History of Model MKs & Serial Numbers
Due to the pace of progress in the early days of the company there are gaps in documentation. These pages may however provide some help.
Turntable Documentation
MKV Turntables
Introduced February 2023 – The MKV decks include the multilayer platter as standard on on models except the Aurora. The multi-layer platter is also significantly improved on the MKV over all previous versions.
MK4 Turntables
Introduced Dec 2017 – The first Major change is the Light speed control (LSC) which introduces absolute speed control along with significantly increased performance. LSC is easily identified from the platter which has a 50mm (approx) silver strip on the underside.
Secondly, a new fully balanced specially wound small upgrade transformer is introduced for all turntables below the Sovereign ( which has a better version). This lowers mains corruption and reduces impedance over the wallwarts used previously. Performance improvement is very obvious to the ear.
Other improvements include a better bearing and subchassis design. The new subchassis design includes a seperate armboard and superior plate material.
Subjectively the MK4 turntables sound more secure as the pitch and dynamics do not change. For many turntables, when playing complex passages of music, there is an almost imperceptible slowing down in platter speed due to increased needle drag. This problem is overcome with the advanced speed control of the MK4 decks.
The sound is also smoother and more musical due to a less resonant and stiffer bearing.
In summary every aspect of musical performance benefits from the MK4 design over the MK3
MK3-2 Turntables
Introduced April 2018 – The “MK3-2” on their label denoted an updated LSC and improved optional multi-layer platter.
MK3-1 Turntables
Introduced April 2016 – The new decks are designated “MK3-1” on their label to supersede the MK3. The MK3-1 includes a costly new motor upgrade which has significantly improved performance. The new motors increase drive torque between 2 and 4 times that of previous decks.
Subjectively the sound improvement is dramatic with more punch, increased pace, dynamics and slam in the bass. Because the new motors are smoother running, resolution and all other aspects are also improved. The first reviewer to receive a new motor was highly impressed. Owners have also expressed great satisfaction with the upgrade.
The turntable power supply has also been improved to include temperature compensation so the speed is now hardly affected by room temperature changes. Allied to this is an increase in load compensation.
The optional upgrade transformer has been dramatically improved using a fully balanced, noise-reducing configuration, allied with a purpose-built design to improve mains isolation. Marked improvements to all aspects of sound quality are immediately apparent when comparing this with the original transformer. Again the price has risen after maintaining the old one for over 10 years. The new transformers are identified by a “B” (for Balanced) after the Serial number.
Older MK3 decks can only be upgraded to MK4 specification Light speed control specification by dealing directly with Origin Live.
MK3 Turntables
Introduced April 2014 – The MK3 most notably includes an improved bearing and platter. The belt and motor pulley have also been significantly upgraded to give improved sonic performance.
Tonearm Documentation
How to identify Mk1, Mk2, Mk3, MK3C & MK4 tonearms
If you are uncertain what version of Origin Live tonearm you have the following features make identification easy:
MK1 arms
Do not have a dowel pin as shown in the photo: this is the definitive difference. Note: some Mk2 arms have a short aluminium sleeve covering the dowel pin. The arm tube is 12.5mm Diameter on MK1 Silvers and 10mm diameter on MK2 Silvers.
MK2 versions
Silver, Encounter, Illustrious, Conqueror – these may have the round pin visible as shown above but later versions had a short 10mm length metal sleeve covering the pin.
MK3 arm
Introduced May 2007 – These all had metal tubes with silver finish. The most noticeable feature on all arms from Encounter and above is that the armtube can be lifted by nearly 1mm in the bearing house – there is no conventional gimbal bearing on the horizontal axle.
Another distinguishing feature is the integral VTA adjuster wheel shown above.
MK3C Arms
The C represents a special Carbon tube introduced throughout 2009 starting with the Enterprise.
The carbon tubes can be identified by the distinctive headshell joint with the tube.
Linear Flow 2 External Tonearm Cable – a balanced and fully shielded cable was also introduced for all arms as an option but fitted as standard to all Early Conqueror MK3C and Enterprise MK3C arms. It is easily identified as it has a black braid covering as opposed to the smooth insulation on the other external cables.
Silver Hybrid cable later replaced Linear Flow 2. Silver Hybrid cable is clearly identifiable with “Silver Hybrid” printed on heatshrink cable wrap near the RCA phono plug.
