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Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News

174.92.240.5
Posted on December 6, 2014 at 10:54:58
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Hi everyone,

Just like to know if anyone has seen the review of this arm in the December 2014 issue of HIFI News.

According to the review this arm is still a contender for use in a high End System. They say it is similar to an SME V.

Has this arm gone under the radar?

Best Regards,

JK

 

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Eeeeeeewwww! It's S shaped!, posted on December 6, 2014 at 11:08:44
Waxxy
Audiophile

Posts: 2648
Joined: July 19, 2011
Contributor
  Since: November 22, 2011
 Kidding of course. The Alphason was a highly regarded tonearm in its day. UHF magazine raved about it and used one in their reference system for years.

Are they still in production?

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 11:26:22
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 No, they don't. I just recently bought one on a Linn LP 12 cirkus. I haven't had time to put it in use to compare to my Thorens TD 124 with RB 1000 (which I love).

This arm has always intrigued me and was wondering if any other Asylum crazies like me have had any experience with it?

I love the fact that HIFI World does vintage reviews like this. I think they tend to be more honest since the item they are reviewing isn't manufactured anymore(less chance of offending a manufacturer).

JK

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 11:53:09
Mel
Audiophile

Posts: 2993
Location: New York City Area
Joined: February 21, 2001
 I used to own one of these. It's an interesting arm as it's made of almost pure titanium--very light and very strong. It is said that the inventor used to bring it to high-end shows and demonstrate its use as a hammer. Don't try that with your arm! It also had excellent and virtually indestructible ceramic bearings.

That being said, I would recommend its use only for relatively high compliance cartridges, like the old Shures. For more modern medium to low compliance MC cartrages, it has to be weighted down. They used to sell a kit of weights for it (called in typical English style "the ballast weight kit"). IIRC even with the weights a cartridge like the Denon 103 was only marginally compatible. Replacement with a VPI 12" arm was a clear improvement--as it well should have been.

So, recommended here only for relatively light weight high compliance cartridges, and probably still good for this purpose.

The arm had been reviewed very favorably in the day, though I don't remember where. I'd guess Grammophone. If someone could post the new review, I'd love to read it.

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 12:03:42
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17296
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 The HR100S is listed as having an effective mass of 11 grams.

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

RE: Eeeeeeewwww! It's S shaped!, posted on December 6, 2014 at 13:01:31
markinuk
Audiophile

Posts: 456
Location: Surrey
Joined: January 13, 2003
 Hi

They've been out of production (along with Alphason's turntables, other tonearms and electronics) for many years, alas. The company still exists, but makes 'AV' furniture.

Mark

 

That's medium mass. /nt\, posted on December 6, 2014 at 14:34:52
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 15:36:32
neobop
Audiophile

Posts: 492
Joined: September 10, 2010
 The Alphason 100 and the Zeta were drop in replacements for a Linn.
They were considered upgrades for the Ittock. The S designation after the 100 is silver wire. The Zeta has eff mass of 16g and a luxurious sound with big, deep bass, good resolution and sweet high end. The HR100 was known for detail and exactness and delivers with little coloration. Both arms have a fixed headshell with no azimuth adjustment, so they don't lend well for cart swapping.

Back in the '80s each was $1K. That was the price point for many high end arms including the Souther linear tracker. With 11g eff mass the HR100 is a good match for many of today's MM and higher cu MC. It has no integral finger lift and the supplied bolt-on one is crap. Shouldn't be a deal breaker, though must be replaced with one fixed with a single cart screw.

I had a Zeta on a Goldmund direct drive. I still have an HR100S. Both are nice arms within the appropriate application.

neo


BIRD LIVES

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 17:10:05
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Alot of good information . Thanks

Has anybody compared this arm to an SME V or a Graham 2.2?

I was looking for an SME V before the Alphason fell on my lap

It would be interesting to hear your opinions .


JK

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 18:44:55
hahax@verizon.net
Audiophile

Posts: 4306
Location: New Jersey
Joined: March 22, 2006
 I've long had the feeling the British don't worry about offending manufacturers as much as we do. I recall watching a Top Gear test on BBC America of the BMW X6, a car they obviously didn't like. They drove it up a steep hill and it stalled(it's 4 wheel drive) and in the background a Rover went past it smartly and up the hill. Can you imagine this on American TV?

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 20:38:01
jennconducts
Audiophile

Posts: 164
Location: Central CA Coast
Joined: April 5, 2005
 I had one years ago mounted on an Oracle Delphi Mk (I think) III. Sounded great.

