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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
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Dear Atmasphere, yes, it can still has an aesthetic appeal and yes, you are right - the plane of the record needs to be meet by the bearing. The criteria will be meet .... pretty soon.
I believe it has already been met
COBRA
COPPERHEAD
Not only do they move the tonearm aesthetic to a 21st century relevance.....but they are the best sounding arms I have ever heard.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
That is the ugliest, piece of shit retro look I have yet seen in audio. :-) You guys are right. It is very subjective.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The Copperhead and Cobra don't float my boat at all.

Ugly is an understatement.

IMO
thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Copperhead and Cobra are no mainstream designs.
When I first saw pictures I had the same impression.
You need to see it in reality or better listen to it.
When you see the bearing and structure, have the tonearm in your hands you will look at it differently- I am pretty sure.
I think you would be not the first changing your attitude - and this is not an easy process. Don't mind if you stick to it.

best @ fun only
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Ugly is ugly. I never did like that stream-lined look. If you put a grill on the front you could call it a 1950's Studebaker, or some fins on the ass end and call it a 59 Caddy.
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