Dr. Feickert Blackbird

Thanks again, this is all amazing feedback. I know that the arm is even more critical than the table...and the cart even more critical.

My original thought for the first arm was the 4Point 9, but now I think I have more research to do. My plan was to upgrade from my first arm and move the first arm to the second position. I like the idea of a removable headshell for Mono or a second less expensive cart for scratchy records that I still love.

I was very curious about the Soundsmith Alto designed by Frank Schroder. Has anyone had experience with this arm?

@alan60 The VIV Labs tonearm is one crazy arm. I am very intrigued!! It also solves the 2 arm problem as it doesn't need to be on the plinth. Good news is we have a lot of great choices right now.

@elliottbnewcombjr Congratulations on that find. Seems like a keeper!

@rsf507 It's great that you were able to A/B these two tables. I'm definitely leaning toward Kuzma. I am trying not to fold and go vintage. I have vintage motorcycles and there is always something that needs attention. I just want to sit and listen to my music.

I use both a Kuzma 4P9 and a vintage FR-64S.  This is my 2 arm combo because it lets me use a wide variety of cartridges from low to medium compliance. The arms have subtle differences in their sound with the Kuzma having higher resolution and clarity and the FR-64S slightly deeper bass definition. The 4P9 is my favorite arm with Ortofon, Lyra and SoundSmith carts.

I am currently demoing a rigid belt drive DC motor system from Galibier, similar to the one used in the Stabi R against my turntables well executed thread drive with an AC motor pod.  Their seems to be a subtle but significant difference with the DC/rigid belt bringing the music forward into the room and sounding a bit more dynamic and Idler like and the AC/thread being a more "silky smooth" sounding drive.     

This all a roundabout way of saying that you should check out a Kuzma Stabi R with a 4P9.  

Two arms is highly over rated. You generally wind up using the arm cartridge combo you like the sound of most. Do your research and buy the very best you can afford instead of two of the not so best. The best cartridges play all music well.

I try to tell people that with turntables "looks" is not the issue. Performance is the issue. Enjoyment in use is nice. Some turntables work well others not so much. You should not have to tip toe around your turntable while it's playing. You should be able to tap on the plinth with the volume all the way up and not hear a thing through the system and I mean while the turntable is playing. It should have a working dust cover. It should have an effective record clamping system either vacuum or reflex. It should make no sound of it's own. If it happens to look nice that is a plus.