Comparison of sonic qualities of some tonearms

@mijostyn - I won’t argue about sound engineering principles and do not pretend to be an engineer. I do remember people using arms like the Keith Monks with the old Decca cartridges back in the day. I guess I come back to the OP’s question, which was how to make an assessment of different tonearms. I gave a couple examples, including my use of the Koetsu(s) in a linear arm that does not have high vertical mass (although substantial horizontal mass which is, in theory, relieved by the air bearing). I do not know why the combination of Koetsu and Airline works so well but that’s been my hands-on (ears-on) experience. Ditto my remarks about the comparison of cartridges in otherwise identical arms on the same table. (I suppose @tomic601 alluded to this when he talked about possible variations in build rather than design, but I trust Kuzma enough to get that right).

I have a friend in audio circles who stands by the old SME 3012r as a great all-arounder, and knew plenty of people who, over the years, sought out higher mass arms of old.

@rauliruegas - my comment about "masochism" related to the additional complexities of running an air-bearing arm; the arm itself has been faultless and in service since around 2006. Dealing with the air compressor (I usually use the same Sil-Aire that Franc supplies), running air hoses through walls and dealing with oil based compressor motors just adds more "stuff" you have to deal with as a user. (I’m currently using a different type of compressor and it’s a little less of a headache).

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I have no last word on the subject-- I guess where I come out is that most people rely on anecdotals (or reviews?) based on cartridge and arm since as was pointed out early on, it’s pretty hard to evaluate different tone arms in isolation.

Bill

PS: I forgot to include one amusing anecdote- back in the early ’70s- one of the gang I knew modified a Rabco with a Vestigal arm tube. I have no memory of what it sounded like, since I think he was constantly adjusting it. Total nightmare.

Raul,

I am pinching myself as I ask this question.  My HW40 arm needs to be rewired.  I was going to take it to VPI and let them do it, but should I reconsider?  You are right that the wire I installed in my GAE was Zavfino.  I do not want to do that again.

Lewm and others who might be interested,

When I bought an SL1200GAE it was to replace an SL1200 that had been fully modded by KAB.  While I had both TTs on my bench I conducted a fairly thorough comparison of the two, both in terms of physical characteristics and measurements using a variety of cartridges, a Shure Era IV test record and an O-scope.  Referring to my notes:  The two tone arms were dimensionally identical, weighed the same except I had to first remove the KAB cotton wadding used as damping material,  The material of the arms was aluminum (SL1200) vs. magnesium (GAE).  I was not able to discern any difference in the anti-skating settings.  Technics claimed the bearings to be superior in the GAE, but both seemed similar and I had no way to measure a difference.  Comparing the two arms set up with the same cartridges, however, the GAE consistently tracked 0.1 or better less VTF for the same tracking results as seen and heard during tracking tests.  In listening tests, the GAE had a slight, but consistent subjective superiority to my ear.  Cartridges used:  Shure V-15Vmr, Ortofon 2M Black, Ortofon Per Winfeld. I could hear no cogging, there was no difference in speed stability as measured using a Roadrunner tachometer.  I concluded that the  sound superiority of the GAE was due primarily to the arm and the most obviously difference in the two arms was the material of construction. In any event arms matter.

@whart … for rock solid machining quality assurace, definitely trust Kuzma…. 

I have been instrumental in encouraging a design to be produced for a removable headshell, that has the intent to surpass a Typical SME Bayonet connection.

The design selected is a little more involved when a Cart' remounted to a Headshell is to be exchanged. 

If mounting a Cart' on an alternate material or weight headshell, this process will be quite similar to the previous design.

The New Design is based on two interfaces both being interference fit, which as a end result creates a coupling that is substantially more rigid. 

Both the New and the old have been given a lot of time to be A/B compared, using same TT >TA >Cart'>System.

The outcome has proved to be one where the new design is as a end performance, one that is more than the sum of Parts used.

My assessment on the day, but realistically fair, when a Styli / Cantilever is concerned, has been that the typical design, has headshell functioning as a flag on the end of a flagpole.

I am a advocate of removable headshell, I now know the removable headshell design worthwhile aspiring to. 

During the design stages for a new design tonearm, I have been party to. I was quite encouraging in having a removable headshell design to be adopted that is quite different from the typical seen versions.

This not so commonly seen design for a removable headshell is now realised and in my recommended material. 

@whart ...creating a Vestico! *kazoo fanfare*  😏 *L*

There's other tales of woe & whoa in moddin' SLs'....

Anytime one ventures into the arm/carriage of them, you encounter the 'switch' that triggers the arm movement.  Although calling 3 hair-fine stiff wires a 'switch' is being kind, since it's basically a naked miniscule SPDT reduced to literally a 'hair trigger' that ought to have been left in a car bomb.

Been there...(no, not a bomb...this post wouldn't exist) ... have some options in mind when I must abandon sense and resort to mere 'high' hopes....