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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
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The DPS tonearm for the DPS/Ayre turntable is clean and sleek and utterly functional. For about $12K (maybe less), this turntable/tonearm combo is easily the equal of a $30K SME rig while sleeker and cleaner looking.

And it's definitely modern. This arm came out within the last 3 years or so.
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
OK Johnnyb,
As the Moderator here.....'modern' arms which do not advance the art and science of the design....are not of interest.
Otherwise we could have a 'modern' reproduction of the FR-66S?
Heh......now you're talking :-)
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Let us know when you reach the promised land.
leicachamp
103 posts
 
I am Shallow. I purchased a Thales Simplicity arm over a Kuzma 4Point mainly because of looks. Glad I am not the only one that shallow.

What do u guys think. The Thales Simplicity. Beauty or Beast? Careful now you may hurt my feelings. Lol
halcro's avatar
halcro OP
2,664 posts
 
Thales Simplicity arm?.......interesting.
Not ugly......certainly more beautiful than the Kuzma 4 Point.
How does it sound Leicachamp?
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