Naim Aro ?

45 years ago when I bought my first pickup arm, an SME 3009 Series ll, that came with a head shell that unplugged, which made changing cartridges a breeze.  It added a bit of weight where you didn't really want it, but when I changed if for a fixed head shell version a year or two later, I couldn't honestly say it made any audible difference that I could hear.  Things change with the years though, including prices.  Both of those arms were under £30 new.........

As I understand it there is no chance of anymore being produced.   Great shame.  

Sadly, very unlikely that the Aro will return. Why not find a good second hand one? Naim still provides service for the arm ( as long as it has all of its' parts ).

Changing arm wands is a snap but don't overlook the possible need to change VTA with different cartridges. Still, fairly simple.

Lovely arm and a bargain at current market price imo.

ATB,

Mark

Thanks for disappointing replies !

My 1st arm was a SME 3009 with detachable headshell too, still got it actually.

I have considered the 2nd hand Aro route, but I would only want one if it had a 2nd arm tube with it, I have not seen any for sale !?

The price also seems to be going up rather than down !

Come on Naim - make some more !?

Al

Al,

If Naim reissued a new Aro it would certainly be a new and "improved" version. This will undoubtably have a new and "improved" price tag- think Linn Ekos SE. A SH Aro is still a very good value,imo. Finding one is a challenge well worth the effort.

ATB,

Mark

Are Naim missing a marketing opportunity? Vinyl sales and the expensive turntables and accessories market seem to be pretty vibrant.

And with enough demand, it has been suggested that Linn might manufacture the Aro Keel again for the venerable LP12.

The Aro is 'old skool, cranky and idiosyncratic Naim' - simply doing what it says on the tin superbly well, even if some consider it to be not particularly pretty or practical.

We currently inhabit an age of 'Lifestyle' products. The said Scottish company have just launched a new system range with loudspeakers which may be adorned with one's choice of zip-on fabric covers.

John.

John

Its 7:30 in the evening out here, so I can justify being on the Forum.

Its 03:30 BST in the UK. 

Insomnia, ? or has the new Statement and the thought of new vinyl got you mesmerised ?

Hello Don,

Nope - just my regular (unusual) sleep pattern. Bed time soon.

Good night; or indeed good morning.

John.

Ah! Probably "Good night"

Cheers

Don

With the N272 Naim seems to be going full bore digital/streaming and not looking back.

I'd buy a Naim Aro if they made one to go with my Stageline...can find them used for $2500.

With the increased sales of vinyl,it stands a better chance of being re-released (in theory),unfortunately I don't think the increased record sales have had much,if any, impact on high-end (or even medium-end) fidelity. After all many of the places selling records, will sell you a fully competent *LOL* crosley or technics turntable, which is why (imho) between the high prices and the lack of improved sound (for most new buyers) means this is little more than a fad,that will pass. Great for new record buyers (currently) but not as much for used record buyers

+1

I fear your assessment is probably accurate; the resurgence in vinyl sales in the UK is, IMO, one of the many facets of the "Hipster" culture and is, as these things usually are, transient.  The long term future of music playback is in (largely low-fi) streaming devices.

If you don't want to go down the secondhand route with the Aro then this Roksan Nima unipivot arm would meet your requirements and is a bargain around £500.

Thank you all for your informative replies !

I have been playing LP's since the 60's and knew Hamish Robertson ( arguably the LP12 designer) - I have had an LP12 since 72/73 and I suppose have a sort of nostalgic attachment to them, I do remember going to Castle Engieering (Linn) with my turntable with a query, they were very good to discuss it with a cold caller, but suggested (with hindsight quite rightly) that my installed SME 3009 arm was really not good enough - and suggested a (I think it was) Breuer arm at I believe around £600!!! - Wow ! the SME was top of the range at £32 at the time ?!?!?!

I do however think the sound from a well recorded LP is superb - hard to be bettered - so wish to continue playing them - and I think the Ekos is a very good arm ! ( apart from the cartridge changing - getting too old to lug the whole turntable to a dealer every time I wish to change cartridge)

To Steve J - I have seen the Nima (anagram) arm and read some varying reviews of it ??? - but may well be interested. 

Can one just take off the arm tube and change the cartridge at will ?

Thanks

Al

Yes Al, it functions like an Aro. If you're in this country give Peter at Cymbiosis a ring, I know he stocks them and thinks it's excellent VFM.

A good write-up here comparing the Nima to the Aro (Naim forum 2005).

The NIMA's a very good arm indeed. Not quite up to the ARO but still well worth considering. I believe it can be further improved by rewiring.

JWM of this forum has been using a NIMA for a number of years, maybe he'll be along to add his thoughts.

I dare say that naim would sell more Aro's these days than the CD555 and they still make that!!

Could you imagine how happy traditional naim fans that couldn't afford one years ago would be if the Aro was re-introduced?

Bring back the DBL while your at it, best arm and best speakers. Current naim amps are best money can buy.

Mario.

And many of us who know it, use it, love it.

No harm in keep asking for it guys. However, I'm on record at HQ and here as asking for a re-introduction ever since it was axed from the range due to lack of sales!

I am not hopeful guys sorry. The used route is the only way to go and prices now often exceed Naim's final new retail price of £1895.00 inc VAT! I'm unaware of any other product to sell for more second-hand than new due to demand.

Best regards,

Peter

BTW guys, having your Aro tops sent back to Naim service also can reap large sonic benefits if you find your arm tube continuity between the test points is poor or the tags are getting a little fretted now.

Best regards,

Peter

Thanks for all the info folks !

Re: the Nima - can one just lift the arm tube off to change cartridges - or have a 2nd arm tube with cartridge mounted ?

Thanks

Al

I'm on record at HQ

I didn't know you played, Peter . Singularly apposite!

I would like to be counted in the interested parties stakes, as one who would like a spare arm tube for using a different cartridge.

Come on Naim, seize the day, Analogue Rules Ok?!

For those who like what an Aro does (including yours truly), it might be worth having a listen to the Vertere SG-1 tonearm.  I did and .... oops.  Bought one.

Hello Al,

No the Nima arm tube is not removable. However Roksan have been helpful in changing a few details of it's design to make it fully compatible/easier to fit to the LP12.

Best regards,

Peter 

Thanks for clarifying that Peter