Reed 5T: A Revolution in Tangential Tonearm Design

Unveiling Tonearms.lt, UAB's Innovative Approach to Audio Technology

The Reed 5T stands out from other tangential tonearms due to its innovative design and working principle. The design is based on Thales' theorem and the rule that only one circle with a finite radius can pass through three non-collinear points. This ensures the arm tube is tangential to the LP groove, providing a superior audio experience. The bearing system is as rigid as a gimbal, but with a significantly lower friction coefficient. The tonearm's turning part is based on a low noise thrust-sleeve bearing, and a custom-designed, limited rotation sectional torque motor is used for angular rotation.

The Reed 5T is equipped with high-quality electronic components, including lasers, sensors, and connectors. The arm tube, like all Reed tonearms, can be chosen from a selection of woods known for their superior acoustic capabilities: Macassar Ebony, Wenge, Cocobolo, and Pernambucco. The main tonearm parts are crafted from aluminum and stainless steel, ensuring precision and quality.

The Reed 5T is not just about superior audio quality; it also offers a user-friendly experience. Its position is controlled by a laser and a linear sensor grid, with an LED indicator showing the tonearm's status. It features a user-replaceable arm tube, allowing users to adjust the tonearm's effective mass. It also offers VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) and azimuth adjustments. The tonearm can be mounted on almost any turntable, and customers can choose the type of connectors (RCA, DIN, Cardas), cables, arm tube wood, and tonearm body coating.

The Reed 5T project, which began in 2012 and concluded in 2016, was designed and manufactured in Lithuania. It was launched on the worldwide market in 2017, and has since been exhibited at various international events, including Audio Gourmet 2016 in Lithuania, High End Munich 2017 in Germany, and the Tokyo International Audio Show in Japan. The design also graced the cover of Analog magazine in Japan and received the Analog Grandprix 2018 award.

Creating the Reed 5T involved extensive practical research and technical experiments, including absolute tracking error analysis, linear sensor array and laser experiments, and motor research. The design also underwent ergonomic and aesthetic form research, with 3D printing used for prototypes. The result is a high-quality product that has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients.

The Reed 5T is a testament to Tonearms.lt, UAB's commitment to innovation and quality. The design's unique properties and the challenges overcome during its creation have earned it the prestigious Golden A' Product Engineering and Technical Design Award in 2019. This award is granted to exceptional, trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.