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Kuzma tables/arms?

Here’s a line that while around a long time, seems to fly under the radar. I think it’s fair to say that their tables haven’t caught on the US. Their tonearms however, seem to get plenty of attention. I’m considering the Stabi S (PIPE BOMB) table, and a Kuzma arm. The latter either the normally partnered Stogi, or perhaps their 12" arm, simply called the 12" VTA. I have no specific question…. Just looking for any thoughts or experience with these products. I would run an EMT Tsd-15, or the new Tsd-75.


fjn04
pryso
1,938 posts
 
fjn,

For many years I owned and enjoyed a Kuzma Stabi (oak plinth model with heavy lid) and Stogi Reference arm.  I've been in this hobby for a few decades and owned several different tables/arms prior to that.

I consider the Kuzmas to be very well designed/engineered and offer good build quality.  Mine replaced a Well Tempered table and arm, itself a very well regarded unit, and I found the Kuzma outperformed it.  It was silent, stable, musical, and quite adjustable.  

The only reason for moving on was I've acquired a fair number of cartridges (thanks to Raul) and the Kuzma couldn't accept a second arm and the fixed headshell meant swapping cartridges was not a quick or easy task.  For anyone happy with a single cartridge I feel Kuzma is highly recommended.  Note some Kuzma models may have interchangeable headshells.
paul79
174 posts
 
I can say with absolute certainty, that the Pipe Bomb is as named... The Bomb!! It gets fully realized if placed on a Symposium Platform. The improvement this makes takes it beyond belief.

So yes, I think you made a great choice!!
whart's avatar
whart
3,050 posts
 
Never used the "pipe bomb" but I've owned two of Kuzma's tables--the Reference and the XL--and still run the XL with a fairly early Airline arm. Build quality is exceptional, Franc is right on the front line with customers when they have issues--he has been very gracious to me over the years-- and I've had very few problems. (More stuff relating to compressor for the arm than either table or the arm itself and I've managed to get those sorted directly with Sil-Air here in the States).  The US distributor for Kuzma is Scot Markwell, a knowledgeable guy who has been around a long time and knows his stuff.  I have had longstanding relationships with a few companies over the years as a customer, and Kuzma is right at the top of that list. 
fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 

Thanks to all so far. If I get the Pipe Bomb, it would sit on a Lignolab from Germany. It's a suspended rack, wood but NOT solid wood. It uses 4 lawnmower wheel looking things for feet, that sit in some type of oil bath. If I have to add something like a Symposium, I will. At least their priced fairly sane. Peter Breuningner reviewed the 4 point arm on A/V showroom, and called it the most neutral arm he has heard. While I wouldn't go that far up the line, I'm sure there's a family sound. Funny Pryso, I have the WT Amadeus GTA. My plan is to keep it, and have an alternative cartridge setup. I have no complaints about my GTA. While not the last word in deep bass, very engaging, and analog sounding. My guess is the Kuzma arm will do some things the low mass WT arm isn't quite capable of. Especially the 12" VTA. Very cool that this will be an option.  

barbapapa
244 posts
 
Congrats for your choice. Please tell us more when you eeceive it.
I have a TW Raven AC with all BN upgrades and would like to change. 
I looked for a Sparta with it's own arm but too expésive. 
I always likes the look and build quality of the Kuzma (especially the Kuzma M) but never dare to go because I am afraid it is too analytoc and not enough organic.
Any opinions ?

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