SAEC WE-712

Geometry is the argument for a 12 inch arm. A longer arm swings through a shallower arc, so the cartridge stays closer to tangential with the groove across more of the record. Tracking error drops, distortion drops with it. The WE-712 takes SAEC's double knife edge bearing system, redesigned for the WE-709 generation, and wraps it in that long geometry. The numbers: 345mm total length, 310mm from arm pivot to centre spindle, 12.61mm overhang. Arm height adjusts from 40 to 80mm above the mounting surface, so it works with a wide range of platters and plinths. Two counterweights are standard, Light covering 17 to 25g and Heavy covering 24 to 32g total cartridge and headshell mass. Mounting is a 31mm hole with M4 bolt fixing. The bearing is the SAEC signature. Knife edges instead of ball races, friction low enough that the stylus follows the groove rather than fighting its own pivot. Internal wiring is PC-Triple C throughout, the forged continuous crystal copper SAEC helped pioneer in audio. The included headshell is the SHS-5, machined aluminium, 16g, with SR-500 PC-Triple C leads. Stereo Sound's coverage summed it up: accurate, stable tracing that wakes the music out of the groove.

 If you run heavyweight cartridges or an SPU, the matching SEW-709EXH extra heavy weight and SAG-052 setup gauge are available.