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Thales Thales Simplicity II
Reference-Tonearm
The Thales Simplicity II sets the benchmark for what is possible in tonearm-design today. The tracking geometry is based on a unique tetragon solution that reduces the tracking-error to 0,006°. Our new TTF-bearing-technology makes sure the performance achieves a level never reached before, as the micro-ball-bearings are arranged in a tension-free setup. The intrinsic frequencies of the two tonearm tubes are carefully tuned to improve on the damping properties of any single arm tube design.
The Thales Simplicity II comes with a special tool to make sure the installation is as precise as the manufacturing. The headshell can be removed very easily for exact alignment of the cartridge. Three different counterweights, each with a different mass are supplied to enable a wide range of cartridges to be used (7 to 23 grams).
The tonearm is available in bronze, grey or black anodized finish and is featured with Thales’s own internal wiring. This wiring is very flexible and made of purest copper. Options for the outlet are either an integrated 5-pin-DIN-connector or direct wiring to the amplifier.
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Boasting near-tangential control and minuscule tracking error, the Thales Simplicity II delivers a composed, low-distortion presentation with remarkably stable imaging and elegant Swiss build; mounting is straightforward but optimal performance rewards careful cartridge matching. Richard Mak praises its tracking through inner-groove challenges, making it ideal for listeners who value sonic control and refinement.
Pros
- Dual-wand pivoted-tangential design yields exceptional tracking with very low distortion, handling demanding inner-groove passages cleanly.
- High-precision Swiss machining and thoughtful execution produce a solid, elegant build with outstanding fit and finish.
- Mounting is made easy by the acrylic guide and Sight Unit, simplifying setup and headshell swapping compared with many peers.
- A composed, balanced sonic signature delivers stable imagery and controlled presentation—well suited to systems that prioritize accuracy over excessive brightness.
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Cons
- Azimuth adjustment is fiddly and asymmetric; changing VTA often upsets azimuth and requires patience to re-align.
- Anti-skating is non-user-adjustable and some cartridges showed L/R THD imbalance; achieving even VTF across the platter can be time-consuming.
Sound Quality
88/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Overall Sound
86/100
Reviewers describe a conservative, composed tonal balance with stable, well-defined imagery and minimal coloration. The arm is praised for delivering 'undistorted' voices and a natural, non-exaggerated presentation, though it is not as lively or extended as high-end 12" alternatives (review compares it to Schröder and Graham arms).
Tracking Performance
92/100
Excellent real-world tracking: reviewer reports the arm's pivoted-tangential dual-wand design produces a tiny tracking error (quoted 0.006°) and handled very demanding inner-groove passages distortion-free. Some cartridges showed L/R THD imbalance and would benefit from adjustable anti-skate, and VTF distribution requires care, but overall the arm's control and stability were repeatedly praised.
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Build Quality
90/100
Described as a modern work of art with Swiss elegance and high-precision machining. Review highlights quality materials and execution; no significant build complaints were reported.
Features Usability
78/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Adjustability
75/100
Mounting is exceptionally straightforward (acrylic guide and "Sight Unit") and VTA is easy to change, but azimuth adjustment is fiddly (tiny screws, asymmetric spring-loading) and changing VTA upsets azimuth, requiring re-alignment. Anti-skate is a fixed, non-user-adjustable amount and achieving balanced VTF across the platter can be time-consuming because of the eccentric counterweight.
Cartridge Compatibility
80/100
Comes with three counterweights to broaden matching options and worked very well with several cartridges (notably the Titanium V2), proving flexible in practice. However, some pairings (e.g., Kondo IO-M) were less successful, and the effective mass/geometry means finding the ideal match can require experimentation.
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Value for Money
85/100
Reviewer frames the Simplicity II as delivering pivoted-tangential performance at roughly half the price of Thales' Statement model and expresses clear satisfaction; language implies the arm justifies its premium. While explicit pricing and broad market comparisons are limited in the review, the sentiment is that this model is a competitively priced way to access this design approach.
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