HANDMADE IN THE NETHERLANDS - EST. 2011
CONTACT +31 6 423 73 473
GrooveMaster GM2 for Technics
handmade in the netherlands Since 2011
DROP-IN TONEARM UPGRADE FOR SL-1200MK7 & SL-1210MK7
The Technics SL-1200 mk.7 offers a price-to-quality ratio that’s virtually unrivaled. But it’s clear where the biggest chunk of the available budget went: the incredibly sophisticated direct-drive motor. The tonearm is clearly an afterthought in the budget. It’s a fine tonearm, but nowhere near the caliber of the turntable itself.
A better tonearm would instantly elevate the SL-1200 mk.7 to a much higher class. We were happy to take on that challenge and set to work with a dedicated, high-quality tonearm that this turntable deserves.
After many listening sessions, we’d even go so far as to say that the SL1200 mk.7, paired with the GrooveMaster GM2, clearly outperforms the much more expensive SL1300G with its standard tonearm—despite the latter’s even more impressive turntable mechanism.
That’s precisely why the magnificent SL1300G has also been equipped with a GrooveMaster GM2. A match made in heaven.
In addition to the GM2 with a titanium tonearm tube, we have now also developed a GM2 with a double-walled carbon tube. This turned out to be quite a complex undertaking. This GM2 carbon model has a slightly lower tonearm mass than the titanium version, but it’s still not a true featherweight—which is exactly what we wanted to avoid.
A single-walled tonearm tube also doesn’t meet our requirements for resonance control, for example—certainly not when compared to our standard titanium tonearm tube. The double-walled carbon tube, however, excels in this regard.
In our research to develop the GrooveMaster tonearm, we kept a few things in mind: How were classic tonearms designed? How did they determine what improvements were needed? Were those improvements successful? What measurements did the engineers make? Did they limit themselves due to materials? Did they limit themselves based on manufacturing technologies available in the '50s? All analog equipment is built on the backs of giants. Most lessons have already been learned by the great engineers of the past, though many of those lessons are forgotten with time and "new technology". In the 21st century, some things can be done faster, much more accurately, using better machine tools, on higher grade materials. With this in mind, and many hours of building, tweaking, listening, redesign, and more listening, the Audio Creative GrooveMaster tonearm was born.
The Groovemaster 2 is a high-quality replacement tonearm, specifically designed to upgrade the standard tonearm on Technics turntables. Meticulously engineered and crafted from premium materials, this tonearm delivers an exceptionally neutral and detailed soundstage. The Groovemaster 2 is known for its impressive stability, smooth tracking, and minimal resonance—allowing your vinyl collection to sound exactly as the artist intended. It’s the ultimate choice for audiophiles who want to get the very best from their Technics deck.
DESIGN
The design of the Groovemaster 2 exemplifies both elegance and functionality. Its precision-machined components and beautifully finished parts reflect a passion for craftsmanship. The tonearm features a sleek, minimalist look that fits seamlessly into both modern and classic turntable setups. Carefully selected materials such as high-grade aluminum and stainless steel not only ensure durability, but also contribute to optimal resonance control. Every design choice, from the refined counterweight to the smooth-bearing pivots, is aimed at maximizing performance while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.
CHOICE OF MATERIAL
The use a combination of different high-quality materials, such as stainless and brass, reduces micro resonances, resulting in a cleaner sound reproduction. The tonearm head is made of aluminium and has a beautiful silver or titanium grey color, applied through a high-quality anodizing process.
With its combination of innovative engineering, superior materials, and user-friendly design, the grooveMaster 2 tonearm sets itself apart as a truly remarkable and high-performing audio tonearm.
Technics turntable
The Groovemaster 2 for Technics is specially designed to be compatible with the Technics SL-1200MK7 and SL-1210MK7 series, as well as the SL-1300G and SL-1310G turntables. This makes it the perfect upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the performance of these great Technics models.
GrooveMaster 2 — purpose‑built, drop‑in upgrade for Technics turntables using our dedicated Technics adapter plate.
Engineered for an exact 215 mm P2S fit, with higher rigidity and increased effective mass to suppress resonances and stabilize the cartridge. The adapter plate is available for both black and silver Technics decks, with a precise fit and color‑matched finish to seamlessly blend with the original chassis. Compatible Technics models: SL‑1200/1210 MK7, SL‑1300G, SL‑1310G.Enter your text here...
What makes the GrooveMaster 2 outstanding ?
We developed the GrooveMaster 2 with one goal in mind: the ultimate tonearm in music reproduction. Listening to vinyl with the GrooveMaster 3 is not only listening to your favorite music on vinyl, but gives also the ultimate music experience as the musician intended.
Precision Engineering
The GrooveMaster tonearm stands out as an exceptional design due to several key features. Its meticulous engineering ensures perfect tracking, minimizing distortion and maximizing audio accuracy. The tonearm's precise balance allows for seamless tracking across the record, maintaining consistent playback.
Counterweight
The use of high-quality materials reduces resonance, resulting in a cleaner sound reproduction. With its combination of innovative engineering, Superior materials, and user-friendly design, the grooveMaster 2 tonearm sets itself apart as a truly remarkable and high-performing audio tonearm. The counterweight is very precise and VTF can be set at 0.01 grams
Magnetic Anti Skating
Contactless magnetic anti-skating was chosen for the anti-skating properties. With a precisely designed anti-skating mechanism the anti skating can be precisely adjusted.
Wiring
Cardas tonearm wire was chosen for wiring the GrooveMaster tone arm. This cable is durable and flexible so it does not put any stress or force on the very precise bearings of the GrooveMaster.
The needle pressure can be adjusted very precisely thanks to the accurate rotation of the counterweight. The swivel is dampened by high-grade silicone oil and rotates quickly and precisely thanks to a multi-wire adjustment.
Thanks to a scale on the GrooveMaster's bearing housing, the GrooveMaster tone arm can be quickly and precisely adjusted to the correct height.
The GrooveMaster 2 is equipped with a highly accurate anti-skating unit. This is contactless and is adjusted using a rotary knob that is linked to the VTF.
The azimuth of the cartridge is fully adjustable by rotating the headshell. The connection is a high-quality connection with the custom-made titanium tonearm tube.
GrooveMaster in the Press
SteroPhile
toneaudio
peter schimdt
German Audio forum