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 21:06:47
Donald North
Manufacturer

Posts: 1296
Joined: February 8, 2001
 I used to own the affordable derivative of the HR100S- the Xenon MCS. It used a similar S-shaped titanium armwand but with humbler bearings. I used it on both a Systemdek IIX and Oracle Delphi III. It sounded very good and musical and alive. I later upgraded it to a Graham 1.5T back in the day. In hindsight, I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it really was.

I still say for pivoted arms the SME V is in a league of its own in terms of build quality and precision.

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 21:20:44
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Mine is attached on a Linn Lp12 but haven't heard it in my system yet.
When I tried to set it up one of the cartridge tags broke. I've heard this is common with the VH
wiring. Once I put the tag back, I will try a Grado Sonata Statement. I'll let you know how it goes.

JK




 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 6, 2014 at 21:26:57
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Thanks Donald.

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 10, 2014 at 07:45:44
magicsam
Audiophile

Posts: 300
Location: Philly
Joined: December 16, 2008
 Hey! I have been using an HR 100s for about 20 years with my LP12 and I love it. It is a super tracker and perfect with my ZU DL-103r. I changed the cartridge wires to denon super pure silver @$100, but had no problems over the years. The arm still moves in the same confident way producing a sweet musical picture. Great with rock & jazz as the music kind of explodes/rips off the record. The way that CD's can't manage.

 

A new review; or David Price older review? ..., posted on December 12, 2014 at 09:42:06
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 ... if the D.Price review, in comparison to some others, including an SME (IIRC). Measured by today's standards, still a favorable review, which points directly to its pros & cons; a mix of lean precision, excellent detail-retrieval, offset by a weakness towards being overly clinical.

That review, in fact, did accurately represent the Aplha's street "cred", especially with so many arms having a tendency towards added warmth. Indeed, the alpha remains even today, a unique sounding lean & fast type arm, with plenty of details. However, if it's not optimally setup and matched and especially if you are using an aggressive stylus, azimuth & SRA become even more critical - or it WILL "lean" towards being sterile.

So ... in retrospect, that review is part true, it will never be considered a "warm" sounding arm, but what David didn't have the luxury of time ... and considering Mr.Price probably had limited "experience" with such arms, he's unlikely to have learn't it's truly unique setup requirements, and idiosyncrasies.

That said, having lived with the Alpha for well over a decade, I understand it ALL too well. Always a bit of a challenge when matching carts, very limited in some ways, but potentially wonderful in others ...

If you subscribe to the "light & rigid, minimalistic" approach ... well this baby might just be your sonic ticket. Again, it's not for everyone. If your main goal is to achieve optimum static (non-switching) cartridge performance from a specific model (especially one with an aggressive stylus type); in that vain, it ABSOLUTELY requires that particular cartridge be designed to achieve optimum SRA utilizing a very very-near parallel VTA setting; this ... despite the very fact the Alpha includes VTA adjustment.

Other such "quibbles" exist, hence the idiosyncratic reputation ... but w/everything dialed-in properly, no other arm "sounds" like an alpha. And certainly, its unlike any SME4/5 I've heard.

The original "MCS" version (w/mono-crystal-silver), IMO, are truly special ...

tb1

 

RE: Alphason HR 100 Review in HIFI News, posted on December 12, 2014 at 11:19:44
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>Great with rock & jazz as the music kind of explodes/rips off the record.<<

Agreed, although that said ... near every description I've heard/read over the years regarding the matching of its sonic characteristics to a particular musical-genre(s) ... its rarely considered a good Rock&R choice.

>>The way that CD's can't manage.<<

Agree and disagree here, although not on the fence ... strange (not really) that the same genre-suited miss-reputation haunts my CD player in certain reviews. Lucky for me, no such ghost exist within my system. I agree that in general terms, good LP is better than general CD, but in comparison to a great dedicated one-box CDP, it's a different story depending on mastering. In fact, that can be proved ... consider this: although my turntable does sound easily superior to my CD playing best-case-scenario software, it's when it's compared to itself in digital form that things get much more interesting. In other words, recordings sourced from my turntable captured directly into 16/44 (no conversions but SBM); then played-back on my CDP ... sound "near" indistinguishable. Without a direct A/B comparison, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.

