Phantom Supreme to 4Point-14?

Apologies for the typos!

Floggin' it. Anybody?

@wrm57 I've not directly compared these 2 tonearms BUT I'd suggest the original 4Point 11" over the 14" IMO. Yes have heard both and even the 4Point9 may be a "better" buy than either the 11" or 14" if you don't change cartridges often and don't need the VTA adjustment on the fly. Yes the VTA adjustment is easier on either the 11" or 14" but once set on the 9" it's fine. Another alternative, since the 4Point14" sells for between 14 - 18K depending on options, save your $$$ for the Safir, it is far superior sounding in our view. Yes again I've compared the 4Point9 vs 4Point11" vs Safir all on a Stabi R.

(Kuzma dealer disclaimer)

PS: Did you ever buy that Gold MSL? 😉

@sksos , thanks for your insights. I don’t think the 11" would be a good fit on my SP10R plinth. Because of the Technic’s motor housing, my 9" Graham, at 217.4 mounting distance, just *barely* fits, and its almost too far forward for safety when the arm is at rest. The Kuzma’s 212 mounting distance is even tighter, and would require the arm to be shifted even farther toward the front, if it would fit at all. (I’d have to drop in a new armboard and measure it out, using a template of the base, to make sure.) But even if it does fit, the 11’s offset pivot and much longer Eff length would hang the cartridge off front of the plinth. Yikes! Hence the 14-incher, which is the Kuzma of choice for my turntable.

I’ve read good things about the 9", including Fremer’s opinion that it is the best-sounding Kuzma that is not the Safir. And, as I outlined above, its 212 mounting distance just might fit without risking the cartridge. And it’s a relatively great deal. But I’m one of those people who feels the ability to change VTA frequently and repeatably is crucial for proper sound. Having listened to Grahams for 20 years, I’m spoiled there. I know the 9 has precisely adjustable VTA, but it is nowhere near as easy and repeatable as the Graham, or even the 11 or 14 Kuzmas, from what I can discern. I don’t absolutely need it on the fly, but I do need it to be quickly and easily set to predetermined levels for varying LP weights (140g, 180g, etc).

If it would fit, and if it could satisfy my VTA needs, and if I can sell a kidney on eBay without missing it, I’d love the Safir. Not sure it’s possible to satisfy all three criteria. :)

No, still haven’t bought the MSL. I’m thinking about the best order of purchase, arm or cartridge. Obviously, they’ll need to compliment each other but I’ll need to space them out.