What does a tonearm contribute to the sound of a turntable?

lewm7,760 posts04-28-2020 5:00pmThe wire is probably fine, but Reed tonearms have a lot more going for them besides good wire. Otherwise, we could all buy FireWire and use it to re-wire some el cheapo tonearm. (Another owner of a Reed tonearm with cryo-treated FireWire here.)

I could not agree more. 

I have a Sumiko Premier MMT on an Oracle Alexandria MK3 (the black one for those who are unfamiliar.) I love the table; but it's a PIA to change tonearms and there are only so many that can be applied without buying new suspension springs from Oracle. $$$$$

The MMT is the better of the two arms I've had on it; the other being an Audioquest PT6, both manufactured by Jelco.

I have not been able to disabuse myself of wondering if another tonearm on the same table with the same cartridges would be a cost effective upgrade, even though I am pushing 68 and my hearing is pretty much tuned into a comfort zone. My favorite cartridges are in this order at this time: Audio Technica AT33/PTG/2, Hana SL, Denon DL-301 II, and SHURE V15 with a Jico SAS stylus.

Does anyone have a strong recommendation for a tonearm that would offer a significant improvement in SQ (I value detail and spatial imaging; but not at the cost of true-to-life experience, not 'warmer' than live) at a reasonable cost; maybe 2 to 3 times that of an MMT? It would ideally be close to the same weight to balance the suspension, and the same pivot to spindle distance (or close; I have a spare armboard) to make it practical.

I am NOT trying to Shanghai the OP's thread. I think any replies would be of interest to all involved. 

Turntable supports the record, the tonearm serves the cartridge.Some cartridge makers even suggest using a particular type of tonearm - sometimes due to mass or pivot type.High end MC cartridges will need an excellent arm to deliver all of what they're capable of. I recommend buying the best cartridge you can afford and buying an arm and table that is suitable to deliver the goods.Most people want to spend the money on a table because $10,000 tables are more fun to look at and interact with than $10,000 cartridges.The cartridge is the transducer turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. The arm is well, an appendage. It needs to be good enough to let the cartridge do its thing!

@2channel8 The Jelco 850 and JAC501 cable will do what you are looking for. It is a very good arm. George Merrill has the best price.