New Bergmann Galder Turntable + Odin Tonearm

asiufy

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Hi,

Seeing as it's been briefly discussed in Ron's "Visit to Alma" thread, I figured I'd open a thread to talk about this table, that we're currently enjoying and showcasing here at Alma!

Here's Michael Fremer's review in a recent Stereophile:

http://audioingang.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Bergmann-Galder-en-Odin-Stereophile-7-2018.pdf

And the Polish online mag High Fidelity also pitched in:

http://highfidelity.pl/@main-857&lang=en

As Bergmann's Premier dealer, we're glad to be able to bring this wonderful machine to the US!


cheers,
Alex
 

DaveyF

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Alex, thanks for posting the reviews. I noticed that MF brought up the issue that all of the captured air bearing arms seem to have problems with...'annular gap turbulence'. He then never discussed it again in his review. Is there something that I missed, how does this design address that problem?
 

asiufy

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Yeah, he seemed to have used half the review to criticize the design, only to admit that he liked and was impressed.
I can ask Johnnie Bergmann, but I'm sure he's not interested in telling all the other manufacturers how he solved a potential problem... You should just come and listen, and see if Fremer's "wimpy bass" comment applies here. Even Fremer notes that "... bass control and extension were both very good, and better than I'd expected... I heard nothing wimpy or less than fully extended..."
 

DaveyF

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Thanks, Alex.
Typically annular gap turbulence doesn't result in diminished bass response, it usually results in a slightly more diffuse soundstage and a slightly less resolved overall presentation. I will definitely come and have a listen.
 

XV-1

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threads like this are useless without pretty pictures :D
 

asiufy

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Ron Resnick

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For non-Bergmann turntables what kind of mount does Bergmann offer for the Odin tonearm?
 

jeff1225

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This arm does look extremely interesting! If they solved the issues inherent with air bearing tonearms, why wouldn't they offer this arm as a stand alone offering?
 

asiufy

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Ron Resnick

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I am thinking about the Odin instead of the Schroder LT.
 
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Lagonda

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Ron Resnick

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I’m not sure what that means. In theory the linear tracking tonearm is, I think, inarguably a good idea. The issue, and the complication, is the implementation and the air bearing.
 

Lagonda

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I’m not sure what that means. In theory the linear tracking tonearm is, I think, inarguably a good idea. The issue, and the complication, is the implementation and the air bearing.
David is not a fan of them, and might not make you an arm board. :)
 

Ron Resnick

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David is not as dogmatic as that. Have you, or has David, seen or played with the Odin tonearm?
 

Lagonda

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David is not as dogmatic as that. Have you, or has David, seen or played with the Odin tonearm?
No i have not, but love linear tracking air bearing tone arms when they work.
I still use one as my primary arm. The Odin looks like a well designed arm, with heritage back to the Swedish Forsell arms that i used for many years.
David has stated many times that he does not like them, i doubt he has heard the Odin yet, but am sure he has most other air - bearing arms.
 

sefischer1

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rI previously owned a Goldmund Studio with their latest linear arm (T3 or T4?) which was servo driven by detecting any deviation in angular position. Their solution addressed a problem of relatively high mass in the horizontal direction as seen at the stylus tip, by allowing for a slight horizontal pivoted movement and using a DC motor to move the arm sideways as needed. Unfortunately it only incremented in one direction leaving some error for eccentric center holes. That said, I liked the sound and function and was immediately drawn to the engineering elegance of the Bergmann arms.

I replaced the Goldmund with a Bergmann Sindre which performed beautifully where the Goldmund was lacking. Much more rigid, the arm provided a solidity of image and beautiful lack of distortion on the innermost grooves that can't be touched by any radial arm since they are all plagued by anti-skating related issues. I've some experience with the new Odin which takes the rigidity of the arm to a higher level and seems to be less sensitive to variations in air-flow volume and is better able to handle heavier cartridges. The Odin also improves on the cueing mechanism over the Sindre arm. The former being direct and consistent, the latter a bit touchy with it's o-ring connection. On the fly VTA adjustment (if you're into that) isn't really practical with Bergman arms. I've also found that the Bergmann tables are completely insensitive to any sort of mechanical feedback. For extra fun I fabricated a "C" clamp arm-board to allow me to mount a VPI arm so that I could easily add and swap different cartridges easily. For context, I've included a photo of the Goldmund 20170818_094148.jpg 20160714_213053_scaled.jpg 20160622_110018_001.jpg
 
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asiufy

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Hey, I know this guy!
How's it going, Steve! Missed ya yesterday here in the store for 5 minutes!
 

DaveyF

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Steve, welcome to the forum. We’ve spoken on several occasions at Alex’s and I believe I saw you today browsing the LP’s at Bruce’s place. Didn’t get a chance to say hello today, but I am happy to report that Bruce hooked me up with an awesome cartridge....which is why I was at his store.
Anyhow, your first post here is a great one. Glad to see that you found your way on to the WBF...:cool:
 
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