British manufacturer Wilson Benesch is set to unveil its latest Wilson Benesch Graviton Ti tonearm at the forthcoming High End audio trade fair in Munich. This tonearm represents an evolution of the version used in the flagship GMT One System turntable. Additionally, the Graviton Ti can be purchased separately, having been specifically designed for compatibility with the Dohmann Helix One Mk3 turntable.
The Graviton Ti tonearm features a carbon fiber arm tube that is molded and reinforced with a graphene-epoxy matrix. This composite design integrates unidirectional carbon fiber with a Rohacell core and a quadruple helix layer, ensuring exceptional rigidity and damping. These characteristics are crucial for precise sound reproduction, enabling the stylus to navigate the record groove with minimal interference or distortion.
Building on decades of innovation in composite tonearm design by Wilson Benesch, the Graviton Ti traces its roots back to the ACT One Tonearm introduced in 1989. Fundamental principles such as hyperbolic tube geometry, monolithic construction, and optimized fiber orientation are integral to the Graviton Ti’s performance. These design features have been corroborated by academic collaborators through research initiatives, including the EU-funded SSUCHY project.
In partnership with researchers from the University of Sheffield and the FEMTO Institute, Wilson Benesch employed Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to manufacture titanium components for the Graviton Ti. This technique allows for the creation of internal lattice structures inspired by natural geometries, which offer outstanding strength-to-weight ratios, effective damping properties, and a precisely optimized center of gravity—crucial for reducing vibrational energy and enhancing tracking precision.
The Graviton Ti tonearm is derived from the Stage One design by Wilson Benesch, which was initially created for the GMT One system. This design enables the tonearm cable to be connected near the pivot point within a copper-shielded enclosure. This arrangement effectively shields the sensitive signal path from radio frequency interference while ensuring mechanical isolation by minimizing wire tension—an essential enhancement for optimal stylus performance, as noted by the designers. The Graviton Ti tonearm comes in a standard matte titanium finish, but for those desiring a more personalized appearance, Wilson Benesch provides options for polished silver and polished gold finishes for the titanium components. The Graviton Ti tonearm is currently available for order, with initial shipments anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025. The recommended retail price is $40,000 for the standard matte titanium version, with additional costs for finish upgrades.
