I am not an expert, but in 1989, I purchased an SME IV. Brooks Berdan, an analog equipment expert, removed the wiring, installed the finest Cardas phono cable (and I also mean the absolute hairlike finest thin cable), shot closed end foam into the tube and epoxied the ends at the cartridge wiring exit in front and the wiring within an RCA outlet box. Despite the clumsy VTA adjustment, it has been a dream arm for simplicity in use and dialing in setup other than VTA. I’ve used a DynavectorXX1, Lyra Lydian, Benz Ruby III and now a Dynavector 20X2 L (plays nearly all my 28,500 LPs well or great). I wanted a Tri-Planar but it was too costly at the time. It’s still a great arm if not near SOTA. I paid $1100 and when production ended it was $4300. Great arm.
Comparison of sonic qualities of some tonearms
I’m relatively new to the world of vinyl, listening seriously for probably only 2 years. Of course, many big picture items (e.g. turntable, phono stage, cartridges) are discussed extensively on this forum, but I haven’t seen much discussion comparing different tonearms. I would be interested to hear about different people’s experiences with different tonearms, mentioning the audible advantages and disadvantages of each tonearm, realizing that there is no perfect sound, although from what I read about others’ experiences, SAT tonearms may come closest, albeit at a very high price.
Showing 2 responses by fleschler
@unreceivedogma I agree concerning the VPI 19-4 and my main table since 2006, the VPI TNT VI, probably a lifetime quality construction (and simple too). My best friend has a VPI Scout and it did have a flat worn out bearing. He had an expert firm specializing in restoration (I don't remember the name) who retrofitted it with a more durable equivalent. Otherwise, I have not serviced my extreme modified SME IV. It has been epoxy sealed at both ends so there's not much I could or want to do. Analog still provides me with such pleasurable sound that it's digital that's gaining on it (pending delivery of my Lampizator Poseidon to elevate my digital to the same cost as my analog front end). I keep my Legacy Signature IIIs in my living room system now nearly 30 years old-nothing as good at it's $1500-$2000 price, maybe not to $10K). The Koetsu Rosewood Signature I heard was fabulous, so lovely on acoustic music. I may buy either than or a Hana Umami Red in the future but I love the Dynavector 20X2 L (comparable for so many listeners loving the Denon 103R). Most new listeners to my home are flabbergasted at the quality of the sound (and performances) even when I had my Legacy Focuses which I found faults with. |