fonolab WE-407/ST 12-Inch Straight Tonearm
Product code: FON-WE407ST-AL-OFCfonolab WE-407/ST 12-Inch Straight Tonearm
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The classic SAEC WE-407, reimagined as a modern 12-inch straight tonearm
WE-407 double knife-edge bearings meet WE-8000/ST geometry
WE-407/ST is fonolab's contemporary interpretation of the celebrated SAEC WE-407. Based in Prague, fonolab is known for its high-end step-up transformers. The arm retains the original double knife-edge bearing assembly and adopts the geometry of the flagship WE-8000/ST in a 12-inch straight configuration. Precision bearings, a choice of arm tubes and internal wiring, resonance control and an on-the-fly VTA mechanism bring the design into a contemporary analogue system. It draws on fonolab's experience upgrading SAEC arms and using this arm as an in-house reference during transformer development.
From development reference to finished tonearm
Fonolab used this arm for cartridge evaluation, transformer and loading matches, and final listening tests during the development of its QVATTVOR, DECVS and SVPER projects. Stable cartridge support and repeatable behaviour help reveal changes elsewhere in the analogue chain. It is intended for listeners who refine cartridge and transformer matching as carefully as the rest of their playback system.
WE-407 bearings and WE-8000/ST geometry
The SAEC double knife-edge assembly is paired with precision microbearings from NSK (Nippon Seiko) / NMB (MinebeaMitsumi's bearing brand). Effective length is 306 mm, pivot-to-spindle distance 293 mm, overhang 13 mm, and null points 60.6 mm / 128.5 mm. The mounting distance differs from the WE-407/23; an existing base requires adjustment of the mounting position.
Three arm-tube materials
Choose aluminum, carbon or titanium. The following listening tendencies are based on comparisons with the same cartridge and system. Consider cartridge mass and compliance alongside the desired balance of the complete system.
| Aluminum: approx. 13.5 g | Natural balance and neutral tonality, in a direction familiar from the original SAEC. Vintage MC cartridges are among the possible pairings. Resonance characteristics and the cartridge combination influence decay and ambience. |
|---|---|
| Carbon: approx. 14 g | Emphasizes resonance control. A quiet background, precise image outlines and separation, and clear decay may emerge. Intended for a broad range of pairings, including contemporary MC cartridges. |
| Titanium: approx. 18 g | High rigidity and greater effective mass. Depending on the cartridge, differences may be heard in bass definition, dynamics and image presence. Intended for pairing with high-performance modern MC cartridges. |
Effective mass is not the weight of the arm tube alone and may vary with mounting parts and wiring. Assess mechanical compatibility using cartridge mass and compliance. Tube construction and resonance control also contribute to the final presentation.
Internal wiring: OFC copper or silver
OFC copper is standard; silver is optional. In commonly described listening terms, OFC copper may suit those who value body through the midbass, smooth continuity and natural tone. Silver may appeal when transient definition, low-level detail, high-frequency extension and spatial clarity take priority. These are general tendencies, not fixed outcomes: cartridge, loading, phono cable and downstream equipment all affect the result. Choose according to the balance sought in your system.
Resonance control and on-the-fly VTA
Brass damping components and vibration-absorbing material are fitted inside the arm tube. Fonolab's AMf-104 mechanism allows fine adjustment of arm height during playback. You can hear the effect of VTA (vertical tracking angle) changes as you set the stylus attitude for the cartridge and record. Output is via a gold-plated 5-pin DIN connector.
Mounting base
Choose the standard base or an SME-type sliding base when ordering. Mounting hardware is included.
| Type | 12-inch straight tonearm / SAEC double knife-edge bearing assembly |
|---|---|
| Arm tube | Aluminum / carbon / titanium (option) |
| Effective mass | Aluminum approx. 13.5 g; carbon approx. 14 g; titanium approx. 18 g (configuration dependent) |
| Effective length / mounting distance | 306 mm / 293 mm (pivot to spindle) |
| Overhang / offset angle | 13 mm / 18° |
| Null points | 60.6 mm / 128.5 mm |
| Mounting hole / base outside diameter | 27 mm / 48 mm (standard base) |
| Mounting board thickness | Up to 30 mm; approx. 15 mm recommended (standard base) |
| Headshell | Integrated |
| Internal wiring | OFC copper / silver (option) |
| Output | Gold-plated 5-pin DIN |
| Included | Selected mounting base and hardware; output cable not included |
| Warranty | Two years; replacement parts or repair at the manufacturer's workshop |
Before ordering and installation
An output cable is not included. Use a low-capacitance phono cable with a straight 5-pin DIN plug. Check the 293 mm pivot-to-spindle distance, available space and compatibility of the selected base. Please contact us if cartridge mass, compliance or installation requirements need confirmation.
