"I can envision a theoretical argument for the superiority of S-shaped tonearms - but, if that's the case, why does Pete Riggle's Woody tonearm sound better than all of them?" - Jim Dowdy, Amplifier Builder
Pete Riggle audio engineering home page
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Welcome to the revised web site of Pete Riggle Engineering and Audio
Pete Riggle here. I am a graduate of the University of Washinton with a degree in mechanical
engineering. I spent my career as a development engineer specializing in design and analysis of thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and electromechanical systems. I have been an audiophile since 1957. In year 2000, after retirement from the corporate world, my interest in audio kicked into high gear, leading me to develop the products listed below. My design, manufacturing, and direct sales business is a one man concern. Everything I design, manufacture, sell and ship goes through my hands. All customer contact is through me. The products offered are evaluated in a dedicated listening room with a world class two channel audio system which is resolving and musical . A listening panel of dedicated audiophiles assists in product evaluation. These products meet high standards of musicality. I work diligently to meet customer needs. I'm very accessible. Inquiries are welcome. Contact me by telephone at 509 582 4548, or by email: peteriggle@msn.com. Products are listed below. Select from the web pages listed to the left to access product descriptions, reviews, a price list, and other interesting and useful topics. Call or email me with any questions. Call to place an order by phone. I wish you the best in your audio endeavors.
Pete Riggle here. I am a graduate of the University of Washinton with a degree in mechanical
engineering. I spent my career as a development engineer specializing in design and analysis of thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and electromechanical systems. I have been an audiophile since 1957. In year 2000, after retirement from the corporate world, my interest in audio kicked into high gear, leading me to develop the products listed below. My design, manufacturing, and direct sales business is a one man concern. Everything I design, manufacture, sell and ship goes through my hands. All customer contact is through me. The products offered are evaluated in a dedicated listening room with a world class two channel audio system which is resolving and musical . A listening panel of dedicated audiophiles assists in product evaluation. These products meet high standards of musicality. I work diligently to meet customer needs. I'm very accessible. Inquiries are welcome. Contact me by telephone at 509 582 4548, or by email: peteriggle@msn.com. Products are listed below. Select from the web pages listed to the left to access product descriptions, reviews, a price list, and other interesting and useful topics. Call or email me with any questions. Call to place an order by phone. I wish you the best in your audio endeavors.
Products:
The Guilty Pleasure, A Stereo Integrated Single Ended Triode 845 Tube Amplifier:
This will be our latest product release, planned for December 2022. This is a bespoke limited edition product which is undergoing ultra-refinement around an existing prototype. Only a handful of discriminating audiophiles and music lovers will experience the daily listening pleasure and the pride of ownership of this amplifier. I have heard nothing to compare to this amplifier for musical involvement. For market niche, please compare to Audio Note Ongaku integrated amplifiers. One Guilty Pleasure amplifier will be produced each year for 5 years. The Guilty Pleasure is intended for mid to high efficiency loudspeakers I can particularly vouch for the splendid performance of the Guilty Pleasure with Altec A5 and A7 speakers. We achieve our results in this product by 1) intelligent circuit design around single ended triodes, 2) selection of the best tube type for each position, 3) using an integrated amplifier with 4 active stages (versus 7 stages for a pre-amplifier/power-amplifier combination), and 4) wise component selection, including heavy reliance on oil filled capacitors in the mains power supply.
Please read about the Guilty Pleasure (active button below), then make an appointment with me to hear the Guilty Pleasure in the Garden of Earthly Delights listening room. Whether or not you might be able or choose to afford this amp, you owe it to yourself to hear the Guilty Pleasure. Anyone with a passion for music and sound reproduction is encouraged to audition the Guilty Pleasure. Call me at 509 582 4548, or email me at peteriggle@msn.com to make an appointment.
For those who must travel a substantial distance to audition the Guilty Pleasure amplifier, the cost of transportation will be deducted from the price of the amplifier in the event of a purchase.
