How to choose an upgraded tonearm.

@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.

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

@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

Dover, thanks for that information on the Classic 2 tonearm’s design as an integrated unit. Sounds problematic to say the least.

I will most likely be installing the VPI dual pivot mod to hold me over until such time as I can afford to get a tonearm. But now I’m hoping that will do the trick by itself. $4500 seems like a lot to spend a tonearm. It comes in at more than the Classic 2 turntable’s cost, and more than the Lyra Kleos cost too. I’m getting sticker shock and this is only the first reply on this thread. Up until a few days ago I hadn’t even been considering a new tonearm.

I looked uo the tonearms you recommended,, They both come in at over $5000. I might just have to do without if that’s all that’s available to fit the Classic 2’s tonearm base.

Mike

Mike, 

Remember that "gut" feeling I talked about. 

Regards,

Tim