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Kuzma Stabi Reference vs Avid Acutus

I have a Kuzma Stabi Reference with 4 Point arm and Dynavector XV-1S cartridge. I like this combination a lot. I have been through a few high end turntables before ending up with this set up, including the full spec Linn LP12/Ekos SE/Radikal/Keel, the AMG Viella and the Rega RP10. The Kuzma is to my ears a clear step up on all of these turntables and sounds extremely good.

But I've had the turntable for a few years and that is a long time for any component in my system. I tend to lose interest in components after 2-3 years - and often a lot sooner - and start looking for something else. I have found myself listening to more digital than vinyl for some time (I have the excellent Lumin X1 streamer). I have therefore been giving some thought to trying a different turntable, and perhaps something with a bit more character than the very neutral Kuzma. I am willing to trade off some accuracy for a "musical" sound - one which is fast, dynamic and tonally rich - and can tolerate some coloration or inaccuracy. 

The Avid turntables seem to be very highly regarded, and I am thinking of the Acutus or even the lower priced Sequel SP (I have read that some prefer the latter). I would probably keep the 4 Point arm. 

I doubt that the Avid turntables would be a real upgrade on the Kuzma in absolute terms. But would it be a significant enough change of direction, and would it be the right direction?

Getting a demo against my Kuzma is going to be difficult, so I would be interested to hear from anyone who has heard both the Kuzma and Avid turntables and can comment on how they differ. 
rossb
parrotbee
103 posts
 
I am puzzled by this thread. I appreciate you fancy a change. What sort of change?
More bass?
better imaging?
better pace?
Where do you find the Kuzma wanting?
Why have you narrowed it down to just one deck?
For the record, whenever I've heard an Avid I've always really liked them - a bit like an SME with s bit more bass and to my ears at least - warmth. I know that everyone waxes lyrical about the Kuzma, but every one I have heard I consider to be tad dull. Why not try out different cartridges?
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,692 posts
 
Is Avid still in business?
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Fellow Kuzma Ref 2 owner, but with a Ref 313 VTA arm. Ross, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you had a Ref 313 prior to your 4 point. Do you suspect the 4 Point may have taken you toward the neutral side compared to the 313. I own both an Air Tight PC-7, and EMT Tsd 75. The PC-7 a bit more refined in the mids, but overall a bit too polite. The EMT (which I've been listening to) has more punch, and is more neutral the to source. Perhaps those differences are similar (in general) to the signatures of German versus Japanese carts. Having bought my Ref 2 just prior to the Stabi "R" hitting the market,  I'm curious about that model with no suspension and the DC motor. I wouldn't suspect this would be the direction for you though. Maybe Idler as suggested above.... maybe a wood arm (like Reed) on your Ref 2 would give you a more organic sound. You've certainly tried your share of cartridges. How about a Koetsu? Hmmm...
rossb OP
185 posts
 
Thanks for your thoughts. I've actually shelved the idea of replacing the turntable. I think it was just a moment of idle boredom. I have been listening to it quite a lot over the last week after a long period of listening mostly to digital. The Kuzma turntable and arm still sound excellent - there really is nothing missing in terms of musicality, and it remains the best turntable I have owned. 
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Our world view consist of ''opposites'' because our concepts are
so constructed. Say our linguistic orientation or limitation. 
So ''the opposite'' of Linn LP12 is Kuzma Stabi Reference. Raul
mentioned in one of his  ''innumerable'' contributions about LP12:
''if an design is good why so many upgrades?'' Well in this context
the opposite is Kuzma  which was the same for more than
25(?) years. However , speaking of ''design'', one can say that
Kuzma is actually 'improved'' Audiomeca desigend by Pierre
 Lurne. Both use inverted bearing, 8 kg platter, specific drive and 
''much''  of acrylic. Only Kuzma was not allowed to use lead (grin).
My transition from LP 12 to Kuzma Stabi Reference was like a
kind of liberation. Something ''similar'' with my transition from
an communist to an liberal society. However for an ''hifi nuts''
there is no ''perfect gear''. Otherwise the search would be over.
My only objection was/ is the limitation to 9'' tonearms. So I
was ''forced'' to order an armpod + 12 '' tonearm and put both
next to the Kuzma and get the ''symmetry'' right : two motors 
and two tonearms (grin). 
 
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