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How to choose an upgraded tonearm.

In two recent threads on selecting an upgraded cartridge, some of you suggested a new tonearm was in order. Since I’ve never chosen a new tonearm, I’m asking you all for some advice on how to do so for that future event.

My current turntable is a VPI Classic 2 with a VPI JMW 10.5i unipivot tonearm. A new Lyra Kleos MC cartridge is on order. I’ll likely be changing to a gimbal style tonearm. The rest of the system is Magico A3 speakers, a Luxman 507uX MkII integrated amp, a Marants Ruby CD player, and a Shunyata Hydra Denali power conditioner.

What price range should an appropriate tonearm for the Lyra Kleos be in, that would also be in keeping with the price point of my Classic 2, The Classic 2 was in the $3-4,000 range, as is the Lyra Kleos. I’ll be purchasing new, not used, and will not be upgrading any other equipment than the tonearm.

Pardon some rookie questions, but what attributes should I be looking for in a quality tonearm? Who are some of the better known manufacturers, and which models of theirs might be workable? Are there other alternative to either a gimbal or unipvot tonearm? Are tonearms generally interchangeable between different manufacturers turntables? And what improvements in sound quality might be gained by upgrading my tonearm?

Since this is all new to me, any other advice you might have about things to consider would be greatly appreciated and will help kick off my research. Thanks,

Mike

skyscraper

Showing 2 responses by terry9

terry9
2,247 posts
 

Whatever you buy, make sure that it's adjustable. That is: VTA, VTF, azimuth, anti-skating (if applicable).

If you're prepared to accept a little quirkiness, you can take advantage of the greatest bargain in high end: the Trans-Fi Terminator, an air bearing linear tracker. Actually, that's air horizontally and a mechanical pivot vertically. Direct from the manufacturer, on the net.

Performs on the level of anything costing less than a new car. I use two: one with a Nottingham Analog upgraded to near Dais specification running a Miyajima Zero, and a DIY air bearing unit running a higher end Koetsu. Bonus: they are perfect for modifying and tweaking, which you need to do if running low compliance MC cartridges like these.

 

terry9
2,247 posts
 

Forget my suggestion. I understand that it's now being made in Russia, not England.

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