The Proper Audio TA-1 is a high performance Tonearm designed without compromise, using the finest materials machined to the tightest tolerances. Innovative bearings utilising precision Sapphire bearings protected by unique magnetic loading system.

Precision Bearings

One of the key design elements of any tonearm is the bearing assembly. The TA-1 uses the finest precision ground Sapphire bearing which promise the minimum levels of friction, whilst giving high levels of rigidity and reliability.

Magnetic Pre-load

Rigid bearings are the result of precision bearing design - the use of the finest bearing materials helps, but is of no use if the tolerances are not maintained under all conditions. Temperature changes have a major impact on bearing clearances - this is because all metals change expand or contract with temperature changes - this is normally accommodated by leaving a less than optimal level of slack in the bearing, or by pre-loading the bearing with a spring. This last option is effective, but involves the use of springs that tend to have a negative impact on the sound of the tonearm - this is due to the spring resonating at audio frequencies. We use magnets - these are capable of imparting a force in excess of 0.5kg on the bearing, ensuring no unwanted movement in the bearing, whilst allowing free movement of the whole bearing should any of the assemblies dimensions change - no matter how little.

Carbon Fibre Armtube

Carbon Fibre is hardly a new innovation, but it is still a fabulous material when you are looking for supreme stiffness whilst keeping weight to a minimum. Carbon fibre isn't a magic material that automatically result in a superb tonearm - it is how you use it in combination with all the other carefully selected materials.