Developing A List Of Tonearm Candidates For A SOTA Turntable

I installed the Agile with a Transfiguration Audio Proteus, which is one of the cartridges I ran on the SME V. With the V I preferred an original Kiseki Blackheart to anything else, and was always disappointed on how the Proteus got along with it. 

What i find with the Agile is there is a richness to music that gets harmonic texture and density right, yet does not sacrifice the timing and pace of music. Also the full spectrum of music is evenly balanced, and no one sector stands out from the other.

Often, we listen to specific sections of our system in an evaluation, and certainly the lower region is taught and solid, the mids sound realistic, the upper register is articulate without being etched. But it is more about how the music flows together, and how different parts of the spectrum do more than blend seamlessly, but rather they are all cut from the same cloth. 

The presentation of space is excellent, the soundstage is expansive and performers are solidly formed with a realistic size. Nothing to fault here. Finally, dynamic presentation is nimble, and while this is not the strongest suite of my speakers, the results are very enjoyable. 

There may be higher tier arms than the Agile. But for the physical limitations of my Sota Cosmos Eclipse and my pockets, I am quite content with this arm. This table build is done and I am able to be finished with it. 

@neonknight : Thank you for your comments on the Agile. Good to hear that you like it. Being one of those benighted users who still changes VTA for varying record thickness, I’m curious about your thoughts on the VTA adjuster. In practice, does the calibrated dial lend itself to easy, frequent adjustment? What’s the actual process?

@audio_rd_uk : Glad you chimed in about your Agile. The same VTA questions to you. Also, did you have the chance to hear a 12-inch version during your forays to OL headquarters? If so, what sonic differences did you note? I’m considering it for the back position on my Technics SP10R, which needs a long arm in that spot.

@wrm57 To me the system works like Pete Riggle VTA adjuster but there is an extended grub screw to lock the VTA setting. Since the Sota armboard sits lower than the top of the plinth it isn't the most convenient system to use. On another table I am sure it is just fine. But there are more convenient systems like the Wheaton one. 

@neonknight Ah, I see. Is the grub screw adjusted with hex key? Using a ball-tipped hex key makes it easier with a recessed armboard, since you can insert it at an angle. My armboards are like that, and my Graham arms have a tiny grub screw to lock and unlock the post. The ball-tip makes it almost convenient.

@wrm57 Thatbis correct, with a hex key. Fairly easy to adjust, but not as good as a knob. But a SOTA has limited space on that island shaped arm board, so those arms with a VTA tower architecture just do not fit. But performance is the real deciding factor, and the Agile is a capable arm and that is what works for me. I will say it is substantial, and SOTA has to go to work hard at making an arm board that allows for this arm to work wither tables. Quite a synergistic pairing!