The Guilty Pleasure, A Stereo Integrated Single Ended Triode 845 Tube Amplifier:
This will be our latest product release, planned for December 2022. This is a bespoke limited edition product which is undergoing ultra-refinement around an existing prototype. Only a handful of discriminating audiophiles and music lovers will experience the daily listening pleasure and the pride of ownership of this amplifier. I have heard nothing to compare to this amplifier for musical involvement. For market niche, please compare to Audio Note Ongaku integrated amplifiers. One Guilty Pleasure amplifier will be produced each year for 5 years. The Guilty Pleasure is intended for mid to high efficiency loudspeakers I can particularly vouch for the splendid performance of the Guilty Pleasure with Altec A5 and A7 speakers. We achieve our results in this product by 1) intelligent circuit design around single ended triodes, 2) selection of the best tube type for each position, 3) using an integrated amplifier with 4 active stages (versus 7 stages for a pre-amplifier/power-amplifier combination), and 4) wise component selection, including heavy reliance on oil filled capacitors in the mains power supply.
Please read about the Guilty Pleasure (active button below), then make an appointment with me to hear the Guilty Pleasure in the Garden of Earthly Delights listening room. Whether or not you might be able or choose to afford this amp, you owe it to yourself to hear the Guilty Pleasure. Anyone with a passion for music and sound reproduction is encouraged to audition the Guilty Pleasure. Call me at 509 582 4548, or email me at peteriggle@msn.com to make an appointment.
For those who must travel a substantial distance to audition the Guilty Pleasure amplifier, the cost of transportation will be deducted from the price of the amplifier in the event of a purchase.
The VTAF: Originally designed around Rega tonearms, the VTAF (VTA on the Fly) VTA adjuster is now available for most tonearms. In addition to the sonic benefits of easy adjustment of VTA, the VTAF makes tremendous improvement in sound by damping tonearm vibrations and isolating the tonearm from the armboard or plinth.
The The VTAF Teflon Upgrade (provides even smoother operation and even better sound)
The Counterweight for the Common Man for Rega tonearms (as good a counterweight as you can get for your Rega tonearm, adaptable to some other arms, contact me)
Woody Replaceable Headshells for the Woody SPU Tonearm and any other tonearm with an SME type replaceable headshell connector. A wonderful sounding and affordable product. Wood sounds good! Use in place of metal or plastic headshells. These French Polished Spanish Cedar headshells weigh in at 6 grams. Included is a 5 gram brass booster weight which can be used to bring the total headshell weight to 11 grams. Headshell connectors add several grams to the effective mass of a tonearm design. Using a light weight wood increases the optimal cartridge compliance range of a tonearm.
The Woody Universal Tonearm (tremendously musical, visually gorgeous in a steam punk sort of way; Art Dudley says the Woody has to be the most adjustable tonearm ever, universal in the sense that the purchase price buys an arm with changeable headshells and counterweights, so that the arm can be set up to optimally play any cartridge with standard 1/2" mounting centers)
The Woody SPU Tonearm. This is a Woody tonearm designed to accept replaceable headshells, designed specifically for the fabulous Ortofon SPU cartridges).The Woody SPU is the must-have arm if SPU cartridges are to reach their full and amazing potential. Also, the Woody SPU provides cartridge alignment capability and overhang adjustment ability that are (surprisingly) not provided by arms such as Ortofon, Thomas Schick, and SME arms, and many other replaceable headshell arms. In addition, the sliding mounting plate of the Woody SPU tonearm allows one arm to play both the A and G models of the SPU cartridges, something not possible with other replaceable headshell arms.
The PRAMS (Pete Riggle Anti-skate Measurement System), which allows anti-skate adjustment to be made accurately and confidently.
The VTAF Sliding Mounting Plate (available for any VTAF; allows easy adjustment of pivot to spindle distance and overhang; included with the Woody SPU)
Technics 1200 Series Turntable Armboards, for mounting Rega arms with the VTAF.
Pete Riggle Personally Selected Loudspeaker Crossover Capacitors; wonderful sound. Do not waste your time and money on metalized film capacitors for loudspeaker crossover network applications.
Custom Made Crossovers for Altec Loudspeakers : Hiraga circuit, Altec N800F circuit, Other Altec crossover circuits, also various circuits including Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley. Bring me the circuit and I will calculate its response curves.
