Tonearms: Ripoff?

A good condition Zeta arm can be had for under a grand. Send it to Johnnie Nilsen at Audio Origami in Glasgow (a Zeta expert) for a rewiring (copper or silver) and checkout (bearings, etc.). A classic!

I think this kind of rip-off ideas are very strange. If it was easy to create a cheap copy of any equipment there would be lots of cheap versions. Manufacturers also has to cover costs for Wales, marketing, support and R&D.

Not all small firms make cheap things. SAT is probably a small firm but makes very expensive tonearms. According to this article many of their customers are still happy.

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/listen-sats-original-pickup-arm-and-compare-it-new-lm-09-and-cf...

A good condition Zeta arm

The Zeta arm are good arms but the quality is very but very far from one Zeta to another.

vair68robert,

I Must respond to your accusation that my post was a  "2 cents attack on you".

Was my entire post a 2 cents attack on you or a particular part or question?  I will answer your question; Do I think that the money I have spent on my system is a RIP OFF ?  Absolutely Not. My system has evolved over the years since I embarked on my High End journey in October of 1988. I have auditioned a great amount of gear.since returning from Alaska in 1993. I currently have 5 High End shops within a 1 hour drive of my house, more if I am willing to drive 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

I have picked my system with the use of My Ears and long term auditions.
I am completely happy with my current system. 

I have used reviews in the "rags" and on the web as a starting point to search out gear that I might be interested in. I have only bought gear that I have used in Home Auditions. Most from local dealers but gear sent to me from out of state also. Yes, I paid the freight both ways.

I do Not use reviews by others or price. Actual Experience Only.

The Title of this thread is- Tonearms: Ripoff?

madavid0; His question is stated at the start of his third paragraph, " So the question is--are tonearms just a scam?"

I own a LP12 with Ekos arm for 30 years now. It has served me well.

At Axpona 2016, I bought a Kuzma Stabi with upgraded power supply and upgraded platter and 12" VTA arm. It too serves me well.

I bought a Technics SL1200G in March of 2018. I had it sent to atmasphere ( Ralph ) He built and installed the arm board; Tri Mai builds the Triplanar arms and mounted the Triplanar Classic SE tonearm that he built for me. This rig is a game changer IMO. My Lyra Kleos mounted on all 3 tonearms needs to be heard. The Triplanar takes the Kleos to a new level.

I am a DD convert and have no doubt that the Triplanar was spendy but well worth it to me. My Ekos and Kuzma arms are NOT in the same league.

My answer is, No ! Tonearms are not a scam. This opinion comes from owning 2 very good arms and a truly High End arm. Actual Experiece.

@vair68robert,

My questions are quite simple, Please answer them. What is your opinion based on. What is your experience with High End tonearms?

I have known you since October of 1971. We stood as friends until 2 +/- years ago. When did you get the thin skin? What happened? 45 years of supposed friendship over a hobby?  My advice, if you intend to post on Forums, Get Thicker skin.

Since you claim my post is a 2 cents attack on you, please explain on this thread. My questions deserve answers. Do Not send answers to my private email. You accused me on an Open Forum. Please respond and clarify on the same Open Forum.