Tri-Planar Mk. VII

Tri-Planar Ultimate II Tonearm Review

Installation of the Tri-Planar Ultimate II is really quite straightforward.

The tonearm is a surface mount design, so everything remains on the top of the plinth. There is no intrusion into or below the plinth other than three machine screws that secure the tonearm in place. Locating the tonearm onto the plinth again is quite easy thanks to the tonearm’s installation measurement guide that guides you to the exact location where the tonearm base should be mounted for proper geometry.

... the Tri-Planar was remarkable in its total adaptability and invisibility. Not only was I able to configure the tonearm to be an ideal environment for each of the three phono cartridges, but once optimized each delivered sonic performances exceeding and in some respects far exceeding that of their respective performance on their associated Technics EPA-500 wand. In my book, the Tri-Planar had handily launched itself over a hurdle that no other tonearm had previously come close to doing. The Tri-Planar Ultimate II is indeed not only a fine tonearm but is also a superb carrier and enabler for any cartridge, regardless of its dynamic parameters and design.

 How Does the Tri-Planar Ultimate II Sound?

If you have read up to this point, you’ll realize just how stupid this question really is.

I simply do not credit tonearms for a “sound” — I credit tonearms for their lack of sound. In that respect, I can confidently say that, once optimized for each cartridge, the Tri-Planar delivered and conveyed exactly the same message though each of the three transducers. So quiet is its operation and ability to drain away outside influence, that each cartridge delivered a level of detail and rock stable image that was nothing short of amazing.

In Summary

It is clear that the Tri-Planar Ultimate II is the culmination of a lifelong passion for music. The tonearm is a methodically thought out, meticulously engineered, and brilliantly executed musical instrument. It offers a set of features and configurability that enable phono cartridges from all walks of life to deliver their maximum performance. In my view, this rarest of combinations of configurability, build quality, and performance, is without peers. The Tri-Planar Ultimate II is a music component of the highest order that enables phono cartridges to deliver their best.

A truly exceptional product. Highly recommended.