Cabinet and crossover plans for Altec or Great Plains Audio 604 drivers (inquire)
Pedestals for independent tonearm mounting (inquire)
Q-Up End of Play Autolift: In addition to the products I manufacture, I am a big fan of the Q-UP End of Play auto-lift. This nifty little device automatically lifts the tonearm at the end of play. I sell the Q Up at the retail list price of $49.99 USD. The Q-UP is a clever and affordable design which is easy to install, is easy to use, and works very smoothly. Every vinyl lover would benefit from automatic pick-up at the end of play.
Comments from users of our products
"The Woody SPU Tonearm by Pete Riggle Audio Engineering absolutely blows away my excellent Thomas Schick tonearm, much to my dismay!"
- Jeff Day (Reviewer, Positive Feedback)
"I could never afford to purchase a Schroeder, and The Woody is every bit as good. Every parameter you could want is easily adjustable; and it's so beautiful, and so musical too."- Ted Danowski
"I just want to let you know how great the Woody tonearm is. Sometimes I can't believe the amount of musicality this beautiful device produces." - George Moore
"I can not suggest that there is a single tonearm on the market that competes with this product at or anywhere near its price point, and I think that speaks volumes of its worth. What Pete offers as a package is a tough competitor. It makes a hell of a versatile option for someone who cannot say that price is no object." - VinylRob, Audio Karma forum, Southeast Michigan Audio Club
"The Woody Universal Tonearm is still my primary link to music (how many years later?). Only on special occasions do I fire up my CD player to hear something I don't own on vinyl. You really have made a profound impact on my reconnect with vinyl (both old and new). My ears thank you for the directions back home."
- Bob Eckert
"What is the sound of the VTAF? In a word …… amazing! I’m stunned that it could make such a difference. There was more definition up and down the audio spectrum. The bass had more slam and more tunefulness. The highs sparkled without edginess, and the midrange was beautiful and engaging. There was a bigger and deeper soundstage, with better instrument placement within it. Surface noise was less bothersome, and seemed better isolated from the signal." - Lee R Moore
"After a recent rewire of my Rega RB300 (the rewire was a definite improvement) I installed your Counterweight for the Common Man counterweight and stub. WOW! An order of magnitude improvement exceeding the rewire. The enhanced clarity, separation of instruments and better balance in the frequency ranges, whilst retaining excellent musicality, all added up to my being VERY pleased indeed with the modification." - Chris Ringwood
"One thing that was immediately apparent is that the prototype Woody SPU tonearm is extremely good sounding, both musically & sonically, and it is more than a match for my Schick tonearms. When playing music with either the Ortofon SPU Classic stereo cartridge (aided by the terrific sounding Intact Audio SUT) or the Ortofon SPU Mono CG 25 Di MkII (straight into the MX110Z) the Woody SPU was mesmerizing to listen to music with. The prototype Woody SPU sounded like a million bucks, with a smooth, rich, sensual, spacious, tonally natural, nuanced, and very musical presentation of the music." - Jeff Day, June 6, 2015
The The VTAF Teflon Upgrade (provides even smoother operation and even better sound)
The Counterweight for the Common Man for Rega tonearms (as good a counterweight as you can get for your Rega tonearm, adaptable to some other arms, contact me)
Woody Replaceable Headshells for the Woody SPU Tonearm and any other tonearm with an SME type replaceable headshell connector. A wonderful sounding and affordable product. Wood sounds good! Use in place of metal or plastic headshells. These French Polished Spanish Cedar headshells weigh in at 6 grams. Included is a 5 gram brass booster weight which can be used to bring the total headshell weight to 11 grams. Headshell connectors add several grams to the effective mass of a tonearm design. Using a light weight wood increases the optimal cartridge compliance range of a tonearm.
