We proudly introduce our newest Reed 3Q model, equipped with laser which lets very quickly and precisely adjust VTA (precision +/- 0.1 mm) and azimuth (precision +/- 0.25 deg).It is very important after changing the cartridge, because of differences in cartridges heights. As known for everyone, after every changing of cartridge, VTF should be adjusted also. Using cartridges with high and medium compliance, VTA (SRA) should be adjusted every time after changing VTF. It is because VTF changes cause cantilever bending and changes of SRA.

To get best sound quality, even after changing LP with different thickness (it can be from 0.8 mm to 3 mm), VTA should be adjusted accordingly. Reed 3Q model is dedicated for audiophiles who do not trust to various setup rules and prefer to adjust their system based on their senses.

This model has possibility to adjust VTA on the fly. Limits of fine VTA adjustment is 0.8 deg and precision - 0.2 deg. On the other words, height of tonearm can be changed very easily and quickly +/- 2 mm. It is enough to adjust according different LPs thickness (from 0.8 mm to 3 mm).

Technical details

Support consists of two parts: the massive stand and moving part, made of solid metal. After adjusting tonearm height it is tightened to a stand. Such construction is rigid and stable.

Bearings feature carbide tungsten points and sapphire thrust pad. Such bearings have a very low friction and minimal contact surface, reducing noise transmission from support to the cartridge.

Lever antiskating mechanism is supported by ruby olive bombe bearings. Antiskating mechanism is dynamic. Antiskating force is constant while cartridge moves to the centre of the plate. Ruby olive bombe bearings reduce mechanism friction to a minimum.

Tonearm is statically balanced. To minimize "swinging" effect, counterweight is at the same horizontal level as the needle used tip.

Headshell with azimuth adjuster is made of Titanium and Aluminium. It helps to minimise weight and increase rigidity.

Tonearm armtube (as well as cables) is probably the most controversial and demanding tonearm part. It really has a significant impact to sound quality. It must be lightweight (to minimize cartridge and armtube moment of inertia), rigid (to hold the cartridge firmly), resistant to temperature and humidity changes and , acoustically damping (so called "acoustically dead"). Armtubes are usually made of metal, fibreglass, carbon fibre or wood. Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks. We have investigated all of these materials for armtube production and came up to the conclusion that one of the best materials (and probably the best) is properly selected and processed wood. Wood is material which damping vibrations right on the start. Vibrations damping characteristics is close to exponential function. We now offer armtubes made from various kinds of woods.

Talking about tonearm wiring, we use Finewire C37 with different RCA connectors. Finewire C37 is a high quality one-piece wiring made by / Stereo-Lux Musikanlagen /.

Height (VTA) adjustment is 20 mm, tolerance ±0.1mm .
Downforce range is 10÷30 mN

REED 3Q operation principle

Laser-adjusted tonearm operation is based on a level principle and helps to determine when tonearm mounting surface is parallel to the headshell (cartridge mounting) surface.

When using laser-adjusted tonearm, it is possible to adjust VTA and azimuth very quickly, comfortably and precisely after changing LP with different thickness or switching cartridges.

Laser beam a is adjusted so, that when it points to the point A on the scale c of the headshell b (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), the tonearm armwand is parallel to the tonearm mounting surface and a platter, i.e. VTA is adjusted to zero position.

Fig. 1. VTA adjustment using laser (scheme)	Fig. 2. VTA adjustment using laser (photo)

If laser beam points above the point A (Fig. 3), tonearm must be lowered until the beam appears at the point A. If laser beam points below the point A (Fig. 4), tonearm must be raised until the beam appears at the point A.

Fig. 3. VTA adjustment using laser - tonearm too high (scheme)	Fig. 4. VTA adjustment using laser - tonearm too low (scheme)

Headshell (cartridge mounting) plane is parallel to tonearm mounting/platter plane if, after turning the tonearm, laser beam a points to the point B, (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). That means azimuth is adjusted to zero position. If laser beam does not appear in point B, azimuth must be adjusted accordingly.

Fig. 5. Azimuth adjustment using laser (scheme)	Fig. 6. Azimuth adjustment using laser (photo)