Statement
The Thales Statement is another tonearm in the lineup
from the Winterthur-based manufacturer. The company has made a name for itself by utilizing
variable geometry, which has reduced the tracking error of the cartridge
to just 0.006°. The Statement bears some resemblance to the
Simplicity tonearm but was designed from the ground up. Great attention was paid
to improving “energy flow” through the use of
high-performance materials and by positioning critical
components so that they are at its center. This has significantly improved
resistance to vibrations and parasitic resonances. The
bearing system has been “sealed,” and all coatings
are made of precious metals (gold, rhodium, ruthenium) to
harmonize the sound characteristics. The tonearm is equipped
with precise HTA and VTA adjustment. The integrated socket (DIN)
allows for great flexibility in cable selection. Five different
counterweights allow for the use of inserts ranging from 7 to 20 g in
weight.
The frame is assembled by hand by an experienced worker from 288 parts.
Each part is carefully inspected before it goes into the final assembly.