"oldskool" tonearms

This is surely and incomplete explanation, but often people who are into analog have been so for many years. If they are happy with their rig that includes one of these arms, why change?

That said I am not one who buys into the vintage argument. At least with stuff I have heard, newer gear in every area of (solid state) audio is better than old models from the same manufacturer at the same (inflation adjusted) price point. I know some people disagree with this statement (on amps for instance). But my ear tells me audio is clearly moving forward - not as fast as computers of course, but it is moving.

Hi Dazz,

Speaking on behalf of the MX-282, it's very much a sonic kissin' cousin of the very wonderful Triplanar Ultimate.

My particular sample has one of the lighter arm wands and works very nicely over a range of cartridges from a Benz LP to an Denon DL 103.

On the perfect cartridge (one not requiring azimuth adjustment), I'd say that it edges ahead of the Triplanar.

Overall, I'd chose the Triplanar because of its adjustability. Even with a conical stylus like the Denon, you still benefit from azimuth adjustment.

The Micro's baby brother - the MA 505 (Mk I, II, and II) is a tonearm that I'd pick over a Mörch DP-6.

Tonearms have not necessarily evolved over the last 15 years or so. Of course there are exceptions.

In a recent trip to Dallas, I brought my trusty Schröder/ZYX combo, but not wanting to stack the deck, I wanted to show how good a sound you can make without breaking the bank.

I think it's dishonest to demo an audio system with gear that someone has no intention of owning.

For the second arm in this two armed setup, I chose may Micro MA-505 Mk III / Denon DL 103R combo. Sure the Schröder strutted its stuff, and I love this tonearm/cartridge combo, but the crowd didn't run for the exits when the Micro / Denon got its turn.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

I think economics plays a large part in such decisions. No matter what rung on the financial ladder, it seems we all try to get the best bang for the buck we can afford. For myself, financially, I would love to even be able to afford an SME 3009 II for my Thorens. My LVX playing music still gets the toe tappin and brings a smile once in a while.

Steve