Denon, Shelter arm choices


OK, kind of a broad question here. What arms will NOT work well with the Denon, Shelter, and maybe Koetsu (specifically RPS) line of cartridges? I am going to upgrade my arm, actually, add another one, on the next TT project. Since I heard about the two-armed Teres getting built, I want to do one for myself! I’m going to start the layout today.

I have the Denon now, 2ea 103r. I want to be able to do a head-to-head with my OL 250, and want to get rid of the RB300. That way I can start with the same cartridges, and go from there.

I just figured it might be easier to know what will not be a "synergistic" match to these cartridges, because they are the only ones that I can foresee being in my upgrade path.

Joe
jphii
Hi Joe, in general, those cartridges like to have heavier mass tonearms with excellent bearing quality and low resonance, high rigidity arm tubes.

I'd say that the Origin Live Silver, Encounter, and Illustrious are good choices. Also perhaps a SME V, or a Breuer, or an ET-2.5, or Walker, or a Triplanar. Additionally, some people really like them on a Graham 2.2. I haven't tried the Basis Vector, but it seems like a nice arm. If you go with a unipivot arm, try to be sure that it is heavy enough and has some form of lateral stabilizers to assist with handling the low compliance of these cartridges. If you go with a gimbal-bearing arm, then make sure that the bearings and adjustments are very close tolerance(otherwise they will chatter and ruin the bearings).
Thanks Tom. I just wanted to get set on what not to use. I'm going to start keeping an eye out for another arm. Having 2 Regas just doesn't seem...right. Also, I figured out how I'm going to do a clamp/weight. Should be interesting....

I'll put up pics if I can ever find the time to get it done....
See the thread on Shelter 901/Graham. Apparently someone with that combination is experiencing a bloated bass.

I can vouch for Shelter 901/SME V. It's a great combo. Good extension on both ends, very detailed. On my system, I woudl describe it as on the analytical side of neutral. My friend just purchased a 901 with his SME 309. Apparently he's experiencing some anti-skate problems. I am going over tonight to help him figure out what the problem is.

FrankC