Ok. Next question. What choices did you all make regarding cabling choices.? Cardas Clear? Kondo Silver? Kuzma silver plated copper? |
Thanks for the replies. I especially look forward to @herman report after his time with the Mørch. It’s a great arm but will not be surprised if the Kuzma does even better.My table will do best with the 212mm mounting distance of the 4point and 4point 9. The 14 is not an option.
Let me focus my question. Will the higher effective mass of the 4point 11 work better with the Etna SL?
I will use the resonance calculators online but I suspect both arms are within acceptable range. My bias is to use a 9” arm as my ears don’t seem to be effected by the increased grove distortion inherent in a shorter arm. On the other hand, I do have excellent setup gear (SmartTractor, Adjust +) so I am able to cope with the precision setup needs of a longer arm. If anyone has listened to Lyra/Kuzma combos that would also be helpful. Will also use a SoundSmith Sussurro ES. |
Thank you Raul. I was having problems finding the compliance measurement for the SoundSmith Sussurro ES. |
And please let us know what you think when your 4point14 is installed and playing.
I will continue to think about the 4point 9 versus the original 4point, 11”. |
I think it’s worth noting that some arms probably deal with vibrations and resonances better than other in the same effective mass range. Those arms are probably more flexible when it comes to cartridge compatibility. |
Thanks @dover! Not sure how I missed that! |
@herman thanks for the update. I’m sure that arm is a thing of beauty. I recently decided to go for the 4point 9. This was ultimately a decision based on simplicity, synergy with my table and price. $1250 less per inch! I went for the Cardas Clear from gold clips to ETI Kryo RCA. Ordered two extra headshells so I can more easily sway the Etna SL for the Sussurro and the A90. I have experience with Clear wire so I know what it does in my system. Also, the dealer I’m working with informs me that it is Franc’s favorite tonearm wire. FWIW.
Should receive the arm sometime in mid July. I will also report back! Will be an interesting change from the Mørch DP8 which I have enjoyed for many years. |
@boothroyd, That is an interesting observation. I don't think I've heard about the styli shape influencing to arm length. I think i might have even expected the opposite observation with spherical styli being the most tolerant of the increased offset angle of a 9 inch arm. |
You bet @mijostyn. From my time with Lyras (Delos, Atlas, Etna SL) and SoundSmith (MIMC star and Sussurro ES) I've identified some house sound characteristics that probably won't surprise anyone. The Lyras have that amazing openess and high frequency energy that does justice to cymbals and drums. The Atlas and Etna add a heft to the mids and low end that make them more complete hi rez pickups. I hear very good things about the lambda versions as well. The SoundSmiths on the other hand are almost as resolving but don't call attention to themselves like the lyra. They just get out of the way. The Sussurro adds a bit more nuance and resolution compared to the MIMC. Would love to hear a Hyperion some day. The SoundSmith also has a lower background noise compared to the Lyras (which are also very quiet). These general observations were all using the Morch DP8, Pass XP-27. So we will just have to see what the Kuzma brings out of them. |
Thom Mackris at Galibier is great. I ordered my 4point 9 from him and he had an armboard drilled for me. Should be receiving both this week. |
Should be receiving the 4point 9 in a couple weeks. Armboard being drilled… |
@audioquest4life It sounds like we were hearing very similar characteristics from the Sussurro. It is a low compliance cartridge and I need to try it in my FR-64S which may be an even better combo than the Morch DP8 or the new Kuzma. Looking forward to listening to a new Hyperion one of these days. From your description, it certainly sounds like a masterpiece. |
@audioquest4life Regarding the SME compatibility, the Kuzma 4point arms need a 50mm hole in the armboard and use three drill holes similar to Jelco mounts. |
That TRA9 arm looks pretty great! Thanks for the link. You will need to start a new thread about it if you do get the new arm and table. |
@factoro2. Thanks for the clarification! |
Well I received the arm on two days ago and have got everything dialed in. I use Wally tools reference, SmarTractor and Adjust plus.
My initial impressions are very positive. Working with this arm is a pleasure. Obviously well made and easily adjustable once you figure out what bolt and screw adjusts what parameter. This thing looks like it means business!
Sound-wise it was immediately apparent how good the arm matched the Etna SL. Improved clarity, spaciousness without loss of detail. The overall presentation was as others have described, more of a front row feeling with dynamics and energy.
I’ll get the A90 and the SS Sussurro mounted on spare head shells eventually.
This was a good move! |
I think this arm is bringing out the best in both carts without erasing their individual character. I'm hearing increased musical details and clarity and an uptick in dynamics compared to the Mørch. The Lyra Etna SL has its trademark expansiveness on top while the Sussurro is a more neutrally balanced cart. I feel the excitement when the Lyra is mounted and I tend to forget about the cart and listen to the music with the Sussurro. All these changes are subtle of course but the cumulative effect of hearing more of the recording is very nice. I attribute the later to the great engineering of the Kuzma 4P9 arm. |
