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
Technically, outboard armpod is not the best solution, but OP want to try other tonearm without drilling, that's one of the option to consider. I did try diy armpod and found the result was quite good, the real problem was repositioning the armpod back to its spot as @dover point out. |
The OP does not need to spend substantial monies to achieve a Design for a Tonearm Pod that will enable them to try out a alternative Tonearm and not butcher the Plinth of the TT, risking de-valuing it by potentially much more than the cost incurred to produce a Pod. A Thick walled hollow metal billet with the selected diameter, can be machined with a very tight tolerance for the overall length dimension. These can be found at an engineering shop as a waste item cut off. The Side wall can have a Slot produced to allow a Cable routing. The Base can be Tripod Configured Drilled and Tapped to receive a footer. The Top Face can be drilled and tapped to receive the a Top Plate for the Tonearm. Materials of choice and selected thickness can be selected to produce a Top Plate, the thickness should prove to be a tuneable material, and trialling a selected thickness can create a preferred interface. The type of above task is the kind of undertaking a trainee will be given at a machine shop, and the charge will be reflective of this. A Lead Shot mixed with a modellers clay such as Newplast can be used to fill the void and add mass, that should prove to be a tuneable material by adding or removing, again trialling a volume of mass, can create a preferred interface. To somebody that is toying with the idea of trying out a New Tonearm and expressing a want to learn about lathe machining, an investigation into producing a Pod will be a good place to start, especially when a dialogue can be had with a professional metal worker Note: As an advisory for a TT that is valued and has the pride of ownership attached that many do, keep Children, Grandchildren, Pets and Cleaners well away from the device, it will most likely all end in tears for the Kleos, and possibly even the Tonearm.
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Dover, reusing the same holes is clever. I’ll have to think about that one. I really don’t want to start another project though, like trying to install another type arm that might not correctly fit or the installation end up being screwed up somehow. I’ve been doing things along those lines most of my life during various and sundry pursuits. usually with good results. But I’m leery of trying it with this type of equipment as a rookie, It could easily be a recipe for disaster. That is a clever and tempting idea though.. I’ll have to sleep on it. Imhififan, I give you credit for giving an outboard arm a try. I’m thinking tonight about ways to pay for the expensive, easily retrofit gimbaled Fatboy. Maybe I can get a trade in on my current tonearm, or a discount on the list price of a Fatboy, or find one used but not abused, or even sell my current Ortofon 2M Black cartridge to defray cost. I’ve got to think about that approach for a while too. But where there’s a will there’s a way Again, I appreciate everyone’s suggestions and ideas. Plenty of food for thought, Maybe I’ll start a thread on gimbaled Fatboys to get an idea how they compare with other tonearms in their price range. If other cartridges are much better in comparison that would provide impetus to the thought of installing a custom arm board. Lots to consider while breaking the bank. Pindac, you’re certainly a DIY (do it yourself) guy, which I admire. I’m not with my stereo equipment for the most part as I’ve learned to accept my limitations. On your second point, I can lock my equipment up behind doors if any kids are around. No pets are allowed in the house. And no miscreants either for that matter, who like to admire and touch my stereo or books. My late wife was an exception to that rule, because she might give me a good whack if need be, Mike
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Is there an option on the Fatboy to have period of use prior to committing to the purchase. It may incur an outlay, but at least it does not require a permanent loss of funds, if the device does not meet your expectations. I have made a Transportation Box for my TT and it is a very good method to take my TT to other homes or events to be used for demonstrations. The Box is approx' 2" (50mm) oversized on all dimensions and has hand hold points cut into the sidewalls. A semi hard foam is used internally on the sidewalls and a softer foam is used as the base padding and to pack the top before the lid is attached. The TT could be arranged to be taken to another premises to be demonstrated against other Vinyl Set Ups. I am regularly participating in these types of encounters, and have learned a vast amount from the experiences met. This method can at the least, create a situation where other enthusiasts are met and their experiences are drawn on. The ultimate is that the encounter introduces you to an experience that shows the quality of your own set up, or if the set up is bettered by other devices in use. I have done the above for both Idler Drive and Direct Drive TT's, along with other owned devices and have been very satisfied with the outcome of the encounters and the friendships that have developed. Many HiFi Systems are in the hands of individuals that are insular and the systems are not encountered by many, other than the user with the interest, and the quality of the system, is solely an assessment of one individual only. This as an attitude is quite limiting and the mindset can easily develop, where a individual believes their choices are absolute and without question. I can assure you there is no harm that can be done in meeting others and experiencing their choices they have made, even better when an option arises for the chance to experience ones own choice made for a device in a different system. |
Dover nicely summarized your options in the very first response to your question. The subsequent posts delineate your best specific options in alternative tonearms. The choice for a course of action yours. you could ask yourself what is the penalty in the re-sale value of your Classic, if you have to drill new holes, and count that as an added cost of the upgrade.
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