Origin Live Tonearms


Hi All,

I’m still modifying my Thorens TD 160 MK 1 and it will stay a dedicated mono table.   I’m not satisfied with the original TP-16 tonearm so I’m considering either the OL Silver or the Zephyr. I read somewhere that there is no sonic improvement between the two. Being dedicated to a mono cartridge, I can’t see moving too far up the chain since vertical tracking is a non factor. So if the Silver will achieve my goal, then I’d rather not spend the extra money on the Zephyr. I also see a number of used OL Silver tonearms on the used market. Any suggestions or insights are of course welcome.
Thanks!
GF

goofyfoot

Perhaps the Zephyr would be the better choice. Today it may only be used for mono recordings. A year from now, perhaps the tonearm will be used for Stereo recordings. Things change.....

@mycarnival789 Sure I'm going to follow my heart or even more so, my wallet. I'm using a modified Thorens TD 160. It's essentially a TD 160 Super with the work I've put into it. So it's similar to your Linn but without the advantage of a decent Linn tonearm.

@wturkey Currently, I'm pretty set on it staying a mono table but you're possibly correct in that I'll eventually want to mount a stereo cartridge. I'd like for someone to actually insist that the Zephyr sounds better than the Silver ( if it's true) but I've only read that they sound the same, which of course is the impetus for this post.

@noromance Actually didn't know how right you were. However, I've decided to wait until I can afford the Encounter. I believe I'd be much happier with that arm than either the Silver or the Zephyr. Also, I just upgraded my renderer/streamer so I need time to absorb the financial impact. Thanks!

I have become familiar with the Encounter and the Illustrious, through being demonstrated them in use on another's owned system.

I have only heard them in use with a Sumiko Pearwood Cart', but can assure you, there is a very good presentation from this match, one that I class as very engaging and with lots of attraction.

I have a Silver on my Sota Escape and I think it is pretty nice.   It is much better than the Rega RB300 I had in the past.   Five year warranty is pretty good too