The Woody Universal Tonearm (tremendously musical, visually gorgeous in a steam punk sort of way; Art Dudley says the Woody has to be the most adjustable tonearm ever, universal in the sense that the purchase price buys an arm with changeable headshells and counterweights, so that the arm can be set up to optimally play any cartridge with standard 1/2" mounting centers)
The Woody SPU Tonearm. This is a Woody tonearm designed to accept replaceable headshells, designed specifically for the fabulous Ortofon SPU cartridges).The Woody SPU is the must-have arm if SPU cartridges are to reach their full and amazing potential. Also, the Woody SPU provides cartridge alignment capability and overhang adjustment ability that are (surprisingly) not provided by arms such as Ortofon, Thomas Schick, and SME arms, and many other replaceable headshell arms. In addition, the sliding mounting plate of the Woody SPU tonearm allows one arm to play both the A and G models of the SPU cartridges, something not possible with other replaceable headshell arms.
The PRAMS (Pete Riggle Anti-skate Measurement System), which allows anti-skate adjustment to be made accurately and confidently.
The VTAF Sliding Mounting Plate (available for any VTAF; allows easy adjustment of pivot to spindle distance and overhang; included with the Woody SPU)
Technics 1200 Series Turntable Armboards, for mounting Rega arms with the VTAF.
Pete Riggle Personally Selected Loudspeaker Crossover Capacitors; wonderful sound. Do not waste your time and money on metalized film capacitors for loudspeaker crossover network applications.
Custom Made Crossovers for Altec Loudspeakers : Hiraga circuit, Altec N800F circuit, Other Altec crossover circuits, also various circuits including Butterworth and Linkwitz-Riley. Bring me the circuit and I will calculate its response curves.
Cabinet and crossover plans for Altec or Great Plains Audio 604 drivers (inquire)
Pedestals for independent tonearm mounting (inquire)
Q-Up End of Play Autolift: In addition to the products I manufacture, I am a big fan of the Q-UP End of Play auto-lift. This nifty little device automatically lifts the tonearm at the end of play. I sell the Q Up at the retail list price of $49.99 USD. The Q-UP is a clever and affordable design which is easy to install, is easy to use, and works very smoothly. Every vinyl lover would benefit from automatic pick-up at the end of play.
Comments from users of our products
"The Woody SPU Tonearm by Pete Riggle Audio Engineering absolutely blows away my excellent Thomas Schick tonearm, much to my dismay!"
- Jeff Day (Reviewer, Positive Feedback)
"I could never afford to purchase a Schroeder, and The Woody is every bit as good. Every parameter you could want is easily adjustable; and it's so beautiful, and so musical too."- Ted Danowski
"I just want to let you know how great the Woody tonearm is. Sometimes I can't believe the amount of musicality this beautiful device produces." - George Moore
"I can not suggest that there is a single tonearm on the market that competes with this product at or anywhere near its price point, and I think that speaks volumes of its worth. What Pete offers as a package is a tough competitor. It makes a hell of a versatile option for someone who cannot say that price is no object." - VinylRob, Audio Karma forum, Southeast Michigan Audio Club
"The Woody Universal Tonearm is still my primary link to music (how many years later?). Only on special occasions do I fire up my CD player to hear something I don't own on vinyl. You really have made a profound impact on my reconnect with vinyl (both old and new). My ears thank you for the directions back home."
- Bob Eckert
"What is the sound of the VTAF? In a word …… amazing! I’m stunned that it could make such a difference. There was more definition up and down the audio spectrum. The bass had more slam and more tunefulness. The highs sparkled without edginess, and the midrange was beautiful and engaging. There was a bigger and deeper soundstage, with better instrument placement within it. Surface noise was less bothersome, and seemed better isolated from the signal." - Lee R Moore
"After a recent rewire of my Rega RB300 (the rewire was a definite improvement) I installed your Counterweight for the Common Man counterweight and stub. WOW! An order of magnitude improvement exceeding the rewire. The enhanced clarity, separation of instruments and better balance in the frequency ranges, whilst retaining excellent musicality, all added up to my being VERY pleased indeed with the modification." - Chris Ringwood
"One thing that was immediately apparent is that the prototype Woody SPU tonearm is extremely good sounding, both musically & sonically, and it is more than a match for my Schick tonearms. When playing music with either the Ortofon SPU Classic stereo cartridge (aided by the terrific sounding Intact Audio SUT) or the Ortofon SPU Mono CG 25 Di MkII (straight into the MX110Z) the Woody SPU was mesmerizing to listen to music with. The prototype Woody SPU sounded like a million bucks, with a smooth, rich, sensual, spacious, tonally natural, nuanced, and very musical presentation of the music." - Jeff Day, June 6, 2015
The String Theory(tm) Woody (tm) Universal and Woody SPU Tonearms
The most easily adjusted tonearms . . . ever! Click on the Woody Universal Tonearm Page , or the Woody SPU Tonearm Page
The most easily adjusted tonearms . . . ever! Click on the Woody Universal Tonearm Page , or the Woody SPU Tonearm Page
The Pleasure of Vinyl Playback with the Woody
"This thing works great
and sounds even better!!"
