Reed 5T High-End Tangential Tonearm

Description

Reed 5T Tangentially Tracking Pivoted Tonearm

The Reed 5T is one of the most advanced tonearms developed by Reed and represents the company’s first major entry into tangential tracking.

Rather than using a conventional linear-tracking carriage, the 5T combines tangential tracking geometry with a pivoted mechanical structure.

Its operation is controlled by a laser, linear sensor array and a specially developed limited-rotation sectional torque motor, allowing the tonearm to continuously correct its angular position as the stylus travels across the record.

The result is an unusual design that combines many of the geometric advantages of a tangential tonearm with the lower inertia, compact dimensions and mechanical simplicity associated with a pivoted arm.

Tangential Tracking Based on Geometric Control

The operating principle of the 5T is based on Thales’ theorem together with the geometric rule that three non-collinear points define a unique circle.

This geometry allows the tonearm to continuously maintain an extremely small tracking-angle error as it moves across the record surface.

In the operating diagram, the geometry of the pivot point, linear sensor array and laser beam is used to determine the correct angular position of the tonearm.

The system monitors the arm position continuously and makes small corrections through the dedicated motorized rotation mechanism.

Laser and Linear Sensor Position Control

Tonearm position is monitored by a laser beam and linear sensor array.

This optical control system detects changes in the arm’s tracking position and provides the information required for angular correction.

The system is designed to maintain tangential tracking without relying on a conventional sliding carriage.

This allows the 5T to retain a relatively compact structure while reducing the tracking-angle errors normally associated with traditional pivoted tonearms.

Limited-Rotation Torque Motor

Angular correction is performed by a specially developed limited-rotation sectional torque motor.

Rather than moving the entire tonearm assembly along a linear rail, the motor makes small angular adjustments to the arm as required.

This approach reduces the amount of moving mass involved in the tracking correction process and contributes to the very low moment of inertia of the system.

Low-Noise Bearing Architecture

The arm-tube suspension system follows a concept related to the Reed 2G, while the rotating section uses a low-noise thrust-sleeve bearing.

The goal is to maintain precise motion with minimal mechanical noise and unwanted resistance.

Low bearing friction is particularly important in a tonearm designed to respond to extremely small changes in stylus position.

User-Replaceable Arm Tube

The Reed 5T uses a user-replaceable arm tube.

Changing the arm tube allows the effective mass of the tonearm to be adapted to different cartridge requirements.

According to Reed, the effective mass can typically be configured between approximately 8 and 16 grams, depending on armwand material and configuration.

This gives the 5T useful flexibility when matching moving-coil and other high-performance cartridges with different compliance characteristics.

VTA and Azimuth Adjustment

The tonearm provides precision adjustment for both VTA and azimuth.

VTA adjustment has a precision of approximately ±0.2 mm, while azimuth adjustment is available over a range of approximately ±8 degrees.

These adjustments allow careful optimization of stylus geometry and cartridge alignment for demanding analogue systems.

Extremely Low Tracking Error

One of the primary advantages of the Reed 5T architecture is its extremely small tracking error.

Reed specifies a maximum tracking error of approximately ±5 Minutes of Angle (MOA).

This is considerably lower than the maximum tracking errors typically encountered with conventional pivoted tonearms.

Because the arm remains very close to tangential alignment throughout playback, there is also no need for a conventional anti-skating mechanism.

Advantages Compared with Conventional Pivoted Tonearms

Compared with traditional pivoted designs, the 5T offers several important advantages.

• Very low tracking-angle error
• Smaller moment of inertia
• No conventional anti-skating mechanism required
• Similar effective mass in vertical and horizontal directions

These characteristics are intended to provide more accurate groove tracking with fewer geometric compromises across the entire record surface.

Advantages Compared with Conventional Tangential Tonearms

The 5T also differs significantly from many conventional tangential or linear-tracking designs.

• Lower moment of inertia
• No air compressor required
• No complex air-bearing rail system
• Compact mechanical architecture
• Similar effective mass in vertical and horizontal planes

This makes the design particularly interesting for users who want tangential tracking without the additional infrastructure normally associated with air-bearing tonearms.

Reed 5T Specifications

BS-12V Battery Power Supply

The current Reed 5T system is supplied with the Reed BS-12V automatic battery-powered power supply.

The BS-12V is designed to provide stable DC power while isolating the tonearm system from mains-borne electrical noise and electromagnetic interference.

Battery operation is particularly useful in a precision analogue system where low electrical noise can help maintain stable motor control and a cleaner operating environment.

Armwand Wood Options

Several wooden armwand materials are available, each offering different effective mass and mechanical damping characteristics.

Armwand Wood Samples

Alternative Reed Tonearm: Reed 3P

For listeners who prefer a conventional pivoted design with extensive real-time setup adjustment, the

Reed 3P Tonearm

is a natural alternative within the Reed range.

The 3P focuses on on-the-fly VTA and azimuth adjustment with its unique three-pivot bearing system, while the 5T is designed around ultra-low-error tangential tracking and active optical position control.

Official Reed Information

For complete technical specifications, current configuration options and manufacturer information, visit the

official Reed 5T product page
.