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SME 20/3 --- tonearm recommendations!?

Hello Gon'ers - I have an SME 20/3 coming, recently purchased on Audiogon. I'm trying to decide what tonearm will fit the table and be a good match. I considered Graham Engineering but I have a similar setup already (30/2 + Graham Phantom II). The tonearm will be mated with my Koetsu Urshi Blue cartridge. I generally listen to Jazz and classic rock, but also enjoy most any genre. Will be mated to a Pass Labs XP-25 preamp. 

I've considered an SME IV modified (new bearings, new wiring), or one of the Kuzma tonearms. They seem to be on vogue but I don't know much about them (or it they will fit the SME).
mohawk195
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Well...this ..."terrific match "...unbeatable bearing" and similar endless praise I did read countless times in the last 20 years even for the worst products/ tonearm cartridge combinations.
None, I mean absolutely none of such "influencers" have the slightest idea about Arm geometry, bearing influence, energy transfer, forces to cantilever based in mediocre design etc. Did own verious Kuzma products and know very well what they can do or not ...one man's ceiling is another man's floor
But each his own :-)
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @syntax  : """   energy transfer, forces to cantilever..."""

where are in your tonearms the measurements of those characteristics, can you share with us?

You think you have not mediocre designs, well measurements is the best approach to " see " that superiority against that mediocrity you speak about. Please show us, always is learning time.

R.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Aha ... learning ...come on...we all know for years that flexible brain is not your cup of tea :-)
But just for me, did you buy anything new in the last 10 years for your System or is all still the same? I mean, do you have a prototype of your own Arm to show as a pic or did you bury your idea of the sonic revolution? I am curious...you wanted to start seriously 10 years ago with it?
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
I ended up getting a Phantom III for the SME model 20/3. This seems to be a good physical and esthetic match. It should be a reasonable match to the Koetsu Urshi Blue as well.

For now I will pause on the SME 30/2 tonearm changes. I have time to consider the Kuzma 4Point or not, independent of the 20/3. It will also give me time to look into other possibilities (including the Aquilar Arm that syntax mentioned).

Oh yeah! --- I have a beautiful Ikeda 407 CR-1 that I will be selling. Not sure if that is allowed to note in forums...!
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @syntax  : Of course I have my tonearm prototype and twice in different threads two gentlemans that seen and listen to it posted about.

Pictures? why that curiosity when you are " done " in all audio devices? for what you posted you don't need nothing and less learn on any audio subject, at least is your way of thinking.

Btw, I can see that you still use the tube bad copycat of a vintage French unit and certainly you are proudly of it. Good.

As you said:  "  But each his own :-) "

R.


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