Alfrend Bokrand Ortofon tonearms

[anubisgrau]

I'm opening the thread for opinions and views on Alfrend Bokrand takes on Ortofon tonearms. The two 12" were sold today in almost no time here so I assume these are in good demand, though owners tend to sell them after some time. Considering what I understand to be a very limited run, that seems to be a circulation. I don't know if it's a question of fulfilled curiosity or something else.

You seldom read about them anything but praise - Tom (montesquieu) rates them higher than Schick.

Personally I don't need it - unless it's a clear winner over 3012/2 I purchased for SPU duties, but maybe I can help a friend to save a few pennies as he now wants Schick on his 401.

 

[surayne]

Well, I've bought one of those offered for sale. There aren't all that many options for a 12" arm in that price range, and as you say most experiences posted online (there aren't many) are positive. Having seen Tom's system and heard his (very experienced) take on it I was willing to take a punt. Also, something like an SME 3012 would probably need to be looked over and serviced given the age - this has had all the work done. There don't seem to be any more Bokrand tonearms available new, and on the last few offered for sale he stated that there were a limited number of bearings available and that production would end after they had been used.

In any case, a friend has an SME 3012 S2 on his 401 and I may also have access to a 12" Jelco 750L, so when I get to do some comparisons I'll post my thoughts.

 

[neskor]

I can not wait for review

That will be interesting to see which one will be THE ONE.

 

[biker boy]

I sold my Alfred arm, only because of my sheer stupidity, I ordered the wrong arm length for my second arm mount for my AS deck. It would have cost another £500 to get a new one. If I had not made that mistake the Alfred would not have not gone anywhere. The quality of the fit, finish and engineering is up there with the best. I have ordered a Jelco 750 L which will fit for SPU duties.

 

[CliveG]

I bought mine because I wanted to try out the 12" Ortofon + SPU combination on a 301 project I was putting together. Having heard how good the AB sounded I then tried to source an original Ortofon that I could have refurbished at Audio Origami, but they were all selling at silly prices. I then looked for an Ikeda Ortofon but none were available so bought the EAT 312 which is somewhere between the AB and the Ikeda for build quality, and probably SQ, although I have not heard the Ikeda.

The AB arm is very good value for money compared with all the other alternatives and is perfect for heavy cartridges like SPUs. I was going to hang on to it but when I saw how fast Biker Boy sold his I thought I may as well do the same and let someone else have the enjoyment of it.

 

[topoxforddoc]

Thanks guys for letting them go. I’m looking forward to getting mine tomorrow. Thanks Doug (Bikerboy). Mine’s going onto my ‘unused’ 401, which is in mothballs. I bought the 401 about 2 years ago. I have a plinth made by Paul (Pac67), but I think I may have to build a new two arm plinth to fit this and another Hadcock 228. So it might be a little while before I get fully up and running. If my Platine Verdier took three arms, then maybe I would put it on there instead.

 

[June]

I bought Tom's (montesquieu) AB arm some time ago. The intention was to use it with an SPU on a Technics SP10 mk2 table.

I am a slooow DIYer and have a habit of buying stuff and storing them for years before remembering that I have them in the first place :doh: .

Tom's AB arm is still in it box; I don't own an SPU yet and the SP10 still has no plinth.

I'll eventually get around to comparing it to my other two tonearms. Next summer maybe.

 

[neskor]

I bought Tom's (montesquieu) AB arm some time ago. The intention was to use it with an SPU on a Technics SP10 mk2 table. I am a slooow DIYer and have a habit of buying stuff and storing them for years before remembering that I have them in the first place :doh: .

Tom's AB arm is still in it box; I don't own an SPU yet and the SP10 still has no plinth.

I'll eventually get around to comparing it to my other two tonearms. Next summer maybe.

Give it to me.

I will do it for you

 

[old_school]

I bought Tom's (montesquieu) AB arm some time ago. The intention was to use it with an SPU on a Technics SP10 mk2 table. I am a slooow DIYer and have a habit of buying stuff and storing them for years before remembering that I have them in the first place :doh: .

Tom's AB arm is still in it box; I don't own an SPU yet and the SP10 still has no plinth.

I'll eventually get around to comparing it to my other two tonearms. Next summer maybe.

That sounds awfully familiar, though I have a couple of un-plinthed TTs and still don't own an SPU either.