Schroeder vs. Triplanar VII Sonic Differences

Rwd,

The Ref's VTA/SRA adjustment is on the fly.

It is less convenient to use than a TriPlanar or JMW because it requires two small hex wrenches, one to loosen the set screw and one to turn the adjusting screw. No knobs.

It is less repeatable than a TriPlanar because there's no scale of any sort.

Once a Ref is set up it will stay set up, but that doesn't mean you can just "set and forget". The cartridges likely to be paired with these arms are remarkably responsive to small adjustments. To maintain optimum performance requires frequent fine-tuning of VTF. Adjustment of VTA/SRA for every record, or at least different thicknesses. This will be equally true with a Reference, a TriPlanar or any other top arm, depending on the preferences of the user of course.

Thanks to you all!

Hi Sirspeedy!!! Yes I should give the great Sid all call.
In recent investigations into a new TT and arm my sights were set on the new VPI HR-X which came along with the 12.6 arm. No one, in particular, said the arm or table was or is lousy" (my goodness I own the 10.5 and find it good.) However, some 'goners here purchased the HR-X BUT installed a different arm (Graham 2.2) rather then the 12.6 which comes with it. In addition some dealers have said there are better tables out there and, more emphatically, better arms then the VPI arm.
I have been reading, like you, the interesting and intriguing story of the great Schroder arm. Also with that arm, I have been following the fine Tri-Planer arm. Add those two to the new Graham Phantom and we now have a goggle (correct word?) of arms. Too bad I (we) can't compare all four (Schroder, Tri-Planer, Graham, VPI) together. That would make my life easy.

Since I am 100% vinyl I am looking for the last(?) table and arm (read best) around. Sirspeedy, maybe, for me, it is the VPI but I doubt it. I suspect the Schroder (Tri-Planer, Graham) may be better. Don't know but many out there think so. If so, this new arm should sit on a better TT then my Aries (original). Don't you agree???

So I will continue to look and search and hopefully fine the correct match.

BTW....you don't always go with the latest and expect it to be the best.
I recently purchased a new Aesthetix Calypso Per-amp to replace my ARC LS25 MK1 and go with me Rhea phono amp. Boy, am I surprised!!! The ARC is giving the Calypso a run (really) for it's money!!!!! So, new (or what's in now) is not always the best!!

P.S. Aren't you also in the same club as Sid and David??

Doug....your comments are always so helpful and insightful. Thanks also to you Tbg.

Rwd, if you are ever in NYC go by an hear the Shindo Labs/Garrard 301 set up. My guess is that you would buy it.

Hi Thg...I live in NYC! Where is the Shindo/Garrard 301 set up? BTW...do you mean the Garrard of many moons ago??

Rwd,I am quite friendly with both of them,but belong to no clubs.As to the question of what's better,I really can't answer about any products I have not owned,and compared.Yet,you know a thing or two about what's good,so you will make a good decision.
As to the pre issue--You would be SHOCKED with how much farther,in design and performance,someone like Steve Huntly,of Great Norther Sound,can take an Audio Research unit.He literally rebuilt my SP-15(I counted at least 60 new parts),though expensive,it was much cheaper than the "buy and sell" syndrome,and I can honestly say it is of superb quality,in phono and linestages.I had previously owned the venerable SP-10,and SP-11,and it is NOT close.Actually,I think it may now be the finest component in my system.Check out their website.

Best!