Ortofon Reference AS-309R 12″ Tonearm

Description

We are pleased to be offering the new Ortofon Reference AS-309R 12″ tonearm, as well as the shorter 9″ AS-212R variant.  Keen vinyl enthusiasts will know that Ortofon used to offer the TA-110 9″ and TA-210 12″ tonearms, which were made in Japan for Ortofon by Jelco; in fact these arms were heavily re-worked versions of the entry-level Jelco SA-250.  Several years ago, Jelco ceased trading, so those old arms became unavailable.  Ortofon have now started making these new Reference tonearms in Japan, in the spirit of those old arms, but actually to a much higher standard of quality and engineering.

A prime example of how Danish design philosophy and Japanese craftsmanship can produce a truly exceptional product

Since 1953, Ortofon has been designing tonearms with the philosophy of combining craftsmanship and technology. The Reference tonearm is the culmination of decades of experience and expertise in the field of audio engineering. It upgrades the great build of the AS-212 and AS-309, combining exquisite design, precision manufacturing, and attention to detail, resulting in a beautifully designed tonearm that delivers outstanding performance.

In the words of Leif Johannsen, Ortofon’s Chief Officer of Acoustics and Research, “I am delighted to reintroduce a tonearm to our line-up, especially since it’s with the Reference inspired by our classic tonearms. Our exceptional cartridges demand an equally outstanding tonearm, and the Reference delivers exactly that. And I must admit that I am experiencing a whole new level with the new tonearms compared to our previous series.”

Precision Level

Each component of the Reference tonearm is designed with high mechanical precision and advanced engineering, ensuring that it will move smoothly and accurately across the record surface. The improved high grade bearings ae meticulously crafted to provide smooth and accurate movement of the tonearm as it tracks the grooves of the record. This precise movement ensures the stylus stays aligned with the grooves, minimizing distortion and providing excellent audio quality. The look and feel of the mat finished alloy surface provide a tactile feel, enhancing the premium experience.

User-Friendly Design

Based on well-known Ortofon technology, the tonearm is designed to be simple to install and operate with intuitive controls that make it easy to adjust settings and achieve the perfect sound.  The tonearm is statically balanced, simplifying needle pressure adjustment by setting the weight and an easy-to-set anti-skating feature. Furthermore, the tonearm is built to fulfill Baerwald alignment resulting in minimum tracking error.  The AS-309R is a 12-inch tonearm and is also available in 9 inches as the AS-212R.

Compatibility

The Reference Tonearm is a highly versatile accessory designed to cater to the needs of many turntable owners. It is available in two lengths, 9 and 12 inches, and can be adjusted in height to fit a wide range of turntable models. The tonearm is a great option for vinyl lovers who wish to change between different setups. It is equipped with a universal connector made of brass, making it easy to match and connect with cartridges mounted on different headshells, offering maximum flexibility and compatibility with your existing setup.

The 5-pin DIN tonearm connector ensures you can use a broad range of tonearm cables, making the Reference Tonearm even more versatile and user-friendly.  Moreover, each tonearm comes with the premium Ortofon 6NX-TSW-1010 Tonearm cable and includes two counterweight options, allowing it to fit a wide range of cartridges from the Ortofon Concorde Series to the SPU Series, including all cartridges mounted on a suitable headshell, providing adaptability and versatility to meet your specific needs.  Please note that no headshell is provided, but Ammonite Audio has a range of compatible headshells.

AS-309R 12″ Tonearm Technical Data