Origin Live Unveils Mk5 Tonearm Series at Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025

Origin Live has always been a proponent of the dual-pivot design, and they're reaffirming its importance with the Mk5. The dual-pivot offers superior torsional resistance, ensuring optimal azimuth stability for the cartridge stylus. Balancing freedom of movement with stability is no easy feat, but they believe this design achieves that harmony better than single-pivot arms.

They've also reworked the arm tubes. Without delving into proprietary details, there's a new internal treatment that significantly improves transparency and channel separation. They've steered clear of using rubber, foam, or a tube-within-a-tube setup. This new approach effectively reduces unwanted vibrations without over-damping, and it’s been implemented across all models since September 2024.

Cable management hasn't been overlooked either. On the Encounter model and above, a new cable housing reduces mechanical resistance from cable bending and twisting, allowing the tonearm to move more freely. These subtle enhancements can make a real difference in performance, minimizing any impediments to the tonearm's movement.

For those who already own a Mk4 arm, there's good news. The Mk5 MLC counterweights can be retrofitted to Mk4 arms, offering an upgrade path without needing to replace the entire tonearm. Additionally, the tracking force adjustment on the Illustrious and higher models has been refined. The fine adjuster now offers a broader range, making it easier to dial in that perfect setting.

Origin Live's dedication over nearly four decades is evident in the Mk5 series. They've combined experience, innovation, and attention to detail to produce what they claim are their best-performing tonearms yet. With the official launch just around the corner, it'll be interesting to see how these new tonearms perform in the real world.