Once I discovered the above, I stopped blaming redbook for those billion jillions of truly crappy mastered / sounding CDs ...

tb1

 

still ..., posted on December 12, 2014 at 11:36:55
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 UHF, unless I'm recently mistaken, STILL use an Alphahr100mcs as their reference tonearm. It's mounted many turntables ...

 

many comparisons, w/too many variances in-between ..., posted on December 12, 2014 at 12:15:28
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>Has anybody compared this arm to an SME V or a Graham 2.2?<<

Yep, but such experiences/comparisons/moons&elapsedtime/system/variances would necessitate too much gaudy description ... so in a nutshell:

... both the SME & Graham offer advantages in terms of setup with respectable consistent "Hi-End" sound quality. It also depends on the turntable, suspension/bounce/Uni's? As for comparative sound quality, I prefer Graham to the SME, but I've heard instances in which both shined depending on system / variances / setup. Personally, I'd prefer the sound of my AlphaHR100mcs ... but that's not a realistic real-world appraisal, considering the alphas limitations in comparison to the Graham & SME and other arms w/similar strengths. In other words, although I've heard my Alphason/setup easily outperform many an expensive turntable/arm, in general terms; a well setup Graham & SME on a decent well setup turntable would sound different, perhaps better if the alpha isn't optimally setup (which requires much more subject-matter-experience).

tb1

 

RE: many comparisons, w/too many variances in-between ..., posted on December 12, 2014 at 13:35:50
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Thanks for the info Tbone

Like I said in the post I just got this arm and have not had time to set it up yet.

When I did have some time I tried mounting a cartridge and one of the damned tags fell off.

Have you had this experience with your arm and if so do I need to use a certain type of sodder to put it back on?

Also, on your arm, do you have the original wire coming out of the headshell and if so how do your tags look? Do they have a white plastic sheath protecting the tags.

Mine do and I have seen pics of different looking wires on the net.

Thanks in advance and once I get the linn/ alphason up and running I will let you guys know how it sounds.

JK

 

RE: A new review; or David Price older review? ..., posted on December 12, 2014 at 14:20:45
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Thank-you for a great respons.

I was talking about a new review in this months HIFI News.

I was not aware that David P. did one too.

If you have a copy of this review I would surely like to read it.

I do have the MCS.

What cartridges do you think sound best to your ears. Like I said I don't have any experience with this arm and your response will truly be helpful when I set it up. Right now in my cartridge stash I have a low output Grado Sonata, Dynavector 10X5, Denon DL 160, Denon DL 103 Shure M97,

I think the Sonata would be the best candidate but your input would be appreciated.

Thanks again

JK

 

RE: A new review; or David Price older review? ..., posted on December 15, 2014 at 06:11:55
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>I was talking about a new review in this months HIFI News.<<

This "new" review ... well, well ...

>>What cartridges do you think sound best to your ears.<<

not the right question, a common mistake ...

The question should be: Which cartridge do you prefer within your current system setup?

I've heard fine examples from near every major manufacturer over the years. Better examples (when setup properly) differ more in terms of tonality than anything else (considering the entire vinyl chain also gets tonally altered). When you hit a certain point, cartridge choice becomes more a matter of synergistic matching/cost. That said, criteria important to me; predominantly build / stylus quality, properly aligned SRA w/parallel setup, and an aggressive stylus w/boron cantilever.

>>Like I said I don't have any experience with this arm and your response will truly be helpful when I set it up. Right now in my cartridge stash I have a low output Grado Sonata, Dynavector 10X5, Denon DL 160, Denon DL 103 Shure M97,<<

More importantly, what turntable(s) & arms(s) will it be mounted?

Never a fan of Denon's (freq. extremes), the M97 is a fine "starter" cartridge, but it's inherently opaque. Any top arm, like the alpha, deserve something considerably better. Therefore, out of this batch, the Sonata and 10x5 represent my two starting points. I'd then proceed, comparing stylus profiles and SRA requirements (+wear & tear)...

>>If you have a copy of this review I would surely like to read it.<<

I will look for the link and post it here if I find it.

Does a link to this "new" review exist?

>>I do have the MCS.<<

The mcs wiring is very thin/delicate, especially as it ages. The primary reason you don't want to use the alpha/mcs if you're intent on changing carts often.

tb1

 

you may want to call J7 ..., posted on December 15, 2014 at 06:37:36
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>When I did have some time I tried mounting a cartridge and one of the damned tags fell off.<<

Happens all too often with these mcs based arms, hence why people replace the wires. Unfortunately, the majority of rewired alpha/mcs I've witnessed make me instantly weep, like a lost child; another Alpha mcs lost forever.

