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Tonearms for reference 78 RPM system Technics SP-10R

Seeking some feedback from all of you audio experts on a quandry I'm finding myself in as I build a new reference-level system. I specialize in transfer and restoration of 78 RPM records from the 1920s. While they don't exactly have the frequency range of modern LPs, I'm sure they still benefit from a good system. Assume the rest of my setup is as optimal as it can be with respect to components.

78s require numerous cartridges with swappable stylii in a range from 1.5 to 4 mil. I have a few different carts: Shure M44, Shure M75, Shure V15 mk Vx. They need a medium mass arm and usually track between 2.5 and 4 grams, usually around 3. The stylii are medium to low compliance.

I prefer using a 12" arm or something that mounts far enough away to be able to play 16" records. I also need to be able to adjust the arm height, ideally being able to raise the arm above the spindle to recenter records that are pressed off-center.

I've been debating for the last week what to do about a tonearm. I hate to have to upgrade again someday, but I don't exactly have 10 grand lying around to drop on the best. I could probably do it if I sell of a lot of things and live like a pauper, relatively speaking, for a while. I'm considering the following:

SME 3012-R: Relatively easy to find, medium price ~$2k, would fit on my plinth's armboard without re-drilling holes.
SME 312S: Will need to wait months for one to turn up on the used market or pay a crazy price
Kuzma 4Point 14": Seems like the correct answer, but obscenely expensive at <$10k. 
Kuzma Ref 313: Seems like a nice second-place option
Other Kuzma arms with VTA towers: Mount too closely to play 16" records :'(
Jelco TK750L/850/950: The 750 seems OK but just decent. 850 and 950 pretty hard to find.
TruGlider: Seems somewhat promising, but not sure I'm quite sold.

Seeking opinions on what's the most cost-effective arm solution buck-for-buck for my needs. I've seen others, too, but they haven't made the list. The Kuzmas look great, and I'll have to suck it up when it comes to swapping headshells. A lot of nice arms don't have removable headshells, which is a dealbreaker. The Kuzma you can at least swap them out but need to unplug and replug leads. Thanks!
mke246
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Miyajima available with different size of the styli for different 78rpm records. It is a true mono cartridge. You need heavy tonearm for this cartridge this is why FR and Lustre are recommended.


The FR-64s seems good but a bit quirky and demanding of a certain setup, being heavy. It seems like it has its own sound and isn’t the most neutral.

I have 64s with b60, 64fx with N60, 66fx with Ikeda VTA, Lustre GST-801 and all those Technics tonearms. They are all amazing tonearms.

but tonearm must be matched to your cartridge and mono are low compliance cartridges, you need heavy tonearm, the FR is one of the heaviest tonearms.

Regarding modern tonearm I can recommend Reed 3p "12 inch for your SP-10R drive. Or you can buy Thomas Schick "12 inch tonearm for much less money, it was designed for low compliance carts and nice for the money.

Kuzma tonearms are so ugly in my opinion.

The Technics EPA-100s sound great overall, but possibly lacking in bass. I saw one reviewer rank it above the SME V, which is a high compliment. Overall, I’m still far from decided...


You have SP-10R turntable, why do you think Technics reference tonearm like EPA-100 mkII that cost nearly $3k "lacking in bass"? In my opinion this is the best tonearm you can get for your MM carts. For less money you can find NOS EPA-100 (not mk2).



tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I have to say the arm that comes with the mew Technics tables is no slouch just because it is Technics.  Its very good.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,182 posts
 
I wholeheartedly recommend the Acos Lustre GST 801.

It is terrific and has two features you would specifically benefit from:

1. VTA on the Fly (while playing). The most elegant method, loosen a lever, move left or right for up or down, smooth movement while listening, wonderful engineering and precision.

2. removable headshell, so you can have several cartridges mounted, ready to go. You could use various size brass mounting screws

https://www.ebay.com/itm/122796934044?hash=item1c9744839c:g:JfgAAOxydINSUzEH

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173861386851?hash=item287af23a63:g:89oAAOSwp41bD05z

 and headshell weights

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294184573574?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item447ec45a86:g:RDUAAOSwmkBcIHp9&...

to get them of equal weight (if same tracking force range) so only cartridge body height would be the issue, thus #1 to the rescue!

I asked about the arm here, make sure you get the full kit and that it is properly working

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tonearm-acos-lustre-gst-801-yea-nay
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I have to say the arm that comes with the mew Technics tables is no slouch just because it is Technics. Its very good.

I think the OP has only DRIVE (SP-10R) without new Technics tonearm.

Personally I wouldn’t mount ’9inch tonearms near this drive, only ’10.5 or ’12 inch.

*My best recommendations: Reed 3P ’12 inch or FR-66fx

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
Admirable pursuit. I hope you have a quality ADC.
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