Technics SP-10 MKIIA tonearms

The EPA -500 was the better arm according to contemporary tests, especially with the "H" arm tube. One was on here recently for under $1K.

Thanks Stanwal. I am told that to use the EPA-500 tonearms, I will need to have an armboard different from the original armboard, which accommodates EPA-100. And there is also the aspect of the "G" tonearm being superior to the "H" version in accommodating moving-coil cartridges.

I am not sure if I will go the EPA-500 route and I am keeping my options open. Does anyone know of any other tonearm as being wonderful fit with the SP-10 MKIIA when using moving-coil cartridges?

Thanks.

Hi Fine,

If you have one of the original Obsidian models, it seems you can answer this for yourself. Find the effective length for any arm you are considering (the EPA-100 is 250mm), then measure that radius from the center of the spindle to see where an arc of that length will cross your armboard, allowing enough distance from the edge for mounting. If it fits within your armboard and there is sufficient clearance underneath for mounting hardware, it should work. As Jonathan said, most any 9" or 10" arm should fit.

Now, not to begin a debate with Stanwal but not everyone believes the EPA-500 arms were a sonic improvement over the EPA-100. I have not heard a comparison so can't offer a personal opinion but will only say that some prefer the 100.

The only reason for a different armboard would be a different size or shape for the mounting hole as the 100 and 500 have the same effective length. See this -

http://www.vintagetechnics.info/tonearms.htm

The match of a MC cartridge with any arm begins with the compliance/mass match. The dynamic damping system on the EPA-100 makes it more flexible than most other arms in this match, meaning it can be adjusted for a wider range of cartridges than many other arms.

I think it would depend on the type cartridge one is useing.The EPA 100 would be a better match for the high end MC's that most people seem to use.The EPA 500G is rare and may perform as good or better than the EPA 100 with the low compliance MC's.Also the A250 armwand that can be used with the EPA 500 base is the same setup as the EPA 100.I own the EPA 500 with 501H and 501M armwands and use it for MM carts and think it performs well.Rewiring the armwands with solid core silver give it a nice boost in performance.I think maybe some prefer the EPA 100 due to its ability to use almost any cart without trying to find the right armwand and the removable headshell is a plus to some.I think it would be hard to say which is better it could all come down to the cart used,if that makes any sense.Anyway,I like my EPA 500 enough I just bought the one for sale here for a spare.It would be interesting to hear from someone who owns both their thoughts.

A.J. Van den Hul uses the EPA 100 everyday on his SP10. We've talked about this combination a number of times over the years. He can have whatever he wants. That's what he uses. And since he builds carts, maybe he knows something?

Jonathan