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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
tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 
09-24-11: Dertonarm
Dear Tobes, the Dynavector is the Lamborgini Countach in tonearm design. You'll find both in the museum of modern art. For good reason.

As a piece of modern art, I can see where you're coming from - much thought has gone into the unique way it functions and the aesthetic design with its repeated circular motifs.
And yes, it supposedly is a fine sounding arm.

I just don't find it 'genuinely beautiful' as the OP put it.
Shoot me, but aesthetically I prefer the classic simplicity of something like the Breuer.
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Dear Tobes, I am not a fan of the Dynavector's design (nor of the Lamboghini Countach's ....).
I just mentioned it and can understand those who admire either.
It was and is however very unique and showed skill, idea and individualism.
Still looking modern and striking after 30+ years - if not beautiful in my eyes.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Dear Tobes, I need to 'shoot' at you. I understand the aestetical part of your statement but the Breuer is not a 'simple' tonearm. On the contrary. This tonearm as well
as the sibling Sumiko MDC 800 are the perfect illustration
how looks can be deceitful.

Regards,
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I would like to see the SME V without the lines and print on its armtube. It would be more difficult to set up, but it would look great, IMO, as an example of form-follows-function, precision industrial art. Especially, the new SME V-12 with the headshell finger lift removed.
jeff1225
172 posts
 
halcro,
wouldnt you say that the current sme series is simple and functional, very eames like?
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