SuperArm
9, 12.5, AND 16
“More Music From The Grooves Than Anyone Thought
Possible”
Armando “A.J.” Conti
Mission Statement
The goal for the Basis SuperArm has been simple, clear, and direct from the beginning: “To fully maximize the extraction of every detail from LP records, the full dynamics available from the grooves, without editorializing in the process”.
Most tonearms fit the description “tonearm” quite well: they have their own “tone” and character. The Basis SuperArm is designed to be as free as possible from any tone, character, or coloration in order to recapture the original recorded event as closely as possible.
Beyond a very literal extraction of the music from the grooves of the record, special attention was paid to the extremely delicate signal from the vertical modulation of the record grooves which contains the small “difference signal”, the left channel minus right channel information. The stereo width is revelatory, along with very precise focus of the locations of each instrument, voice, and sound source.
History
Basis designer A.J. Conti began investigating tonearm design in 1983 when he designed the original Basis turntable, the Debut. From that start Conti has tested over 125 tonearms on the Debut and subsequent Basis turntables. Basis introduced its Vector tonearm in 1999, which was quickly received as a state of the art product. The physics of tonearm behavior continued to be an obsession for Conti, with research and testing constantly progressing.
The Basis SuperArm is the result of A.J.’s continued research, his experience in turntable, tonearm, and cable design and manufacturing, along with his education in engineering and pre-audio background in the aerospace/defense field.
In 2018, A.J.’s achievement in tonearm design in the SuperArm was officially recognized by the Absolute Sound magazine with their prestigious Golden Ear Award.
Performance
As stated in the “Mission Statement”, the goal for the Basis SuperArm has been simple, clear, and direct from the beginning: “To fully maximize the extraction of every detail from LP records, the full dynamics available from the grooves, without editorializing in the process”.
Yet, there really was no way to know just how much more dynamics, imaging, and fine detail the records grooves really contained. The SuperArm clearly shows that there is a significant increase in dynamics, bass depth, bass power, clarity, and imaging information within the grooves that we have never heard before from any tonearm.
Those who have heard the Basis SuperArm agree: the vinyl playback game has changed. Hearing is indeed believing. Vinyl and music lovers will be especially excited to hear the lifelike dynamics, truly opening up a new level of realism in vinyl playback.
Specifications for the SuperArm 9
• PIVOT TO SPINDLE DISTANCE: 222mm
• TOTAL MASS: Approx. 1200g
• ACCESSORIES FURNISHED:
Integral 4 foot (1.2 meter) tonearm cable, RCA or XLR balanced wiring
Alignment template
All necessary tools for mounting and all adjustments
• OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:
Mounting flange for mounting on non-Basis turntables
Machined aluminum mounting jig to position the SuperArm correctly on non-Basis turntables
• TURNTABLE COMPATIBILITY:
The A.J. Conti Transcendence, the Work of Art, the Inspiration, the 2500, 2200, or any turntable that can accommodate a 222mm pivot to spindle distance, has a platter height of 30mm or greater above the armboard surface, and is able to physically support the weight of a 1200 gram tonearm.
Specifications for the SuperArm 12.5
• PIVOT TO SPINDLE DISTANCE: 305mm
• TOTAL MASS: Approx. 1220g
• ACCESSORIES FURNISHED:
Integral 4 foot (1.2 meter) tonearm cable, RCA or XLR balanced wiring
Alignment template
All necessary tools for mounting and all adjustments
• OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:
Mounting flange for mounting on non-Basis turntables
Machined aluminum mounting jig to position the SuperArm correctly on non-Basis turntables
• TURNTABLE COMPATIBILITY:
The A.J.Conti Transcendence or any turntable that can accommodate a 305mm pivot to spindle distance, has a platter height of 30mm or greater above the armboard surface, and is able to physically support the weight of a 1220 gram tonearm.
Specifications for the SuperArm 16
• EFFECTIVE LENGTH: 406mm
• PIVOT TO SPINDLE: DISTANCE: 396mm
• TOTAL MASS: Approx. 1250g
• ACCESSORIES FURNISHED:
Integral 4 foot (1.2 meter) tonearm cable, RCA or XLR balanced wiring
Alignment template
All necessary tools for mounting and all adjustments
• OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:
Mounting flange for mounting on non-Basis turntables
Machined aluminum mounting jig to position the SuperArm correctly on non-Basis turntables
• TURNTABLE COMPATIBILITY:
The A.J.Conti Transcendence or any turntable that can accommodate a 396mm pivot to spindle distance, has a platter height of 30mm or greater above the armboard surface, and is able to physically support the weight of a 1220 gram tonearm.