Specifications
Origin Live 9 inch (229mm) MK3 Tonearms with Linn Geometry
Origin Live Standard 9.5 inch (239mm) MK3 Tonearms
Origin Live 10 inch (254mm) MK3 Tonearms
Origin Live 12 inch (309mm) MK3 Tonearms
MK4 arms
Illustrious, Conqueror, Enterprise models changed to MK4 specification on 26th March 2020 (serial No’s over 200326)
IDENTIFICATION: Superficially the MK4 version looks similar to the MK3C but MK4 arms can be easily identified by a slot in the rear stub for the counterweight. Other visual differences include a slimmer arm plate to reduce resonance and a slanted arm clip.
DIFFERENCES: MK4 versions represent a major leap forward in performance through a stiffer arm tube. It also introduces a number of improved decoupling devices within the arm tube itself. This includes a new interface with the counterweight which is attached differently. Significant improvements are made to definition, transient speed, dynamics, separation, timing and overall musicality to name but a few.
Conqueror and Enterprise models were upgraded to Silver Hybrid 2 version in February 2021 ( this upgrade appears on the cable as “Silver Hybrid 2”)
For further details on Silver Hybrid cable please scroll down the page.
Silver & Zephyr changed to Mk 4 specification on 1st Jan 2001 (Serial Nos over 210101)
IDENTIFICATION: The easy way to identify MK4 arms is that they have a single bolt in the side of the arm tube. This bolt is positioned just in front of the Yoke. MK3 arms has 2 smaller bolts in this position instead of one.
DIFFERENCES: MK4 versions represent a major leap forward in performance through a stiffer arm tube. MK4 also introduces a number of improved decoupling devices within the arm tube itself. Significant improvements are made to definition, transient speed, dynamics, separation, timing and overall musicality to name but a few.
Serial Numbers
Prior to this date you can identify what MK arm you have by following these guidelines.
Serial No. 1000 – all Silver and above arms post serial no. 1000 have a special damping on the tube – this was a relatively minor enhancement giving more bass depth.
From Serial No. 1023 on 13th June 2007 a packing insert was introduced which prevents damage to the dual pivot bearing if badly dropped in transit.
From Serial No. 1086 a new internal pillar style on Enterprise, and arm tube damping, respectively, were introduced.
From Serial No. 2117 a shatterproof bearing on the MK3 arm was brought in (date: 1-10-2007)
External Silver Hybrid Tonearm Cable
This cable is identifiable by the printed heat shrink on the cable saying “Silver Hybrid”
In November 2017 there was a major major upgrade on Silver hybrid cable – this catapulted the performance of a £450 cable to outperform respected brands in the £4500 region. The easy way to identify the new version is that they were fitted with Black Rhodium GR4 Phono Plugs – unmistakable because GR4 is printed on the plugs. These plugs are the best we have ever encountered but are not the reason for the enormous improvement in sound quality.
In May 2018 the cable was “hum proofed” through the addition of an earth wire option to connect the signal return to earth. This is not an upgrade to performance but a measure to cater for different amplifier designs which can cause hum issues. This is more fully explained in the product description of Silver Hybrid cable.
External Silver Hybrid Tonearm Cable
This cable is identifiable by the printed heat shrink on the cable saying “Silver Hybrid”
In November 2017 there was a major major upgrade on Silver hybrid cable – this catapulted the performance of a £450 cable to outperform respected brands in the £4500 region. The easy way to identify the new version is that they were fitted with Black Rhodium GR4 Phono Plugs – unmistakable because GR4 is printed on the plugs. These plugs are the best we have ever encountered but are not the reason for the enormous improvement in sound quality.
In May 2018 the cable was “hum proofed” through the addition of an earth wire option to connect the signal return to earth. This is not an upgrade to performance but a measure to cater for different amplifier designs which can cause hum issues. This is more fully explained in the product description of Silver Hybrid cable.
SILVER HYBRID 2 (& s2) – In February 2021 the Silver Hybrid was significantly upgraded and re-named Silver Hybrid 2 (clearly labelled as such to avoid confusion).
The new version has lowered impedance and incorporates our unique “anti-ringing” technology. This translates into drastically improved performance and deeper bass. The S version underwent the same upgrades and was re-named Silver Hybrid S2 (all upgrades S versions carry the S2 label).
