Another “How to choose an arm” question
I currently have a Sota Saphire running an SAEC We317 arm (221mm spindle to pivot and 12 mm overhang).
That is running a Garrott Bros p77i, but I have been looking at some LOMC cartridges, as well as SoundSmith LO-MI, AT ART, etc.
How is one supposed to determine their current arm is good or not?
It sounds fine and I would think that the knife edge design is not prone to a lot of wear.
However it was recommend that I upgrade the arm… But how would I know “to what”, and how would I know if the upgrade is worthwhile?
I was looking at some DD tables to have a more expanded choice of arms that can be mounted, as the Sota is a bit restrictive in that regard. That is still on the cards as a possibility… however assuming that the Sota is a keeper, then how do I determine the arm’s adequacy, being “fit for purpose”?
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@holmz - Since the RB3000 was recomemnded I would also suggest taking a look at the Audomods Arms I've had a the old Classis Series 3 with the Micometer VTA for about 11 years and have no thoughts of changing it. The new Series 6 has many improvements Jeff at Audiomods will answer any questions you have about his arms. He can also make mounting plates to suite your turntable in many cases His arms are superb, finely crafted and provide exceptional performance to any turntable He can also recommend cartridges that match his arms perfectly Hope that helps - Steve |
@holmz , You are getting some really great advice here. As a long term Sota user I would like to add some thoughts. There are several great arms out there that fit the Sota perfectly. As Lew suggests it is always better to stay on the light side as you can always add mass but taking it away can be tough. Your Sota suspension is tuned for a specific tonearm mass. Depending on the age of your table it can be done by adding/subtracting lead shot from a well or using a specifically weighted tonearm board. Once you buy the arm you want to use, weight the arm itself with all the parts attached. Do not weight the cable. Then call Donna at Sota with your Sota's serial number and the tonearm weight. She will supply you with the correct arm board. Tonearms that I know work beautifully on the Sapphire and are of top notch design are the Kuzma 4 Point 9, the Origin Live arms, the Rega arms, the Audiomods arm , SME arms and the Schroder CB. There are very few cartridges out there that can not be made to work in any of these arms. IMHO the three best arms are the SME V, the Kuzma 4 Point9 and the Schroder CB. These three hit all design points I want to see in an arm. There are others out there like the Tri Planar which are great arms but will not fit the Sapphire without modifying the plinth. Would upgrading the arm be worthwhile? I think so, particularly if you go with one of the three arms I mentioned. You will certainly be able to use more cartridges in the medium compliance range. Your SEAC arm is going to work best with something like a Koetsu, cartridges in the lowest compliance group. One more point is that you can upgrade your Sota to the Eclipse drive system, the magnetic bearing, and even a vacuum system. Very few tables can take you that far. |
The Origin Live 'Illustrious' is a Tonearm I was demonstrated recently with a Sumiko Pearwood on a Garrad 401 in a light weight Plinth design. I know the Garrard sound well, when it is mounted onto a Massey Plinth. The marriage of all devices that have produced the assembly was for me extremely impressive, and I would like to think it had surpassed my old set up, as I do not recollect such a satisfying extraction from a recording that was enjoyed to this level, especially when additional ancillaries were utilized. The owner of the 401 assembly recently sold their SME 20/12 and SME V Tonearm and was keen to receive a assessment from the local group of the new TT Set Up. The Link is one I showed you previously, there is quite a bit of reading in this thread to discuss Tonearms and the choices that some have made for themselves. I have referenced the Origin Live Brand a few times within this thread, and one user referred to, did not select it as their choice for a Tonearm, following it being used in demonstrations alongside other Models used as comparisons. It just goes to show how a unique preference that a user is sensitive to, or the mounting method selected and preparation of the mounting methods might prove to be critical in influencing a decision being made for a purchase. It does seem that the ears do the final talking when it comes to making such a decision. A lengthier description of the set up used on the demonstration of the 401 can be found in the link. I am a promoter of getting out and experiencing equipment, the lessons that can be learned from the shortest of excursions, can be instrumental in changing thoughts and philosophies on certain strongly held beliefs.
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