General Asylum: REVIEW: Expressimo Audio Half Moon Heavyweight Accessory by analogguy@cox.net

Model:	Half Moon Heavyweight
Category:	Accessory
Suggested Retail Price:	$120.00
Description:	Tonearm counter-weight
Manufacturer URL:	Expressimo Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by analogguy@cox.net on October 25, 2014 at 15:38:14
IP Address: 98.180.207.212 Add Your Review
for the Half Moon Heavyweight

By virtue of the nature of VPI turntable upgrades, over the years I collected enough parts from upgrades to re-build a complete turntable from the replaced parts for use as a second table. I purchased a new wood base and on/off switch and I was ready to go. I wound up with a VPI HW19 Jr with a MkIII platter and had my original Rega RB300 to use as an arm. To that arm I also added one of the early Expressimo Heavyweights (prior to the addition of the grub screw and rubber "O" rings). This setup worked well for a couple of years using different cartridges ranging from Grado Wood bodies to a Benz Gold and a Benz L2. Being a constant tinkerer though, I couldn't stop there; I did the Incognito rewire and all was well.

Again, after a couple more years, I began to wonder if things could be better with this table/arm combo performance so I decided to find an RB250 to replace the RB300. I found the perfect arm at Expressimo Audio. Brian had a Moth-badged Rega RB250 with Cardas/Wasatch wiring that had been cryo-treated which I did immediately purchase. He recommended the Half-moon Heavyweight and after some discussion he sent me two weights of that shape; one was 62 grams the other 65 grams. The cartridge to mounted in this arm (Grado Reference Platinum) weighs 6.0 grams so a weight in the 120 to 130 gram weight was perfect. Brian's recommendation to use two lighter weights allows for the front weight to be placed as close to the pivot as possible and the rear weight can be used to effect proper VTF. This arrangement seems to offer more stability, as in - less weight hanging out as far beyond the pivot.

I have had the same kind of effect from this arrangement as I did when I added the original Heavyweight; added bass weight, better soundstaging and an overall more well-rounded sound. The thing that surprised me was the increased depth of soundstaging and the clearer midrange (especially from the Grado). I'm not sure exactly what the wider stance of the weights does to the arm but it works! I have never had a Rega arm sound so wonderful. Top end air and spatial ques are astounding at times. I now have a moving iron cartridge setup that makes listening enjoyable!

I would encourage anybody to contact Brian at Expressimo and discuss their specific needs; he is very knowledgeable and accommodating. The newer Half-moon Heavyweight is an improvement over the original drop configuration and the split weight system (two lighter weights) is a winner in my setup.

Product Weakness:	Absolutely none
Product Strengths:	Ease of use and installation<br>Looks great<br>Excellent manufacturer

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: McIntosh MC352
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): McIntosh C41
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI HW19 with MKIII Platter
Speakers: Paradigm Studio 100
Cables/Interconnects: Mostly Audioquest with some Cardas
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock, Jazz, Classical and Americana
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio P500
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	McIntosh MC352
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	McIntosh C41
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI HW19 with MKIII Platter
Speakers:	Paradigm Studio 100
Cables/Interconnects:	Mostly Audioquest with some Cardas
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Classical and Americana
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P500
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner