 as 12 gram, while the 12.1 has 14 gram of dynamic mass.

 

What Can You Expect To Hear ?

 Because the 12.1 exhibits slightly less distortion due to reduced tracking errors, you can expect to hear slightly more focus, control and speed in the top end. If you truly value "in the room" realism, then the 12.1 / EMT Ti combination on a LaGrange or Balance will allow it to reproduce this "realism" with an alarming authenticity.

 

 

Brinkmann 12.1 Specifications Distance platter center to tonearm bearing center 292 mm Effective length 305.6 mm Overhang 13.6 mm Cartridge mount 1/2'' connector, long holes Minimum distance between mounting surface and platter top 25 mm Mounting depth 30 mm Cartridge weight min. 4, max. 16 g Dynamic mass ca. 14 g Total weight ca. 350 g Counterweight 200 g Scope of delivery tonearm with flying leads (unterminated), tools Options tonearm with standard 5-pin connector (SME type)

 

 

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