{"product_id":"ortofon-as-212r","title":"Ortofon AS-212R Tonearm (9-inch, Reference)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ortofon AS-212R is a statically balanced 9-inch Reference tonearm with a detachable headshell — built for turntables that can deliver more than their stock arm allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the AS-212R?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AS-212R stands in the tradition of the classic Ortofon tonearms: precise bearings, static balance, Baerwald geometry for minimal tracking-angle error. The detachable headshell with SME connector makes swapping cartridges a quick job, and with an effective mass of 7 grams the arm pairs well with a wide range of MM and MC cartridges. The high-quality Ortofon 6NX-TSW-1010 tonearm cable is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tonearm that gives the cartridge a calm, stable foundation: it keeps the stylus tracking cleanly, transmits fine dynamics without adding character of its own, and can be adjusted with precision — the prerequisite for a good cartridge to show what it's capable of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the AS-212R suited for — and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for turntables with a 9-inch tonearm mount whose owners want to upgrade to a genuine Reference arm. \u003cstrong\u003eStraight talk:\u003c\/strong\u003e swapping a tonearm isn't plug-and-play — mounting distance, height, and cabling all need to suit the turntable. If your deck's geometry doesn't match the 232 mm arm, it gets involved; talk to us first. For 12-inch setups, there's the larger AS-309R.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AS-212R is an honest Reference tonearm at a reasonable price — solidly built, precisely adjustable, with the convenience of an interchangeable headshell. The trade press is impressed: The Absolute Sound calls the performance \"easily comparable to arms costing several times its retail\" and recommends the arm \"without serious reservation\" (Paul Seydor, 2025). At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll work out with you whether it suits your turntable, and fit it properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: statically balanced 9-inch Reference tonearm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlignment: Baerwald\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEffective length: 232 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverhang: 18 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting distance (spindle to pivot): 214 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffset angle: 23.75°\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEffective mass: 7 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeadshell: detachable (SME connector)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput: 5-pin DIN tonearm connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable cartridge weight (incl. headshell): 18–26 g (standard) \/ 26–38 g (heavyweight counterweight)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 600 g (with standard counterweight)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: tonearm with detachable headshell, Ortofon 6NX-TSW-1010 tonearm cable, counterweight, mounting hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill the Ortofon AS-212R fit my turntable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe AS-212R needs a 9-inch tonearm mount with a mounting distance (spindle to pivot) of around 214 mm. Whether your turntable allows for that depends on the plinth and the mounting hole. Send us the make and model of your deck — we'll tell you whether and how the conversion works cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich cartridges suit the AS-212R?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an effective mass of 7 grams, the AS-212R covers a wide range of MM and MC cartridges; cartridge weight including headshell should be around 18–26 grams. What matters is the resonance frequency from mass and compliance — we'll work that out with you if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Ortofon AS-212R at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause swapping a tonearm takes experience: geometry, height, anti-skating, and cabling all need to be right. Our technician Mauri fits and aligns the AS-212R properly. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil is an authorized Ortofon dealer — call or write to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoes well with:\u003c\/strong\u003e a matching \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003ecartridge\u003c\/a\u003e, a high-quality \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntable\u003c\/a\u003e as a foundation, and a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ephono preamp\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ortofon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53306058375504,"sku":"303569","price":2999.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/ortofon-as-212r-tonarm-seitenansicht.png?v=1786627312","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/ortofon-as-212r","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}