The idea of having a continuous Tonearm Internal Wiring connect to the Cart's Tag Wire Connection Pins, and be free of any connections util it is RCA/XLR terminated to connect to the Phonostage is an age old discussion and will always live on, as the idea of reducing the wiring connections along the wiring route / signal path is seen to have benefits, as the signal path is a continuous material produced from a wiring of choice, as well as having the options added for choices on Tag Wire connectors and RCA/XLR Connectors.
The method when adopted will allow the user, if involved in the selections of materials used in the assembly to feel empowered in the choices, and instrumental in producing a bespoke design for a used device.
The less seen discussions on this subject are the importance of the Wire Type selected and the impact of the loom within the Wand and Pillar on the function of a Tonearm.
A wire needs to be extremely supple offering the minimum resistance to the free operation of the Tonearm, with '0' impact on the Tonearms Mechanical Function being the goal. To achieve a wire that can be routed within the Wand / Pillar and not create an unwanted level of interference to the free operation, a very small gauge wire is the usual candidate, usually found in approx' 30 Gauge (0.2 - 0.3mm). Wire Gauge such as these will be available with different sheathing and different wire production methods, and even to the eye on observation appear to be extremely supple, certain wire types when compared are with a resistance to yeild their form.
When a wiring is within the Wand and Passing into the Pillar, there is a critical interface point now met within the assembly, where the bespoke chosen wire type and the produced wire loom, will if not very carefully thought out, be a detrimental impacted on the Tonearms designed function, as the wire choice and configuration for the wire within the Wand / Pillar, will be able to effect the function of the tonearm and impact on the free movement that the bearing assemblies have been designed to create. Additionally the impact of the chosen wire and methods used to route it, can potentially require that built in ancillary devices onto the Tonearm may need to be set up to be over compensatory, to be used to counteract the impact of the chosen wire in use, as the ancillaries are designed to create the absolute control of the Stylus Interface when in contact witha LP. Their design function is not to correct a Tonearm that has encountered a resistance to allow it to move with freedom, from a outcome of a wiring design change.
A Tonearm with a exchanged wiring from the original used wire, but uses the original designs terminations for the wire used in the routing of the wire, is now a bespoke design, that if completed by a competent technician should offer the same mechanical interface properties of the original design. Any comments made on the perceived changes being assessed as a result of a different wire in use are going to be a subjective description, and only available from a very limited amount of individuals who might have received a demonstration, maybe even as little as one individual, that is ensuring their choice is the best option.
A Tonearm with a exchanged wiring from the original design, and is produced to have a Wire run continuous from Cart' Pins to Phonostage connections is no longer a design that is the intention of the original producer, it is now a Bespoke Modification and if this modified design is not very carefully produced, where the signal quality is the least of the considerations and using the materials most suitable for the mechanical interface is the utmost consideration, the modification can quite easily prove to be inferior to the original designs end performance.
The Bespoke Modified Arm does not really qualify to be referred to as the original model any longer, it becomes a Sub Category, Such as 'Big Joe's Modded SFR iv mk vii' as it is a substantial design change, that if not carried out by a individual that has the knowledge, can become Tonearm that can impact detrimentally on the original designs function.
From a Personal Stand Point, I am using a Tonearm that is a Bespoke Modification to a Branded model. The design on offer was carefully assessed prior to entering into the purchase, and the dialogue about the modifications, the selected parts in use, the R&D, the micro mechanics being considered, and the friendship formed with the designer is still ongoing.
I also have in my possession a further selection / surplus of Tonearms, of which one is a Branded Tonearm with a Manufacturer Designed continuous Internal Tonearm Wiring. None of these Tonearms are able to offer the impression made by the Bespoke Modified Model.
To go out and buy a 'one off' version of a modified Tonearm without having full knowledge of the design considerations, or donate a very respected Tonearm to have a Bespoke and Unique modified Tonearm produced from a service that does not freely communicate the design parameters being used to ensure the Tonearms function is the total consideration, Fortunately is a route I am avoiding.
