According to me Albert (Porter) is the best source for any questions
about Breuer himself as well his tonearms. Albert was importer for
the USA as well personal friend of Breuer. Back than I could not
afford ''whatever Breuer'' but well the so called ''beter Breuer''
(aka Sumiko 800, ''the arm''). Among other ''curious'' characteristics
Breuer was very obstinate. This is usual by people who ''knows
everything better''. So, for example, he refused to provide his
customers with any additional counterweight...
The Sumiko is made in cooperation between David Fletcher (the
engineer) and master machinist Demian Davidson. The arm is
hand made by Demian from 160 parts. The number was limited
to 500 samples. What is curious is the fact that they made 6
counterweights for the arm meant for carts from 6 till 23 g.
The idea being not only to produce ''universal arm'' but also
that for each cart the counterweight can be put on its ''optimal
place'' as near as possible to the pivot.
Because Sumiko is 9'' tonearm it was not possible to use the
arm with my SL 1000,mk2 (aka SP 10) so I removed Triplanar
from my Kuzma Stabi Reference and instatlled Sumiko instead.
I use Sony XL 44 l , retiped by Axel with boron cantilever and
Shibata stylus. The whole XL series designed by Mori has the
same generator with ''8 form coil former'' but different suspension,
cantilevers and styli.
Next to Ortofom MC 2000 the only MC cart which I bought thanks
Raul's recommendation. Unbelievable cart for about $400
(chakster are you ''listening''?).
