Schroeder vs. Triplanar VII Sonic Differences


All,

I have read a lot of threads regarding the "superiortiy" of these tonearms in the right combinations of tables and catridges. However, there doesn't seem to be a lot said about the soncic characteristics of each brand and the differences between them. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about their strengths and weaknesses, sonci characteristics, applicability to various types of music (rock, pop, classical, large scale, small scale, etc).

Will a Schroeder deliver dynamics, punch, bass suited to Rock music? Will a Triplanar deliver natural, timbral accuracy? Are both these arms suited to the same music?

Thanks in advance,

Andrew
aoliviero
Hi all,

Separate from any perceived cartridge safety issues relating to failure modes of linear trackers, I think that the curious audiophile (one who is mechanical and handy) will get a real kick out of owning an ET-2 for 6 months to a year.

This arm could up being a "keeper" arm for you. I have to wonder how much better an Air Tangent or a Kuzma really is than an ET-2. I suspect that the order of magnitude will be on the order of a shift from a Schröder Model-2 up to a Reference ... just a guess.

Upon initial inspection, the arm looks to be flimsy in several areas. Bruce T. did a masterful job in designing this arm however, and the whole is FAR GREATER than the sum of its parts.

Of course, in buying an arm like this used, it may likely have changed hands numerous times. There are a few screws which are threaded into the composite material, and a careless user may have stripped some of these.

None of this is intended to scare you off. I have not performed heavy research on replacements for the Wisa pump, but the information is out there on the web for those so inclined. I've never been inclined to run an air tool compressor in the garage to run mine, although I had installed an air regulator along with a higher (30 psi) pump.

In answer to one question - Yes, I ran a filter and a surge tank with my rig.

I think that Bruce is correct in that the higher pressure doesn't do much here, but bear in mind that I've made numerous improvements in my turntable design in the three years since I owned this arm. Perhaps I would hear a greater improvement today if I were to compare standard (3-4 psi) pump with a higher pressure pump (30-35 psi).

One experienced user I know commented that with arms having the higher pressure manifold, as you increase the pressure to the 30-35 psi range, that there's some "blow back". As the stylus reaches the runnout groove, it gets pushed back toward the beginning of the record - of course skippin as it moves.

I never exceeded 25 pounds, due to the amount of pressure that my regulator bled off.

He comments that orienting the arm laterally so that it doesn't get as close to the exit solves this. The problem is that you don't have much of lateral travel adjustment to work with. I think this borders on the extreme behavior side of things.

I never experienced extreme angst when using the arm, but the idea of having 35 grams of lateral mass decide to stop moving did cause me to take pause.

Worse I think than the horizontal limitation (where you'd experience skipping over the same groove) would be the arm freezing up in the vertical plane - when coupled with a record that is warped. I can envision a bottomed out cantilever. With a design like the ET-2 if the arm were to freeze in place, it would stick in both planes of movement.

Now, the field experience tells us that this is all a minimal risk. Perhaps I'm a weenie.

The new owner of an ET-2 should perform a practice setup with a DISPOSABLE cartridge. Your first try at getting perfect level will be an experience you will not forget. Leveling with a bubble level should be considered as a first (and very rough) approximation. The arm itself is the best device to use as a level.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
I have owned the VPI HRX with periphery clamp for a few years now and had no problems whatsoever and it enhances the longeivity of any cartridge you use.

I think you guys are paranoid about trashing a cartridge using the periphery clamp. How old are all you guys - in your 70's?? :)

seriously thou you have more chance of trashing your cartridge when fitting it to or taking it off your arms than with the periphery clamp.
Hi sirspeedy,
well as my first Kuzma Airline is around 1 Year old
now and I do not have any Problem with it at all
last december I bought the second one. As I was
very satisfied with it operation and mounting of cartridges.
As Thomas Heisig was happy with the Triplanar I acquired this year the marvelous Triplanar from Sorasound and I am very happy dealing with Mehran , which I am driving
with the Transfiguration Orpheus. Sonically the Triplanar
is very good.
regards KHA
Rgordonpf,

I would be annoyed by the kind of care needed to set down a periphery clamp without accidentally swinging into the cartridge cantilever.

But, there is no inconvenience or danger whatsoever from the skirt on a vacuum holdown. The skirt does not come up over the side of the record. Rather, it seals against the outer groove part of the UNDERSIDE of the record. I have a Basis vacuum table. Once adjusted, it requires no more effort other than to flip the on/off switch. That is less effort than screwing down the center clamp on most tables.
Sorry,as I'm not trying to diminish anyone's product satisfaction.The fact is,that once we DO decide on a product,even with some operational quirks,we,as the person who spent our money,become very adept at operating it correctly.I have had vacuum systems for over twenty years,and never had my stylus drop anywhere,other than on the LP groove.But I don't let my audio pals operate my stuff,just in case.

Best!