@williewonka/Steve
Really appreciate this idea. I will definitely drop Jeff a note. Thank you very much!
Looking for Tonearm Advice/Suggestions
I am looking down the road at potentially upgrading my tonearm and cartridge (tonearm first) and would greatly appreciate any advice and suggestions this board may have. I have always received great feedback from the Audiogon community and I always learn a lot when asking these questions so thanks in advance for your help.
Here is my current setup:
- Dr. Feickert Volare turntable
- Jelco TK-850S tonearm
- Lyra Delos MC cartridge
- Manley Chinook phono stage
- Prima Luna Dialogue HP Premium integrated amp
- Dynaudio Contour S 3.4LE speakers
- Twin REL T/9i subs
- Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cables
- Innuos Zenith music server
- Lumin T2 streamer
- Bryston CD player
- AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner
I listen to variety of music but mainly classic rock, country/folk (not bro-country) and singer/songwriter. I prefer listening to vinyl although I also still play CD’s as well as stream. Overall I have put this system together trying to minimize harshness as I gravitate to a “warmer” sound. In thinking about a tonearm upgrade I am considering the Kuzma Stogi 9 or possibly the Reed 1h 9.5. Down the road I would love a Hana Unami Red cartridge but not sure I want to pay that price. The Unami Blue is also a consideration.
I’m not in a hurry but would greatly appreciate your thoughts on these tonearm options as well as cartridges. I know there are many other tonearms out there and countless combinations so feel free to lob in any thoughts you have. I am all ears and open minded.
Many thanks,
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- 35 posts total
@puppyt - if it helps, here’s a review I wrote about the old Series III Please note - my cartridge was a standard Denon DL103 with a spherical stylus and the phono stage was a $250 Cambridge Audio. Since then...
I would highly recommend getting the one piece harness with the KLE Innovations RCA plugs (installed by Jeff) - which will improve on detials, clarity and imaging. He may now use the lated TOTL RCA from KLE Innovations - the Perfect22 Harmony RCA Here is my review of the Absolute Harmony RCA on my rig I must admit that perhaps the Micrometer VTA was a frivolous expense, since I have not chaged VTA since insallation, but it is handy if you are of the mindset that VA should be optimized for each album played, OR if you change cartridges frequently. Hope that helps with your choice Regards - Steve |
@puppyt , auditioning tonearms is not necessary. They work well or not by design. The best tonearms are still pivoted offset arms, 9", very stiff, with separate vertical and horizontal bearings arranged so that the arm is neutral (not stable) balance. Magnetic antiskate devices are superior. Avoid unipivot arms like the plague. Examples of arms I would consider buying are the Reed 2G, the Triplanar, the Zuzma 4 Point 9, the Schroder CB and the Origin live Enterprise. I personally chose the Schroder CB. There are two new arms that break all the rules. They are the Schroder LT, The Reed 5A and the Reed 5T. I am strongly considering the Schroder LT. All these arms will handily fit on your turntable and they range from $4K to $20K so as always it comes down to how much you care to spend. |
- 35 posts total