2. analog
  3. 175895-164631

Another “How to choose an arm” question

I currently have a Sota Saphire running an SAEC We317 arm (221mm spindle to pivot and 12 mm overhang).

That is running a Garrott Bros p77i, but I have been looking at some LOMC cartridges, as well as SoundSmith LO-MI, AT ART, etc.

How is one supposed to determine their current arm is good or not?

It sounds fine and I would think that the knife edge design is not prone to a lot of wear.
However it was recommend that I upgrade the arm… But how would I know “to what”, and how would I know if the upgrade is worthwhile?

I was looking at some DD tables to have a more expanded choice of arms that can be mounted, as the Sota is a bit restrictive in that regard. That is still on the cards as a possibility… however assuming that the Sota is a keeper, then how do I determine the arm’s adequacy, being “fit for purpose”?

128x128holmz

Showing 4 responses by lewm

lewm
12,537 posts
 

Dover, In the case of MC cartridges one can imagine an inherent advantage to low output, low internal impedance types. Did you perceive the same for the low output MIs from SoundSmith, compared to their higher output  versions?

lewm
12,537 posts
 

Mijo, Have you listened to both The Voice and a Sussuro, in your home system or anywhere? I would be curious about a comparison, because I may want to add to my collection of MI cartridges, and I don't own a Soundsmith.  If you think the Sussuro has nothing more to offer in terms of SQ except for a lower output V, that would be good to know.  Since it's the iron that moves, I would think that more or fewer coils doesn't make much difference in MI types.

lewm
12,537 posts
 

On using a SUT with an MM or MI cartridge, generally the answer is no. The one exception is for a low output MI that also has a low internal impedance, which I think describes the Sussuro.

lewm
12,537 posts
 

Get a lowish mass tonearm and add mass as needed to suit any cartridge. Then choose a tonearm based on other qualities such as bearings, ease of VTA and VTF adjustment, etc. Don’t overthink it.

More to discover