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Schroeder arms: order of merit?

For a long time I have been tempted by the elegant designs of Herr Schroeder, but, having missed the collapse of the dollar, I now find myself totally priced out of the market for the "Reference" arm. So, the question is, what are the relative merits of the Model 1 (if it still exists), the "DPS," and the "Reference." Surely some Audiogon aficionados will have tried all three and will have informed opinions. If so, please let the world at large know your conclusions. And, equally to the point, how do these arms compare with the Graham 2.2 and "Phantom," the Triplanar, and other highly regarded designs. The cartridge I now use is a Myabi, and my turntable is a Verdier Platine. I realize, of course, that "Comparisons are odorous."
lapaix
hassel
248 posts
 
Another arm German afficionados have favorably compared to the Schroeder is the Scheu Tacco, which is considerably cheaper. See scheu-analog.de, there is an English version and contact, too.
divo
60 posts
 
As a DPS owner I have had the pleasure of email exchanges with Frank S. He described a DPS as 98% a Reference. The DPS does not have any fine VTA adjustment capability but this can be remedied with the effective Teres VTA adjustment device. The model one has been replaced by the DPS.
cello
645 posts
 
Lapaix,
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I have a Graham 2.2 currently, but was fortunate enough to hear the Model 2, DPS and Reference, and Tri-Planar 7 along with my 2.2 on my table during one long weekend a few months ago with a group of friends.
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We did extensive comparisons using the same LP’s.
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The Model 2 was clearly better than my Graham 2.2;
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The DPS was significantly better than the Model 2;
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The Reference was clearly was superior to the Model 2.
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I really liked the Tri-Planar 7 (which I understand from those that have heard both the older Tri-Planar's and Wheaton's, the model 7 is dramatically better than the older versions).
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The Tri-Planar was fast, phenomenal in bringing out detail, soundstage and bass. The Tri-Planar 7 was close to the Schroder in certain areas such as dynamics and attack, but I clearly preferred the Schroder Reference to the Tri-Planar. In fact, I would even prefer the Schroder 2 Personally, I would prefer the Schroder 1 over Tri-Planar. It just was more musical and emotive. The whole Schroder line is just magical.
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As an aside, I had the Basis Vector and preferred the Graham 2.2 over the Vector.
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I know that the Reference was quite expensive, but I would think it terms of stretching for the Reference. My feeling is that one could be done with tonearms for life with the Reference and it might be cheaper in the long run. The DPS was not that far off the mark of the Reference and it would be a good second option. I believe that the Model 1 is available on special order.
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Rgds,
Larry
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