Used TechDAS Air Force III vs New Feickert Firebird with Kuzma Safir 9 vs SME 20 MK 2

An individual who I meet a few times throughout a year, has a passion for Reed and Glanz Tonearms.

This same person, is the supplier of the Glanz 12" TA, I regularly encounter in use.

The owner of the Glanz 12", had a selection of TA's available when making their assessments for a shortlist/purchase. My SME IV was a loaned item to be tried and when used it was discounted as a result of the impression it made. The (not word for word) recollection of the description given for the deselection was its a typical SME presentation, and does not create an attraction like a few of the others TA's are able to generate.  

The Reed 2G and Glanz TA's both have removable Head Shells as part of their design. The Reed 2G also has a reasonable price attached to it.

@chauncey 

I thought Soundings in Denver was a TechDAS dealer. I think they  had one in the store the last time I was there. 

I think The Audio Salon, new distributor, is going through all existing dealers and deciding who is keeping their dealership with TechDAS.  

http://www.soundingshifi.com/brands/

I demo'd a TechDas V in my system for a month and really enjoyed every minute.  Being a fan of the Kuzma 4P9, I ended up going for a Kuzma Stabi R with two arm "wings".  NO regrets!  This table has excellent speed stability and weight.  Translates to great dynamics and drama.  Very enjoyable.

I don't really miss the the vacuum hold down offered by the TechDas (sonically) but that and the air bearing are clear technical advantages of the TechDas over the Stabi R.  I used a Vibraplane for both tables.  Some vibration isolation should be part of your table budget unless you go for the SME.

Dear @mijostyn ​@chauncey  : " It is otherwise well designed. If you are going to spend the rest of your like with a Koetsu, fine. "

Not with the Rosewood Signature Platinum ( that I still own ) due that it's not really low compliance.

What is really " weird " is that MF review where all the cartridges he used with the Safir have between medium to high compliance as the Atlas Lambda SL where the frequency resonance in between the Safir and all those cartridge statttttes at 4hz-5hz. From where comes that clean or exemplary low bass?

Now those tonearm 60grs plus de cartridge weigth is what the cantilever/suspension cartridge is looking due that exist not only the effective mass at rest position but exist too a dynamyc mass during play along the " tremendous " forces developed by the stylus tip movements that goes to the Safir bearing ( four unipivots as MF posted. ): no " chatter " at all at microscopic levels? who knows.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.