Can a modern arm beat my MAX-282?


I recently had the oportunity to pick up an Air Tight PC-1 Coda for a great price and have been very impressed with it's performance over my long-time cartridge (Shelter Harmony). It's gotten me wondering how far I can taky my vinyl rig.

I'm currently running it on my Micro Seiki MAX-282 with the J-shaped arm.

I'm now wondering whether the arm could be holding things back. The MAX has never been a popular arm, but I've always been happy with its performance. I'd love to hear what folks here think a modern arm might bring to the system.

I'd be consdering things in the range of the 4point 11, Reed 3p, SME Series V, etc. I suppose I'd also consider a 3012R or FR64, since I've never heard these arms.

I'm curious if this would just be different or if I could acheive a broad improvement. Any thoughs?

My deck is a Micro RX-5000 Air with the BA-50 base and my phono stage is an Accuphase C-47.

 

domino22

Showing 3 responses by solypsa

@domino22 no, I think the 4pt11 is very nice too, but for the case of those well known carts that like higher mass the 4pt14 is great.

 

@rauliruegas unfortunately not. Have friends that do. I would gladly though...

Oh and some people would never have an FR64S or 3012 R in their system and others never without :) such is the hobby

Very nice analog system. Step up in either table or arm will be VERY expensive. It is possible that you might test out a few phono preamps against the excellent C47. Odds are good it will be very costly to beat as well, but sometimes it is a matter of what suits you better, right? 

I do like the 4pt14 for lower compliance carts...