Looking for Tonearm Advice/Suggestions


I am looking down the road at potentially upgrading my tonearm and cartridge (tonearm first) and would greatly appreciate any advice and suggestions this board may have.  I have always received great feedback from the Audiogon community and I always learn a lot when asking these questions so thanks in advance for your help.

Here is my current setup:

  • Dr. Feickert Volare turntable
  • Jelco TK-850S tonearm
  • Lyra Delos MC cartridge
  • Manley Chinook phono stage
  • Prima Luna Dialogue HP Premium integrated amp
  • Dynaudio Contour S 3.4LE speakers
  • Twin REL T/9i subs
  • Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cables
  • Innuos Zenith music server
  • Lumin T2 streamer
  • Bryston CD player
  • AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner

I listen to variety of music but mainly classic rock, country/folk (not bro-country) and singer/songwriter. I prefer listening to vinyl although I also still play CD’s as well as stream. Overall I have put this system together trying to minimize harshness as I gravitate to a “warmer” sound. In thinking about a tonearm upgrade I am considering the Kuzma Stogi 9 or possibly the Reed 1h 9.5.  Down the road I would love a Hana Unami Red cartridge but not sure I want to pay that price.  The Unami Blue is also a consideration.

I’m not in a hurry but would greatly appreciate your thoughts on these tonearm options as well as cartridges. I know there are many other tonearms out there and countless combinations so feel free to lob in any thoughts you have.  I am all ears and open minded.

Many thanks,

@puppyt 

 

 

 

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2xpuppyt

Dear @puppyt  : I do love too the Dynaudio speakers and listened sevral times and different models and one of the last Dyna I heard was paired by the JC 1 amplifier: just glorious, it puts you nearer to the recording.

 

" To my ears the combination has provided a warmer, richer sound. "

Good that those is what you like it but live MUSIC seat at nearfield position is everything but warmer. MUSIC could be brigth or even harsh depending on the scores but not warmer.

I think that you own to many tubes in your system and that's why you are accustomed to.

 

Btw, each cartridge has its own signature that depending of the tonearm/wires paired that signature is modulated changing a little it own " color ".

 

R.

With your new tonearm you are hearing so much more music. 

My thoughts are that your speakers are not serving you well. Too edgy perhaps. Not sure why companies even make speakers that are 3 ohms. With your new table/arm combo, see if you can take a listen to some tube friendly speakers. Think you would fall in love with the music again.