-Mark Price
Pete Riggle Audio VTAF™(pronounced vee-taff, U.S. Patent No. 7630288), 'Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly'
The VTAF is a tone arm VTA adjuster with a tone arm mounting isolation system which provides remarkable improvements in sound stage, imaging, space, air, nuance, inner detail, dynamics, bass clarity, and musicality. The sonic benefits provided by the VTAF isolation system are above and beyond the sonic improvements achieved by adjusting VTA with the record in play!!
and sounds even better!!"
-Mark Price
Pete Riggle Audio VTAF™(pronounced vee-taff, U.S. Patent No. 7630288), 'Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly'
The VTAF is a tone arm VTA adjuster with a tone arm mounting isolation system which provides remarkable improvements in sound stage, imaging, space, air, nuance, inner detail, dynamics, bass clarity, and musicality. The sonic benefits provided by the VTAF isolation system are above and beyond the sonic improvements achieved by adjusting VTA with the record in play!!
The VTAF (Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly); also, Counterweight for the Common Man (CCM)
The VTAF allows smooth and easy VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustment on the fly for many combinations of tonearm and turntable.
The VTAF has been favorably reviewed in the Absolute Sound, at 6moons.com, and at 10Audio.com, and has a multitude of satisfied users who have given enthusiastic testimonials to its sonic performance, ease of use, build quality, appearance, and value.
The VTAF Teflon Upgrade, adds to the sonic performance and ease of use of the VTAF, and
The Counterweight for the Common Man (CCM), is a counterweight structural upgrade which takes Rega tonearms to a new level of performance.
The VTAF Sliding Mounting Plate, is a mounting plate for use with the VTAF which allows easy adjustment of mounting distance and overhang.
The Three Point Mounting Plate, modifies the VTAF for post mounted arms to accept three point mount Rega arms.
VTAF Extension Plates, are used for mounting the VTAF Guide Assembly on turntables with small arm boards (examples: certain Nottingham tables, certain Origin Live tables, and certain Oracle tables).
The VTAF has been favorably reviewed in the Absolute Sound, at 6moons.com, and at 10Audio.com, and has a multitude of satisfied users who have given enthusiastic testimonials to its sonic performance, ease of use, build quality, appearance, and value.
The VTAF Teflon Upgrade, adds to the sonic performance and ease of use of the VTAF, and
The Counterweight for the Common Man (CCM), is a counterweight structural upgrade which takes Rega tonearms to a new level of performance.
The VTAF Sliding Mounting Plate, is a mounting plate for use with the VTAF which allows easy adjustment of mounting distance and overhang.
The Three Point Mounting Plate, modifies the VTAF for post mounted arms to accept three point mount Rega arms.
VTAF Extension Plates, are used for mounting the VTAF Guide Assembly on turntables with small arm boards (examples: certain Nottingham tables, certain Origin Live tables, and certain Oracle tables).
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___________________________________________________________________________
Pete Riggle Audio
2112 S. Olympia Street, Kennewick WA 99337, USA
shop phone: 509 582 4548 email: peteriggle@msn.com
VTAF™ Trademarked. U.S.Patent No. 7630288.
Website content Copyright © 2021 Pete Riggle Audio, All Rights Reserved.
Pete Riggle Audio
2112 S. Olympia Street, Kennewick WA 99337, USA
shop phone: 509 582 4548 email: peteriggle@msn.com
VTAF™ Trademarked. U.S.Patent No. 7630288.
Website content Copyright © 2021 Pete Riggle Audio, All Rights Reserved.