ACT-1

About the ACT-1

The Wilson Benesch ACT-1 tonearm is designed with advanced composite technology, utilizing a curved carbon fibre arm tube that is torsionally 10 times stiffer than titanium, half the mass of aluminium, and five times the specific stiffness of steel. It features a unique kinematic bearing that provides stiction-free operation and long-lasting durability. The arm includes a low mass fixed counterbalance beam, spring-loaded directly coupled counterbalance and azimuth adjustment, and a bearing collar that locks the bearing for transport or cartridge changes. The ACT-1 is designed to be unaffected by temperature changes and incorporates natural dynamic damping. It supports cartridge weights typically between 5g and 16g and has an effective length of approximately 235mm with an overhang of 18mm. Internal wiring uses silk-covered litz wire with star quad shielding for optimal signal integrity. The arm weighs around 340g and is known for consistent sound quality across units. Some users have noted challenges pairing certain cartridges, such as the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, due to the arm's unipivot-like design.