Reed 5T

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Reed 5T

Reed 5T is our first appearance in the tangential tonearm domain. Featuring unique design, innovative technological solutions and high quality, and dedicated to a true audio passionate, it is one of the most advanced tonearms we have ever made.

Reed 5T technically is a tangentially tracking pivoted tonearm. It’s working principle is based on Thales’ theorem (if the center of a triangle’s circumcircle lies on the triangle then the triangle is right, and the center of its circumcircle lies on its hypotenuse) and the rule, that given three non-collinear points, it is possible to draw only one circle that has finite radius and passes through all three. (Fig. 1)

Figure 1

P1, O1, P3 – Thales’ semicircle,
Angles P1-A1-P3, P1-A2-P3, P1-A3-P3 are 90 degrees each,
Segments A1B1 = A2B2= A3B3 represent length of a tonearm,
B – Tonearm vertical axis,
P2 represents a center of circle, drawn through three points – B1,B2 and B3 (tonearm rotation axis),
P3 – Linear Sensor Array,
BP3 – Laser beam.

Arm tube suspension system is similar to one used in Reed 2G tonearm, and the tonearm’s turning part is based on low noise thrust-sleeve bearing. For angular rotation of tonearm we designed and built limited rotation sectional torque motor. Tonearm’s position is controlled by laser and linear sensor array.

Reed 5T has user-replaceable arm tube – feature, which allows to change tonearm’s effective mass yourself. Tonearm also has VTA and azimuth adjustments.

5T sells as a set with a fully automatic battery-powered power supply:

The Reed BS-12V is fully automatic battery-powered power supply designed to drive both Reed 5T tonearms and Reed turntables. Engineered for uncompromising analog performance, the Reed BS-12V can simultaneously power both the tonearm and the turntable, eliminating the need for separate power supplies while ensuring a cleaner and more refined listening experience.
Battery-powered audio power supplies offer several significant advantages over conventional mains-based solutions, particularly in high-end analog audio applications where power quality directly influences sonic performance. By operating independently from the AC grid, the Reed BS-12V delivers exceptionally stable and consistent power — a critical factor for maintaining precise speed control, low-noise operation, and maximum system performance.
Unlike traditional AC power supplies, battery systems generate virtually no electromagnetic interference (EMI) or mains-borne noise, resulting in a noticeably lower noise floor and a cleaner, more transparent audio signal. The delivery of pure, highly stable DC voltage allows audio components to perform at their full potential, enhancing resolution, tonal refinement, micro dynamics, soundstage accuracy, and overall musical realism.
For discerning audiophiles, the Reed BS-12V represents an effective path toward a quieter electrical environment and a more natural, immersive, and uncompromised analog listening experience.

Reed 5T has following advantages if compared with pivot tonearms:

Smaller moment of inertia,
No need for anti-skating mechanism,
Max tracking error is +/- 5 Minute of Angle (MOA). (Figure 2). Pivot tonearms usually have max tracking errors up to 1.5 deg.

absolute error tonearm 5T

Figure 2

Reed 5T’s advantages compared to other tangential tonearms:

Few times smaller moment of inertia,
No need for complicated additional devices (air compressor),
Compact and sleek design.
Effective mass in both vertical and horizontal directions is similar

SPECIFICATIONS

Mounting distance	251 mm (platter diam.max.= 330 mm)
Tracking error	+/- 5 Minute of Angle (MOA)
Effective mass	8-16 g, depending on armwand material (replaceable armwand)
Height adjustment	compatible with 26÷46 mm height platters
VTA adjustment	precision +/- 0.2 mm
Azimuth adjustment	+/- 8 deg
Downforce range	10÷30 mN (cartridge mass 5.5 g – 19.5 g,(4.0 g – 25,0 g))
Traction	Limited rotation sectional torque linear motor
Voltage	direct 12 V, using battery power source Reed Source 12V