Upgrades and arm versions
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Upgrades to your current arm are available at the rates shown below. We have commented on the significance of the upgrades and the main feature upgrades involved.

MK2 UPGRADE

The MK2 upgrade has astonished users who have upgraded to it and has to rate as one of the best value upgrades available. The arm tube is changed in this upgrade which means a complete rebuild. Simply send the arm back to us or your dealer and we will ensure a turn around of less than a week under normal circumstances.

MK2 UPGRADE
Silver
Encounter
Illustrious
Conqueror
MK1 TO MK2 UPGRADE PRICE
£150
£150
£300
£300
Performance increase
massive
massive
massive
massive
Feature upgrades
MK2 arm tube
MK2 arm tube
MK2 high torsion arm tube
MK2 high torsion arm tube

MK3 Model

The MK3 model is a significant upgrade on all arms except the Silver. Generaly almost every part in the arm is replaced. The dual pivot and integral vta has meant a complete evolution of most parts hence the value is higher. The table below outlines the expected performance increase along with the new features of the model. The MK1 and MK2 cannot be upgraded to MK3 so please phone for a part exchange price.

UPGRADE
Silver
Encounter
Illustrious
Conqueror
Performance increase
Mk 2 to Mk3 - Exchange basis ony phone or e-mail for quote
worthwhile
No exchange needed
seriously worthwhile
seriously worthwhile
high
MK3
Features
improved arm tube

dual pivot bearing & new yoke

integral VTA adjuster

Curved finger lift on headshell

New stub & counterweight

dual pivot bearing & new yoke

integral VTA adjuster

Curved finger lift on headshell

Polished arm plate

New stub & counterweight

dual pivot bearing & new yoke

integral VTA adjuster

Curved finger lift on headshell

Polished arm plate

New stub & counterweight

Special low resonance arm tube

MK3C
Features

You can upgrade from MK3 to MK3C

The carbon hybrid tubes for each model can be fitted to all arms - Mk1, Mk2& MK3 versions This represents a very significant upgrade.

Damped carbon arm tube and bonded rear stub £245

This can be fitted to ALL Silver arms i.e MK1,2 or 3

Damped carbon arm tube and bonded rear stub £245

hybrid carbon arm tube and ultra rigid bonded rear stub
£600

hybrid carbon arm tube and ultra rigid bonded rear stub
£600

Linear Flow 2 - balanced and shielded arm cable
£380

Note - Linear Flow 2 external cable ( balanced and screeened) can be added to all arms regardless of model and age £380

larger image


The Enterprise has two major upgrades, both of which occurred in 2009

A) The hybrid carbon arm tube and ultra rigid bonded rear stub £600

B) Linear Flow 2 - balanced and shielded arm cable £380

 

How to identify MK1, MK2, Mk3 & Mk3C arms

If you are uncertain what version of arm you have the following features make easy identification possible

MK1 and Mk 2 arms

Mk 1 arms do not have a dowel pin as shown in the photo - this is the definitive difference. Note - some Mk2 arms have a short aluminium sleeve covering the dowel pin,

The arm tube is 12.5mm Diameter on MK1 Silvers and 10mm diameter on MK2 Silvers.

MK2 versions are available for the Silver, Encounter, illustrious, Conqueror


MK3 Mk 3 arm tubes can be lifted by nearly 1mm in the bearing house due to the fact that there is no conventional gimball bearing on the horizontal axle.

Another distinguishing feature is the integral vta adjuster wheel shown opposite.

MK3 versions are available for Encounter, illustrious, Conqueror.

MK3 Silver arms all have serial number over 1000 - Note all arms prior to 10 May 2007 do not have serial numbers.

May 2007 is the time Mk3 arms were introduced.

 

Enterprise - Serial number 1058 and above have additional rigid internal damping 02/07/2007

MK3C - The C represents a special Carbon tube introduced throughout 2009 starting with the Enterprise.

The carbon tubes can be identified by the distinctive headshell joint with the tube - see photo or the black gloss portion of the tube itself.

Linear Flow 2 external arm cable - a balanced and fully shielded cable was also introduced for all arms as an option but fitted as standard to all Conqueror MK3C and Enterprise MK3C arms.

Linear Flow 2 external arm cable is easily identified as it has a black braid covering aso opposed to the smooth insulation on the other external cables.

 
EXCHANGE YOUR CURRENT ARM

If you wish to upgrade your arm to a higher version then we offer an exchange scheme - this only applies if you are dealing with us directly. A dealer may offer you a different exchange amount for your existing arm and this is his decision.

Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for MK3C Illustrious - order payment is £900
Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for MK3C Conqueror - order payment is £1400
Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for Enterprise C - order payment is £3000

If you have a different arm that you wish to upgrade then please e-mail or phone us.

 

Table of tonearm features
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