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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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,112 posts
 

Dear @skyscraper  : " whereas I’m only in the minor leagues..."

Well, problem is your knowledge level on the whole issue.

 

Look, today almost no one is looking to buy ( second/third hand. ) the VPI rig model you own that's out of production and as you leave that time goes on/pass your unit re-sale prices will and is lower and lower faster than you can imagine. In the other side your VPI tonearm is not a " desirable " one for any audiophile.

 

You are talking that over time buy the 4.5K VPI FB tonearm and this is up to you.

Now, you get for 4K a new and way better TT/tonearm combination that works just fine with the Kleos and almost any other cartridge and that TT/tonearm is the Technics 1200G, way superior to what you own today and this could be your alternative not the FB. Again, is up to you.

 

 

R.

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,112 posts
 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,112 posts
 

Here a post by an Agoner that own it and has mounted on it a cartridge in the same league than the Kleos.:

 

 

ghdprentice
7,333 posts
 
VPI make great turntables and arms. In the high end community there are different brands and sounds that fit different peoples values. VPI is one of the. I owned a VPI Table for over 20 years it performed better than many of the tables recommended by others. When folks really get into this… they can pursue their own tastes to incredible levels… and think it applies to all. You have a great table and arm.
skyscraper OP
831 posts
 

Raul, thank you for an interesting suggestion on the Technics. I’ve taken a look at the links you provided, and watched the Fremer youtube video where Fremer compared the Technics to a $100,000 turntable in a side by side listening comparison. Also watched a follow-up video to that by an engineer, and read a review by Absolute Sound

Ghdprentice, i do really like the VPI Classic 2. Especially so after acquiring some accessories like upgraded Isoacoustic isolation feet and the periphery ring for it. I hate to think about changing it out even though there might be better models out there for the dollar, such as the Technics SL 1200g Raul suggests.

Thank you for your encouragement and common sense. It’s very much appreciated. By the way, did you previously mention what table you have now. I’m just curious, and nosey enough t ask. If it happens to be the Technics SL 1200g, don’t tell me.

Mike

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