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Details the two standard 12" variants of the AXIOM tonearm.
Introduces the various alignment features available on the AXIOM.
Compares and explains single-point and SME slide base mounting methods.
Instructions on how to safely unpack the AXIOM tonearm and its components.
Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the AXIOM tonearm.
Guides the user on how to precisely level the AXIOM's bearing plane.
Explains the procedure for adjusting the tonearm's pivot height.
Details how to adjust the Vertical Tracking Force using the dynamic VTF feature.
Provides recommendations for mounting cartridges for optimal sonic performance.
Explains the process of adjusting the Azimuth angle of the tonearm.
Guides the user on how to adjust the Stylus Rake Angle and Vertical Tracking Angle.
Covers adjustments specific to the SME-adapter headshell.
Details the procedure for removing the tonearm's finger-lift.
Instructions for replacing the cartridge mounting plate.
Explains how to adjust the anti-skating force for optimal playback.
Lists the key technical data and design parameters of the AXIOM tonearm.
Information and illustration of the fully assembled AXIOM alignment template.
The AXIOM is a reference tonearm designed for analog audio playback, focusing on the interaction between the record groove, cartridge, and tonearm. It is a pivot tonearm with a double nano-gimbal bearing architecture, featuring a static, full lateral balanced design. The tonearm is entirely designed, manufactured, and assembled in Bavaria, Germany.
The AXIOM aims to achieve the highest possible analog playback performance by offering a comprehensive set of alignment features. It is designed to be a universal tonearm, providing all necessary options for alignment while ensuring optimal mechanical guidance for any cartridge. A key design principle is the paramount importance of energy transfer in relation to effective moving mass, which contributes to a level of performance that transcends previous limitations in musical realism from recorded music.
The AXIOM is available in two standard 12" variants:
Design-inherent geometry: UNI-DIN (a tangential curve formulated in 2011).
Effective length w/Loefgren A:
Pivot to Spindle:
Offset angle: Variable, approximately 14° - 23°. Overhang: Variable, approximately 5 to 16 mm. Effective moving mass net (12" variant): 18.8 grams. Inner wiring: Soft aged pure silver litz wire. Resistance inner wiring: 0.9 Ohms/m. Capacitance inner wiring: 25 pF/m. Cartridge weight balanced: 5.2 to 30 grams.
Adjustment ranges:
Unique Compound Arm Wand: The arm wand is a combination of surface-hardened Titanium and Carbon Fiber pipes, blocked together and internally damped. This design aims for unmatched fast energy transfer and total absence of parasitic resonances.
Leveling the Bearing Axis: The AXIOM can be precisely leveled by the user, independently of the turntable or mounting surface. This is crucial for avoiding parasitic side-forces before alignment and anti-skating setting. A small blue precision spirit level is included for this purpose.
Tonearm Height / VTA Adjustment: Tonearm height can be adjusted on the main VTA-tower. One full turn of the large top knob adjusts height by precisely 1 mm. For the AXIOM Annyversary, a micrometer allows for reading out relative change and value in 100th/mm precision for repeat settings.
SRA / VTA Adjustment at the Cartridge: The AXIOM allows for VTA/SRA adjustments directly at the cartridge without altering the static parameters of the tonearm or affecting tracking force. This is achieved by loosening a hidden screw on the front side of the headshell and adjusting a grub screw at the rear top end. Clockwise rotation decreases SRA. The total mounting plate angle allows for changing SRA from 97° down to 84°. A small round dial scale is provided for precise return to former settings.
Offset and Overhang Adjustment: Offset is adjusted via prolonged and slightly widened slots for cartridge mounting screws. Overhang can be adjusted by up to 5 mm in these slots. An additional adjustment spot is at the collar of the headshell, allowing the entire headshell to move back and forth by up to another 5 mm if needed.
Azimuth Adjustment: Azimuth is adjusted at the headshell's collar by loosening a clamp screw and rotating the headshell. Small indication marks at the rear of the collar and on top of the arm wand aid in reference and easy return to settings.
Dynamic Anti-Skating: The anti-skating adjustment is dynamic and follows the tangential geometry of the AXIOM. It is a non-touch type. Turning a screw (1.5 mm Allen bit for older versions, knurled head thumb screw for April 2021 onwards) clockwise increases anti-skating, and counter-clockwise decreases it. The AXIOM Annyversary features a micrometer with a scale for relative value indication, allowing for accurate return to settings.
Cartridge Mounting: The manual recommends using non-magnetic M2.5 screws (preferably Titanium) and plastic washers for optimal energy transfer. Torque values for different screw materials are provided (Titanium: 0.75 Nm, Stainless steel: 0.58 Nm, Brass: 0.45 Nm, Aluminium: 0.35 Nm).
AXIOM Alignment Template: A mirrored alignment template is included for super precise 1-point alignment to the UNI-DIN tangential curve. This template is specifically tailored for AXIOM and AQUILAR tonearms.
Removing Finger-Lift: The finger-lift can be easily removed by undoing a rear M2 grub screw on the headshell. This feature offers a purist option and facilitates close use of the SMARTstylus for fine-tuning SRA and VTA.
Exchanging Cartridge Mounting Plate: The cartridge mounting plate is exchangeable. This is done by turning two small black ball plunger grub screws on each side of the headshell and then undoing the front clamp lock screw. Two versions are available: "standard" (5 mm thickness) and "extra" (8 mm thickness for small body cartridges).
SME Slide Base Option: In addition to standard 1-point mounting, the AXIOM can be mounted onto existing 9" or 10" SME armboards. A dedicated SME-slide base is available as a special order item.
General Care: The manual encourages users to follow the mounting and set-up procedure precisely to ensure the best possible performance. It emphasizes gentle torque for adjustments, especially for locking screws, to avoid damage to the light assembly.
Feedback: The manufacturer welcomes user comments and constructive criticism to further improve designs.
Recycling: The product is recyclable and should not be disposed of with normal household waste. Users are advised to take it to a designated collection point for electrical and electronic devices.
General| Brand | Acoustical Systems |
|---|---|
| Model | AXIOM |
| Category | Accessories |
| Language | English |
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