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Why are modern arms so ugly?

OK.......you're going to say it's subjective and you really looove the look of modern tonearms?
But the great tonearms of the Golden Age are genuinely beautiful in the way that most Ferraris are generally agreed to be beautiful.
Look at the Fidelity Research FR-64s and FR-66s? Look at the SAEC 308 series and the SAEC 407/23? Look at the Micro Seiki MA-505? Even the still audacious Dynavector DV-505/507?
But as an architect who's lifetime has revolved around aesthetics.......I am genuinely offended by the design of most modern arms. And don't give me the old chestnut....'Form follows Function' as a rational for ugliness. These current 'monsters' will never become 'Classics' no matter how many 'rave reviews' they might temporarily assemble.
128x128halcro
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Careful folks - Dover was referring to the outlook only and he is pretty on track with his description.
This is NOT about any performance nor prospective technical advance or new feature of the Cobra arm - it was/is about "looks".
And - well ... - it is a very retro arm wand reminding many of us of the old 1940s bakelite "tonearms".
So retro .... beautiful .... well .... ugly .... not really neither.
Cheers,
D.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Historically, most "ahead of their times" were looked down upon until consideration and reasoning caught up. The Copperhead and Cobra are perhaps the Cyrano de Bergarac of tonearms.
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Deartonearm,

pls. read, it is not only about the looks. Or do I have some problems in understanding...

"That rules out the Continuum arms then - there is nothing new there other than the "shape" of the arm tube - which looks like an Art Deco Bakelite Slimline Telephone handle or an overripe banana with frostbite"

best @ fun only
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Dear Thuchan, I was referring to Henry's initial post ....... and Dover's comment on the outlook of the arm wand is a bit disrespectful, but not to far fetched (okay - the frostbite banana is heavy stuff !).
I know that both - you and Henry do cherish your Cobra for both the sound and the unusual look.
But it is retro style looking - even if there may be a few good reasons for the composition and design of the arm wand.
Cheers,
D.
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Dear Isochronism, I know you as a man of taste and aesthetics alike.
I have no doubt, that the Cobra (don't think so of the Copperhead) will have it's place in audio history.
It won't end like the FR-66s with a much higher price tag than new 25 years after being discontinued, but it will not be forgotten.
No mistakes here - It is a good tonearm.
Better in many sonic respects than most do think.
Cheers,
D.
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