The Onyx Tonearm gives you supreme value with a performance that exceeds many £3000 arms. My conclusion needs but one word: recommended.”
![pre-owned sme tonearm pre-owned sme tonearm](https://www.stereophile.com/images/styles/600_wide/public/888smev.promo_.jpg)
Handmade in good old Blighty by a devoted company that knows a thing or two about getting good vibes from vinyl, the sonic performance the Onyx delivered in the context of a modest but carefully adjusted setup can be conveyed in three words: unforced, organic and airy.
![pre-owned sme tonearm pre-owned sme tonearm](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1867/3055/products/SME_Model_6_Turntable_02_Front_with_Power_3000x.jpg)
This high class but friendly priced tonearm is equally elegant in appearance and performance. All parts appear to be made by Origin Live including the armlift, something only a mere handful of manufacturers will do these days… Even when fitted to a relatively humble deck and carrying one of Ortofon’s most affordable MC cartridges, it never fails to let the music speak for itself. On top of this, timbre had also improved massively.” With the SME arm and this cartridge, there was always a lack of midbass presence, making only the most powerful recordings sound balanced but with the Onyx almost every LP sounds like a powerful USA release! Dynamics and speed were now impressive, gone was the former tardiness, replaced with cheerful, upbeat music, but importantly, while retaining smoothness and tonal fullness. The reviews weren’t wrong: this arm really is very good indeed. This was exactly what the doctor ordered! On top of this, it had excellent tracking and has looked like its costs a lot more than it does. Tonally full, with sonorous and powerful deep bass, rich and colourful midrange and fluid, open and relaxed treble.
![pre-owned sme tonearm pre-owned sme tonearm](https://whybuynew.2dimg.com/10/1570094521_4249.jpg)
…the Onyx Tonearm immediately sounded very enjoyable. “Sounds more human, more analogue, and more musical… represents excellent value for money and comes highly recommended… offers a relaxing, expansive and musical sound hitherto unavailable at its modest price point.