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Tonearm Advice Needed

I would appreciate some advice on selecting a tonearm.  While new to the forum - this is my first post, I have spent quite a bit of time reading on a number of topics over the past couple of years, or so.  And, while I've had several systems composed of separates, I have allowed myself to become a little stagnant over the years.  So I have "some" knowledge, but I'm nowhere near sophisticated.

I have a couple of turntables, but I purchased another one some time ago. I plan to use it with a new system I am in the process of assembling. The turntable is a first year production TD124 (1) in great shape I bought at a pretty fair price. I did set it up with a mid-level tonearm with a MM cartridge and it was somewhat impressive. Thus, I was encouraged to improve the sound with a nice arm.

Before knowing as much as I needed to know, I put the proverbial cart before the horse a couple of years ago. I latched on to an SME 3009R still sealed in the original packaging.  I've not taken it from the sealed wrapping, since I later thought I may need a lower mass arm for an MC cart, such as an AT Art 9.  I'm considering the similar style SME M3-9R.  I could depart from the iconic style, I suppose.  But the new model may be sufficient - I'm not really sure.  The system I'm putting together so far consists of a Pass X250, Pass X1.  Phono Pre may end up being Pass as well. At the present, the phono is an ifi 2.  I've tentatively set the tonearm budget at around 2K, thinking I could sell the NOS SME to at least partially fund the new arm. I not quite comfortable with a used tonearm.  I'm not married to the whole TD124 thing, but I'm hoping that for the cost of the table and arm I can obtain very high quality sound for the money.  I'm budgeting for new speakers, having lived with 4311's and AR10Pi's for a long, long time. I listen to all genres of music.  


nolojunko
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
Before knowing as much as I needed to know, I put the proverbial cart before the horse a couple of years ago. I latched on to an SME 3009R still sealed in the original packaging. I’ve not taken it from the sealed wrapping, since I later thought I may need a lower mass arm for an MC cart, such as an AT Art 9.

Note: I just noticed I made a typo on the tonearm model I’m considering, though most of you already likely understood I must have meant SME M2-9R, at 9 g effective mass, and improved ball races, etc., vs. the early production 3009R at 12.5 g. effective mass with nylon bearing.
Hi @ nolojunko,

By the numbers, a 9-ish gram effective mass arm is a reasonably good match for your AT9 which is specified at a fairly high compliance for an MC of 18×10-6cm/dyne.

A large majority of current MC’s are in the 12-15 range and vintage ones can go down into the 6 range (very low compliance).

Numbers are just that however, and you’ll find (for example) that subtle changes in effective mass can significantly change the character of the cartridge.

I relate my experience with arms that have multiple counterweights (Durand, Tri-Planar, Moerch, Kuzma) which allow you to use lighter weight combinations (farther from the bearing pivot) or heavier ones (closer to the bearing pivot) to achieve the desired tracking force.

The actual change in effective mass is very subtle, but the audible change in presentation can be quite dramatic, depending on the cartridge.

Results from the few arms I’ve played with which have sliding weights along the arm tube yield even more significant results as you’d expect.

I think the bigger question for you relates to whether you’ll find yourself liking the AT cartridge. If you don’t for some reason, you may be locking yourself into fewer choices down the road - trying to source a high compliance MC to match your tonearm.

I like to think of cartridges as a consumable item (much as we don’t like to) and to approach this from the tonearm perspective - matching a cartridge to the tonearm rather than the other way around.

The safe bet (given the current range of cartridges) is to source an arm with an effective mass in the 11-12 gram range.

Having said that, none of this is an absolute, and I don’t mean to strike fear in your heart over the SME / AT combination.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier Design


andrei_nz
192 posts
 
There's a new boy in town.  Venerable Jelco have put out new tonearms.  The existing 750D (that I run) is an overachiever - I preferred it to an Origin Live Conqueror.  Jelco now have the 850 and 950.  I am considering upgrading.
terry9
2,348 posts
 
IMO, the biggest problem we face is set-up. A Koetsu on a Durand, if poorly set up, will be bettered by a well set-up rig in your price range. Therefore, choose an arm which can be precisely set up, and will retain its settings. I set up to parallel within 20 minutes of arc (0.001"), azimuth to within 10 minutes of arc.

If you end up using a suspended table, for which an air bearing arm is impractical, consider Pete Riggle (disclaimer: I have not used his arm, but have used some of his accessories, which are well-made and to specification). Otherwise, if an air bearing is feasible, consider a Trans-Fi, which has all the above desiderata. It is also sold factory direct, for $1000 !!!

I used it on a 10K Nottingham Analogue, upgraded several times, and bought another for my DIY air bearing TT. If I were upgrading (a big if) I would only upgrade to a Durand. For what it's worth.
nolojunko OP
34 posts
 
@ solypsa - - The temporary plinth is an "open" 3/4" mdf with walnut veneer.  I'm a bit surprised at how well it functions - relatively speaking, that is.  I do plan to purchase a new plywood-based plinth, then experiment with alternative mountings of the table.
nolojunko OP
34 posts
 
Thanks for all your advice and information.  This, together with a bit more research elsewhere, has convinced me that the 3009R is really a great arm - likely besting many successors from SME and a quite a number of arms from other companies.

After settling on tricking out the TD124 with this new tonearm, I'll be budgeting for a new-used phono pre and cartridge.  I'm attracted to an Ortofon SPU, but I think money is more effectively spent on an alternative MC.  I'm a little concerned about the ferrous platter, but a significant number of MC users on the Mk 1 comment it is likely a non-issue.  I'd like to think more about a DL103 enhanced variety, the AT Art9, Shelter, Mayajima - - once I become more convinced of the compliance issue consideration. 
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