Turntables, Tonearms: Rare Finds

"Cello Zarathustra. That sexy tonearm is called Pluto".  Because it's a dog.

@lewm 

Were you making a joke? 

Have you seen/heard one of the 12 that were made?

"Built by Simon Yorke for Cello Audio in the 1990’s. Only 12 of these were built."

Maybe the tonearm was more plentiful on other TTs?

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650207931-rare-cello-zarathustra-turntable-with-pluto-tonearm/

Yes, or did you think I mistook a tonearm for a dog? The thing about the real Pluto was his human qualities. Or am I supposed to faint because built by Simon Yorke? I do think it is cool looking and might or might not be an excellent tonearm.

I got Planet rather than Dog, but it's a good joke, I needed clarification, you might have seen one. 

I love it's design, I hope it's good.

Not faint, but appear Pious at the very least. I didn’t know who he is/was, still with us?

https://www.kenkessler.com/hi-fi/simon-yorke-s7-turntable/

https://recordplayer.com/

I think, if I had a loose $3,900 in my pocket, I would part with it.

AI Quickie

"The Cello Zarathustra is a legendary, rare high-end turntable designed by Simon Yorke (United Kingdom) and handcrafted by Eddy Driessen (Netherlands) specifically for Mark Levinson’s brand, Cello Audio.  It features a natural stone base, a fully suspended design, and an external power supply, with models including the S4 and S5 configurations. 

• Key Components: The system is most commonly paired with the exclusive Pluto Audio 5A Prestige full titanium tonearm and a Cello "Chorale" (hand-crafted Miyabi) phono cartridge. 

• Performance & Rarity: Built to be state-of-the-art, the turntable weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs) and has been compared favorably in reviews against icons like the SME 30 and SME 5, with only a small number ever produced. 

• Specifications: The unit typically includes a separate power supply, an original glass dust cover, and features an internal voltage switch (standard 220 V, convertible to 120 V) and internal speed adjustments for belts. 

• Market Availability: These units are extremely rare on the secondary market; recent listings have appeared on Audiogon and specialized dealers like Skyfi Audio and Highend Broker, with prices historically ranging from $5,650 to $6,650 depending on the specific configuration (e.g., S4 vs. S5) and included accessories."

More photos of the arm

https://www.audiog.com/en/item.aspx?item=1811

And, a Pluto TT with a different Pluto Arm

https://www.ebay.com/itm/206180587925?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=328e13a4-3a73-11f1-8a30-316639643965

Having had trouble with 'tonearm wire pushback' from my Blackbird 12.5 tonearm, affecting anti-skate in a non-precise way, I appreciate the method of hanging the tonearm wire as it exits the arm from the top.