RS-309D

About the RS-309D

The Ortofon RS-309D is a premium 12-inch tonearm designed to elevate analog sound reproduction with its dynamic balance system and highly configurable vertical tracking force (VTF) options. It features a new short wire spring design housed in the pivot case that eliminates unwanted vibrations, enhancing tracking stability especially on warped records. The VTF can be precisely adjusted from 0 to 5 grams using the supplied digital force gauge, allowing compatibility with a wide range of cartridges. Anti-skating control is adjustable via a calibrated dial within the same 0-5 gram range to reduce distortion and record wear. The tonearm height is easily adjustable at the base to set the vertical tracking angle (VTA), critical for sound quality. It includes a detachable headshell and tonearm cable with standard SME-type connectors, facilitating cartridge alignment and cable replacement. The RS-309D uses a Japanese geometry with an effective length of 329 mm (distance from stylus to pivot), mounting distance of 314 mm (pivot to turntable center), offset angle of 19 degrees, and 15 mm overhang. It comes with a digital scale DS-1 and headshell SH-4 black included. This tonearm is often paired with high-end turntables such as the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 and is noted for its mechanical damping and anti-vibration features.