Origin Live Tonearm Upgrades

Arm Versions & Upgrades

Upgrades to your current arm are available at the rates shown below. We have commented on the significance of the upgrades and the main feature upgrades involved.

MK2 Upgrade

Upgrading from MK1 to MK2 is no longer possible as MK2 tubes have ceased to be manufactured

MK3 Upgrade

The MK3 model is a significant upgrade on all arms except the Silver. Generally almost every part in the arm is replaced. The dual pivot and integral vta has meant a complete evolution of most parts hence the value is higher. The table below outlines the expected performance increase along with the new features of the model. The MK1 and MK2 cannot be upgraded to MK3 so please phone for a part exchange price.

Note: Linear Flow 2 external cable (balanced and screened) can be added to all arms regardless of model and age £388.

The Enterprise has two major upgrades, both of which occurred in 2009

A) The hybrid carbon arm tube and ultra rigid bonded rear stub £615

B) Linear Flow 2 – balanced and shielded Litz wire arm cable £388

How to identify MK1, MK2, Mk3 & Mk3C arms

If you are uncertain what version of arm you have the following features make easy identification possible

MK1 arms do not have a dowel pin as shown in the photo – this is the definitive difference. Note – some Mk2 arms have a short aluminium sleeve covering the dowel pin. The arm tube is 12.5mm Diameter on MK1 Silvers and 10mm diameter on MK2 Silvers.

MK2 versions are available for the Silver, Encounter, illustrious, Conqueror

MK3 arm tubes can be lifted by nearly 1mm in the bearing house due to the fact that there is no conventional gimball bearing on the horizontal axle.

Another distinguishing feature is the integral vta adjuster wheel shown above.

May 2007 is the time Mk3 arms were introduced.

MK3C The C represents a special Carbon tube introduced throughout 2009 starting with the Enterprise.

The carbon tubes can be identified by the distinctive headshell joint with the tube – see photo or the black gloss portion of the tube itself.

Linear Flow 2 external arm cable – a balanced and fully shielded cable was also introduced for all arms as an option but fitted as standard to all Conqueror MK3C and Enterprise MK3C arms.

Linear Flow 2 external arm cable is easily identified as it has a black braid covering aso opposed to the smooth insulation on the other external cables.

Exchange you current arm

If you wish to upgrade your arm to a higher version then we offer an exchange scheme – this only applies if you are dealing with us directly. A dealer may offer you a different exchange amount for your existing arm and this is his decision.

– Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for MK3C Illustrious – order payment is £920
– Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for MK3C Conqueror – order payment is £1700
– Exchange of MK1 or MK2 Illustrious for Enterprise C – order payment is £3065

To order an exchange arm, you can phone or email your order with your address details.

We will then send you a pro-forma invoice

You can then pay using paypal or credit card (please phone credit card details and do not email them as this is not secure).

Lastly send your old arm to our address as shown in our contact details (often at the bottom of our web pages) and as soon as we receive your  arm we can send you the new one. When posting the arm please do not put a value higher than £30 on the arm as we will then wrongly be charged import duty etc.

If you have a different arm that you wish to upgrade then please e-mail or phone us.