What Does It Take To Surpass A SME V?


Thinking about the possibility of searching for a new tonearm. The table is a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse. Cartridge currently in use is a Transfiguration Audio Proteus, and it also looks like I will also have an Ortofon Verismo if a diamond replacement occurs without incident. 

The V is an early generation one but in good condition with no issues. Some folks never thought highly of the arm, others thought it quite capable. So it's a bit decisive. 

The replacement has to be 9 to 10.5 inches. I have wondered if Origin Live is worth exploring? Perhaps a generation old Triplanar from the pre owned market?

 Any thoughts on what are viable choices? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

neonknight

Perhaps facts speak for themselves, but where are the facts in your insulting post? Also, I do not want to be dragged into defending the Triplanar.  That has nothing to do with it.  It is the manner in which you delivered your opinion.  Don't you get that you are not the only one who can be insulted?  You like to use the word "win".  That is the problem; most of us are not trying to win anything. It's quite OK for you to point out whatever you think are the drawbacks of the Triplanar or any other piece of gear.  I think we have a consensus that there is no such thing as "the best" tonearm or the best anything.

I can’t see any " insult " and yes there is no " best " tonearm.

 

What ’s wrong with the word " win " that certainly is not my target in any thread. I posted several times that an audio forum is " win " to " win " with no loossers at all.

 

R.

 

 

I tried several arms when I got into the hobby, several decades ago, but at that time I judged the SME V to be the best choice and I still use them on a Sota Cosmos and a VPI TNT V in two of my systems. 

Setting up amd trying different arms with the same tables and cartridges is a lot of work and once you reach a conclusion you aren't anxious to do it all over again.  I certainly agree that there are other arms out there that may be superior but I long ago stopped searching for the audio golden grail.

Only a few months ago after you posted in other thread your Tri advice: Mike Lavigne said not reallly good tonearm and I know he knew why but you don't still today.

This statement is false. I have not mentioned Mike in any way. But now that you brought him up, he has a friend that makes a much more expensive arm ($16,000 last I heard). It copies the Triplanar VTA tower but is otherwise different. I found it didn't play bass as well as the Triplanar and the Triplanar seemed more neutral so I still prefer it. What Mike likes is his business and I don't fault him for it. We have differing opinions but somehow remain cordial on the web and in person because neither of us find reason to level personal attacks at the other!

You would do well to emulate his grace.