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Tonearms for reference 78 RPM system Technics SP-10R

Seeking some feedback from all of you audio experts on a quandry I'm finding myself in as I build a new reference-level system. I specialize in transfer and restoration of 78 RPM records from the 1920s. While they don't exactly have the frequency range of modern LPs, I'm sure they still benefit from a good system. Assume the rest of my setup is as optimal as it can be with respect to components.

78s require numerous cartridges with swappable stylii in a range from 1.5 to 4 mil. I have a few different carts: Shure M44, Shure M75, Shure V15 mk Vx. They need a medium mass arm and usually track between 2.5 and 4 grams, usually around 3. The stylii are medium to low compliance.

I prefer using a 12" arm or something that mounts far enough away to be able to play 16" records. I also need to be able to adjust the arm height, ideally being able to raise the arm above the spindle to recenter records that are pressed off-center.

I've been debating for the last week what to do about a tonearm. I hate to have to upgrade again someday, but I don't exactly have 10 grand lying around to drop on the best. I could probably do it if I sell of a lot of things and live like a pauper, relatively speaking, for a while. I'm considering the following:

SME 3012-R: Relatively easy to find, medium price ~$2k, would fit on my plinth's armboard without re-drilling holes.
SME 312S: Will need to wait months for one to turn up on the used market or pay a crazy price
Kuzma 4Point 14": Seems like the correct answer, but obscenely expensive at <$10k. 
Kuzma Ref 313: Seems like a nice second-place option
Other Kuzma arms with VTA towers: Mount too closely to play 16" records :'(
Jelco TK750L/850/950: The 750 seems OK but just decent. 850 and 950 pretty hard to find.
TruGlider: Seems somewhat promising, but not sure I'm quite sold.

Seeking opinions on what's the most cost-effective arm solution buck-for-buck for my needs. I've seen others, too, but they haven't made the list. The Kuzmas look great, and I'll have to suck it up when it comes to swapping headshells. A lot of nice arms don't have removable headshells, which is a dealbreaker. The Kuzma you can at least swap them out but need to unplug and replug leads. Thanks!
mke246
elliottbnewcombjr
5,303 posts
 
I missed the need for 16" disc, thus a long arm, the Acos is wonderful but 9".

a removable head shell seems mandatory to me, and VTA on the FLY. what long arm does that well? the 12" SME has a removable headshell, but VTA on the FLY?

Perhaps one table with 9" arm for up to 12" discs, and this TT only for long arm, fixed cartridge body, changable styli.

Many 12" arms are not that long, verify the specs. My Russian blackbird is 12.5" effective length (39% more than a 9"), I love it, for you: a cartridge body with interchangeable styli. you cannot change the cartridge easily, the cartridge pins and very fine litz tonearm wires would take a beating

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_carbon/7-1-0-41


pryso
1,926 posts
 
Hi mke,

It seems the first thing here is to put the horse before the cart (so to speak).

I understand why you may want a collection of stylus sizes to fit various 78 records.  So the question is: will you do that with multiple cartridges or with one cartridge body which accepts a range of styli to be fitted?

That answer can guide you in selecting an arm.  With the former you will certainly want one with interchangeable headshells, with the latter it could be fixed or interchangeable.

Then you mention arm mass.  I thought the Shure V-15 series worked best with low mass arms?  Check me on that.  Anyway, having one cartridge body with multiple styli would make mass matching easier.

Also accommodating 16" records, will a 10" arm allow proper alignment or is a longer arm needed?  That should help narrow the search.

Lastly, are you familiar with the resources at this site - https://www.esotericsound.com/CartStyli.htm

Not only do they offer a range of 78 styli, they also have reasonably priced EQ units.  Given the variety of different EQs utilized with 78s (essentially all prior to adoption of the RIAA) that will be critical if your ADC does not provide that function.

Good luck with your project.  My own needs for 78 playback were far simpler.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I gave up, I know nothing about 16 inch 78rpm record, I don't have any of them. They are bugger than Technics SP-10R platter! 
dover
2,225 posts
 
@mke246

If you need 12" arm and removeable headshell there are not a lot of options, but here are some

Jelco 12" - out of production but might still be around
Ortofon AS309 & RS409 - around but since made by Jelco may run out.
Ikeda 407 

Vintage
SME 3012R - advantage of old SMEs are spares availability
Audiocraft AC400/AC4000 - very reasonable price if you can find one in good condition - plenty around. The S shaped armwand has SME bayonet

Refurbished EMT997 would also be an option.

mcmprov
57 posts
 
I have several 78 cartridges.  They tend to be very heavy.  I use Miyajima Infinity with the Fidelity Research FR-64s.  I also have EMT OFD 65 (37 grams) and Ortofon CG 65 (35 grams).  I wonder if such cartridges would be too heavy for the Lustre-801 or Technics EPA-100.  The Miyajima is 14.8 grams and my Ortofon LH-9000  headshell is 16.8 grams.  Obviously, there are other cartridges options...but I think the models I mentioned are common choices for folks who are seriously into 78s.  I could be wrong...maybe those tonearms have heavy counterweights available.  I'm curious about those Lustre-801 and Technics tonearms as well.
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