To PROPERLY re-conditions any Alpha/mcs model ... it would be prudent to use VDH mcs tonearm wires. Most people replace using Cardas, which, provided you can get past their prolonged break-in period in which they sound "fuzzy", in time they've proven quite musical. That said, they sound very different from the mcs models.

Anyway, be VERY careful, these wires are too-easily damaged in the soldering process, which are critical to sonic-performance. I pressure fit, use minimum silver-solder, but more importantly: I have the required tools & experience.

If you don't feel up to the task, you could seek the services and advice from a true subject matter expert: contact Johnny (J7) @http://www.audioorigami.co.uk/

tb1

 

RE: you may want to call J7 ..., posted on December 15, 2014 at 19:37:07
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Hi TB,

Thanks for taking the time to offer some good advice.

I am not experienced using solder especially on tiny wires like these which is why after 5 months of owning this arm I have not even had a chance to hear how it sounds. I will contact AO.

Is there a way to tell if the MCS wire was redone on my arm? I have looked on the net to find a picture of an original arm but its hard to tell. I have seen them with different wires but can't tell which is original.

Thanks TB1

 

a simpler/better Alpha finger-lift ... , posted on December 16, 2014 at 04:30:57
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >> Shouldn't be a deal breaker (finger lift), though must be replaced with one fixed with a single cart screw.<<

Not a "must" by any means ... in fact, you're much better off using a small cable tie; snug-wrap it just behind the headshell, then position/bend/shape/cut the lead into your desired "finger" cue.

Simple, light, very effective mod ... with little added weight/resonance.

tb1

 

RE: you may want to call J7 ..., posted on December 16, 2014 at 04:48:15
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>Is there a way to tell if the MCS wire was redone on my arm?<<

If you are sending the unit to AO/Johnny, he'd know. If rewiring is indeed required, if my Alpha, I'd have it rewired w/VDH MCS, continuous wire from cart-pin to captive interconnect/RCA.

Also, if it's an early model without the dark grey internal foam dampening within the arm tube, I'd have J7 add internal-tube-dampening. If J7 has no experience damping this particular arm (unlikely, he's fixed a bunch of Alpha's), he/you could contact me. (tbonex9@yahoo.ca)

BTW, picked up HIFI News last night, I'll comment later ...

tb1

 

RE: you may want to call J7 ..., posted on December 16, 2014 at 05:15:28
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 You've been very helpfup, thanks.

I don'ty think I will go as far to send it overseas yet but there are some competant people here in Monntreal who might be able to help me with the tags. I first want to listen to it and get a feel of what it sounds like before anyone modifies anything.

I checked the interconnect and it says "Vanden Hull MC D502". I think this is original. It seems the only thing not original is the WBT connectors the previouse owner probably put on.

I would like , for sure, to hear your comments on the article.

Thanks again!

JK

 

recs can be quite informative ..., posted on December 16, 2014 at 06:54:38
TBone
Audiophile

Posts: 4197
Joined: April 5, 2000
 >>I first want to listen to it and get a feel of what it sounds like before anyone modifies anything.<<

If you're interested in hearing my highly refined Alpha based turntable/benz/phono-section in action, email me and I will send/link a few rec.cuts/copies (16/44 WAV only).

I'm in Toronto, so we're neighbors so-to-speak ... although still far enough away that I can't help you. Please be careful who you allow to "fix" this particular arm, it can easily be compromised/damaged (I've seen far too many instances of "fixing" abuse).

tb1


 

RE: recs can be quite informative ..., posted on December 16, 2014 at 16:18:43
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 I would love for you to send me the files. It will be appreciated. Also appreciate your advive.

I have had some bad experiences in the past concerning botched jobs on Amps, TurnTables, etc.
I think if you b been at this hobby for a while you will eventually have a bad experience.

My Alphason looks to be in good shape with no play in the bearings and a smooth motion. The only issue right now is with the tags. Not willing to ship it anywhere though. I will look close to home first.

Awaiting your WAV files.

Thank-you

JK



 

RE: A new review; or David Price older review? ..., posted on December 17, 2014 at 09:27:34
kritikos.john@sympatico.ca
Audiophile

Posts: 77
Joined: December 6, 2014
 Good advice. I think I will start with the Dynavector. The Sonata is on a RB1000 right now.

Thanks again TB1. As soon as Im set up I'll report back and give you my impressions.

You have been very helpful. Appreciate it

JK

 

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