Unified Theory UA-101 Tonearm

The UA-101 is a precision unipivot tonearm from Unified Theory. It is built around a three-axis stabilized unipivot bearing and a patented system, Azimuth Stabilized Playback, that adjusts azimuth while a record is playing.

Azimuth during playback

Azimuth is the side-to-side tilt of the stylus in the groove, and it is one of the most difficult tonearm settings to get right. On the UA-101 it is set with the stylus in the groove and the music playing, so the listener hears the stylus come into alignment as the adjustment is made. Unified Theory puts the process at about 45 seconds. The adjustment works through the torsion of a single filament, and anti-skating also uses filament torsion.

Bearing, materials and design

The unipivot bearing is mechanically stabilized and sits on the same plane as the record surface, which keeps the geometry stable during playback. The arm is CNC machined, with tungsten and titanium components. The counterweight is decoupled from the arm, and three auxiliary counterweights are supplied to suit a range of cartridges. The styling follows the Micro Seiki MA-505, a universal tonearm introduced in September 1976, and marks that arm's 50th anniversary.

Options and availability

• 10-inch and 12-inch arm lengths
• Alternative outboard base
• Magnesium alloy headshell
• Oil bath damping
• M27 stabilizer in brass or stainless steel

Reservations for 2027 production are limited to 25 tonearms, with delivery estimated for summer 2027.

Specifications

• Pivot: 3-axis stabilized unipivot
• Total length: 322 mm
• Effective length: 235.75 mm (9.28 in)
• Effective mass: 16.3 g
• Overhang: 0–15.75 mm
• Bearing offset angle: 22.05°
• Maximum tracking error: 0.653%
• VTA adjustment range: 8 mm
• Cartridge weight: 4–10 g
• Horizontal and vertical sensitivity: ≤ 11 mg/f
• Tracking force range: 0–3 g
• Counterweight: 90 g variable-mass, decoupled
• Anti-skating: filament torsion
• Arm lifter: fluid damped
• Output: low-capacitance 5-pin DIN
• Headshell: 9 g, wired direct to cartridge clips; adjusts SRA, zenith, offset angle, overhang and azimuth
• Warranty: limited 4 years