Kuzma Four Point compared to SME V-12 tonearm

I am getting wonderful performance from my LPS from a VPI 10.5i.

While I cannot attest to the merits of the LP-S, I do have direct experience with the SME V-12, similar SME 312s and most recently, the Kuzma 4 Point. All aforementioned arms are worthy considerations and siting the characteristic differences between the V-12 and 4-Point although apropos may, like in so many similar instances when comparing top contenders, prove subjective in nature. Judging solely by specifications, either tonearm would mate well with your LP-S. While comparing these tonearms here, using the resident VDH Colibri XGM, I immediately noted the SME to have a slightly more upfront demeanor and balanced overall presentation. The Kuzma 4-Point throwing a more dimensional presentation with accurate spatial cues and high resolving capabilities.

David,
Classic 'table you have there.
I've sold and set up several 4Points, with each and every customer thrilled with their purchases. One of them had owned an SME V and a TriPlanar, preferring the latter but feeling he could do better. From the first few bars with the 4Point he was all smiles, saying it did exactly what he hoped for.
I imagine the V-12 is better than the V, being similar but with less tracking error due to the length.
If budget is a concern the Kuzma Stogi S 12 VTA delivers a lot of the 4Point's performance for about half the price.

Dealer disclosure.

I ought to have mentioned, for several reasons, that I've had considerable listening time with Both SME V-spec arms, the 9" and the 12. The difference is Very Pronounced. This is direct experience with at least 200 hours' listening.

From another pretty reliable source I've heard comparison of the 312-S and V-12; if their report is as trustworthy as I suspect, there is no comparison between the arms, just as there is very little shared between the V-9 and V-12. The SME V-12 arm, properly set up --which takes some time, patience and developing expertise-- gives some of the finest playback I've heard, ever.

I don't consider myself a well-seasoned audiophile, but I'm not new on the block either, just not as familiar with analog as I would like to be.

It's largely MFremer's review placing the Kuzma 4PT above the Cobra on his Caliburn TT that has me wondering.

To place things in perspective, I listened last night to a range of familiar source material with the SME V-12 and found myself referring to Fremer's review and the viewpoint of one of the above-mentioned listeners. Essentially they say the Kuzma 4PT is more 'lively' than the SME V-12. When I listened last night I asked whether anything more 'lively' sounding could possibly be other than exaggeration, as the SME V-12 was so solid, so credible, so well balanced, feeling accurate both timbrally and in wealth of textural detail. It tamed the sibilance on 'April in Paris', gave better depth and color to the skins, more air to the cymbals on the Sheffield Drum Track while still representing the flaw of the recording, namely that the drum kit sounds almost twice life size (ie: gives more of the good stuff without lying about the liabilities). How could something be more real?

Is this one of those occasions when I just have to spend $6K to find out?

That's why I'm asking.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

You should try to check the new Simplicity from Thales (Swiss Co.)

I was reviewing it for Hifilive e-magazine and I am liking soooooo much