Schroeder model 2 or Morch DP6?

Thanks for the responses guys. I am now using a VPI mk4 TT with JMW10 arm and a ZYX Yatra cartridge. I would like to someday go to another TT, but not sure when that will happen.

Hello Slowhand,

When Peter (Redpoint) and I were together, we acquired two DP-6's - with a total of 3 arm wands between us. I used a 9" Precision Red wand exclusively, as I was using Benz cartridges at the time.

Both Peter and I had quite a bit of trouble getting predictable anti-skate behavior with the arm. I've heard this from other individuals whose opinion I respect.

It appeared to me as if the coil spring assembly was hanging up.

I disassembled and cleaned the assembly. This did not improve matters. I always felt as if I was trying to keep a British sports car running when I had this arm in my system.

Now, Peter is a tortured soul when it comes to tonearms. He decided to pick up yet another arm wand for his Moerch - a 12" one.

Peter told me that this transformed the tonearm over a range of cartridges. We don't know what to make of this, because from an effective mass perspective, there was no change.

I have been around enough different tonearms to not buy into the argument of the inherent superiority of longer tonearms. Tracing distortion is only one consideration. Arm tube resonance (and the difficulty in controlling it in a longer wand while maintaining effective mass), bearing loading, etc. also need to be considered.

Perhaps these attributes work in favor of 12" as far as the Moerch is concerned. I can't say ...

I consider the DP-6 (with a 9" wand) to have fairly nice performance at its price point, but when I picked up a used Micro Seiki MA-505 Mk III at a fraction of the Moerch's used selling price, I saw no reason to keep the Moerch. I had learned all that I cared to about the tonearm.

Note that these comments apply only to the DP-6 (in its 9" configuration), and not to the UP-4 tonearm. I think that the UP-4 is an absolutely great buy at it's price point. The DP-6 faces stronger competition, however.

I suppose the main consideration is whether you are purchasing the arm new or used. For a kilobuck or so, the DP-6 is a fairly nice tonearm, although I prefer my Micro MA-505 Mk III to it. Certainly, hell will freeze over before you find a Schröder Model-2 on the used market, so you are looking at a more significant outlay for this arm.

Cheers,
Thom

.
Thom,
.
I have heard the Schroder Model 2 in my system but not the Moerch. Can you do us the favor of detailing the differences you have heard between the two.
.
Thanks,
Larry
.

OK....I am quite interested in the Schroder 2 tonearm. I am also interested in the Tri-Planer arm. I have a VPI 10.5 on an Aries and thought that an upgrade to the arm would make a big difference. I live in NYC BUT I can't seem to find ANY dealers in this area that sells the Schroder....Tri-Planer or ever the Morch!!!! Are all these arms purchased from the manufactures unheard??? Can't be....or can it? Anyone in the NYC area have a model 2 Schroder so I can discuss the merits with you?

Rwd, I can't speak for the NY area, but there's a dealer in the Wash DC suburbs who can let you see and hear the Moerch DP-6. Deja Vu Audio has had a 12" DP-6 set up on a Platine Verdier for several years. The store also has a lot of experience in selling and setting up vinyl gear. I have no connection to Deja Vu other than being a satisfied customer.

I am using a DP-6 with 12" Red wand, and I also have a VPI JMW 10 that I can set up on the same table. Both arms sound very good but they have different characters. The VPI (a fairly early version) has a rich warm sound, the Moerch is somewhat lighter and more nimble. The Moerch is to my ears more neutral. Both have excellent detail and dynamics.

Dave