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Avid Volvare - SME IV arm or Tri-planar VII ???

I am seriously considering an Avid Volvare table and was led in the direction of an SME IV arm. I have read that the Tri-Planar VII is also a very good choice.

Any experience with either arm and this table? Any suggestions???

I am also looking at the VPI Super Scoutmaster with JMW-9 signature arm and the Clearaudio Ambient turntable with Satisfy arm. Should I stick with the Avid or look into one of the others more seriously?

-Brie
brieshayna

Showing 2 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Brie,

If you are a "set and forget" listener then I want to throw you another suggestion, Basis Vector. This arm does not have dials and such so setting it up is a bit more work. However, once set this arm never needs re-adjusting. The Vector is very well engineered and can handle just about any cartridge you want to mount on it. That's not to say the Tri-Planar or SME can't also but the Vector is alot less money. Because it is a modified unipivot you will probably never have to worry about maintenance. I think it would be a good match with the Avid as it can hold the arm very stable.

You could also start with a Denon 103R cartridge and save more money towards that next higher end cartridge, but I do like the Glider.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I understand what these folks are saying about unipivot arms in general. The Vector is not a unipivot per se and should never be compared as such. But the vibrations from the Vector would not be sinked to the suspension, that is true. It is also true that vibrations from the platter cannot be leached into the Vector from the suspension. That is because of the damping that is built into the design. I agree with DougDeacon, if you do go with an SME it would be a much better value to find one used.
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