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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
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rauliruegas
13,049 posts
 

I love the stupidity world ! ( inluding mine). Stupidity is a lerning one that normally tells us what not to do or that the post can't help any one. 

 

R.

tablejockey
3,887 posts
 

skyscraper-

Since your 2 threads are relatable, it's been an interesting read since there is wisdom/advice from all levels to sort from.

After giving both a thorough read, it reinforces my belief-one needs to accept what blend of technical fact vs personal subjective opinion/wallet tolerance that pleases your ears.

You can easily get by defying the "facts."

Audiophoolery is a fun pursuit if you're comfortable with  limitle$$ possibilities .

 

skyscraper OP
829 posts
 

Pindac, thanks again.

Raul, thanks for all your advice too, I’ll keep trying to sort out the wheat from the chaff, which is fun, like solving a puzzle, and hopefully not waste too much of my resources in the process.

Tablejockey, thanks for reading my threads on the subject. Your estimation of of how this "audiophoolery" works is again spot on. Like you said it is a fun pursuit though,. I enjoy trying to sort it all out, as well as communicating with all of who share this pursuit. Having our financial resources fade into nothingness and beyond is merely an unfortunate side effect .

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