2. analog
  3. 175465-118236

How to choose an upgraded tonearm.

In two recent threads on selecting an upgraded cartridge, some of you suggested a new tonearm was in order. Since I’ve never chosen a new tonearm, I’m asking you all for some advice on how to do so for that future event.

My current turntable is a VPI Classic 2 with a VPI JMW 10.5i unipivot tonearm. A new Lyra Kleos MC cartridge is on order. I’ll likely be changing to a gimbal style tonearm. The rest of the system is Magico A3 speakers, a Luxman 507uX MkII integrated amp, a Marants Ruby CD player, and a Shunyata Hydra Denali power conditioner.

What price range should an appropriate tonearm for the Lyra Kleos be in, that would also be in keeping with the price point of my Classic 2, The Classic 2 was in the $3-4,000 range, as is the Lyra Kleos. I’ll be purchasing new, not used, and will not be upgrading any other equipment than the tonearm.

Pardon some rookie questions, but what attributes should I be looking for in a quality tonearm? Who are some of the better known manufacturers, and which models of theirs might be workable? Are there other alternative to either a gimbal or unipvot tonearm? Are tonearms generally interchangeable between different manufacturers turntables? And what improvements in sound quality might be gained by upgrading my tonearm?

Since this is all new to me, any other advice you might have about things to consider would be greatly appreciated and will help kick off my research. Thanks,

Mike

skyscraper
dover
2,188 posts
 

@skyscraper

The problem you have is that the Classic 2 was designed as an integrated package and changing arms is going to be difficult.

On most TT’s you would have a removable arm board, and when choosing an arm you would find the spindle to pivot distance and check to see if the arm will fit on your turntable. In you case you have a mounting distance to the VTA tower - slightly different to pivot to spindle.

If the tonearm doesn’t fit then you may end up drilling new holes in the plinth and devaluing the TT for future sales.

It seems to me the most logical choice you have is the VPI FB10 Gimbal arm which uses the same base as your current arm.

The problem is that @ $4.5k for the VPI FB10 there are far better arms available for that spend -

2 examples are

Kuzma 4Point9 ( 9" arm ) - probably won’t fit without drilling the plinth.

Reed 2G/4P - The Reed arms have a 10.5" option with pivot to spindle and VTA tower very similar to the VPI. Might possibly fit.

In my view you really have only 3 practical options -

Instal the dual pivot upgrade

Purchase the VPI FB10 Gimbal arm ( sell the unipvot ).

Buy another TT which gives you a wider arm choice.

 

 

 

 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,245 posts
 

Mike, a tonearm has to deal with specific issues and to do so has to be designed correctly. I suggest you watch this as it is a great primer on tonearm design

 

adjustments

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,245 posts
 

@skyscraper  A proper tonearm has to be neutral balance and have all the necessary adjustments for VTA, VTF, Azimuth, Antiskate and overhang. It has to hold the cartridge tightly and only allow it two degrees of freedom. The Vertical bearing should be at the level of the record and it's bearings should be of the highest quality. The tonearms that meet these requirement are the Reed 2G, the Schroder CB, the Tri Planar, the Kuzma 4 Points and a few of the Origin Live arms. I'm sure I am missing a few but the video above shows you what to look for. Stick with 9 or 10 inch arms. Going longer hampers performance in bad ways. Your Kleos will perform at it's best in any of the above arms. I have the Schroder and love it. The only qualm I have with it is that I wish it were supplied with at least one other counterbalance weight. The one supplied will not cover lighter cartridges like the Soundsmith. Your Kleos will be fine with the one that comes with the arm. I think the 4 point 9 is the best value in a high performance arm out there. The Reed and Tri Planar arms are also top performers but more expensive. 

One thing is for sure. You are going to love your Kleos! - Mike

More to discover