Looking for a great arm that is low maintenence

RWD,great album.Sid gave it to me.I'm not attending the A.S. party,though that may change.Best of luck.

Sorry...Sirspeedy..It's "Street Music" selection..you raved about.

Hi Sirspeedy! I think I may have found a copy of your recommended dics.
Can you tell me the label number?

P.S. Will you be attending the Audiophile Society BBQ on Saturday August
20th?

It's only 3.5 hours from here to Chicago. I think I'll call Kirk and Donna and see if they would be agreeable to me picking up the table/arm/cartridge. At least that way I couldn't blame anyone else if something happened in transit.

Thanks again for all the advice.

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Nrchy,
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If it is not that bad of a drive, I would drive and pick it up. It will take any problems out of the equation and you can pay for the gas and hotel with the money you save.
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It would also give you a chance to meet the Sota people and possibly hear your table set up in their system (nice to have the comparison to what you have at home).
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I am insulted, not Doug.... (Doug, I meant that in the nicest way possible).
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Rgds,
Larry
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Doug, I was trying to cover all the bases!

Doug, you're starting to sound like Larry.

One of us has surely been insulted, though I really can't say which.

Doug and Sirspeedy - I will have the cosmos and the rest shipped overnight, even though regular UPS is overnight from Chicago. I don't want to take any chances.

The rest of the advice you offer is also of experience, and therefore wise. I will follow your recommendations. I have been tempted to just drive down there and get it myself. It's only a few hours...

Doug, you're starting to sound like Larry. He told me the same thing about anticipation when I talked to him yesterday.

I have been thinking about getting a set of Wally Tools for setting the cosmos/triplaner/zyx combo up, any thoughts on the need for the tools?

Thanks

Nrchy,Doug IS right on the money.Take the advise seriously!

One more tip: have SOTA ship the arm to you by 1- or 2-day air, not by ground. It doesn't weigh much and it's worth the few extra dollars.

Mine came by UPS ground and they took 7 days to get from the dealer to me during July. They apparently plopped it upside down in a 130 degree truck for most of that time: every square mm of that arm was coated in silicone oil that had leaked from the damping cylinder.

Now a TriPlanar has a LOT of square mm's. It took me four hours with cloths, Q-tips and alchohol to clean up the mess. Not much fun, but it did make me intimately familiar with each and every part of the arm. In the end I'm ALMOST glad it happened. ;-)

Nrchy,

I'm sure you'll be thrilled with your new rig. I'm familiar with the arm and cartridge of course and they're a great combination. I've never heard anyone who didn't like their SOTA. Assuming your model doesn't have the arm-compatibility issue that SirSpeedy's did all should be well.

Here's my suggestion for mounting the arm and shipping safely, which are two different but equally valid concerns. Have SOTA drill the armboard and test mount the TriPlanar. When all is good, they should dismount the arm and ship it seperately in its original carton. You'll want to have that anyway, both to store all the extra bits the arm comes with and in case you ever need to ship the arm for any reason. The TriPlanar box is custom fitted to hold the arm and its components safely.

SOTA can then pack and ship the table as they always do, without worrying about the arm flopping about in transit.

Since SOTA will have pre-drilled the three mounting holes, re-mounting the TriPlanar on the table will be child's play. It's literally a two minute job that's impossible to mess up. Tip: pick up three nylon washers to use beneath the screw heads, to prevent scratching the arm's mounting plate. Other than that the arm comes with everything you'll need, including tools and a re-badged version of the TurnTableBasics protractor.

One word of caution that you should pass on to SOTA: have them triple check the spindle-to-pivot dimension BEFORE they drill the mounting holes. They should not blindly trust to the accuracy of the drilling jig supplied with the arm. (Trust me on this one.)

Hope you're enjoying the wait, anticipation's half the fun!
Doug

Ha! I want to listen to the music I already have. I talked to Kirk today, probably for longer than I should. When he's talking to me, he's not working on the next table. This is my second time around with them. I bought a Star a few years ago and was so happy with Donna and Kirk that I couldn't jump ship. I met Donna at CES this year. It was fun to put a face with the name and voice I spent so much time with on the phone. They are great people.

Supposedly the table will be done around the end of the month!

Nrchy,I'm assuming your frustrated over the wait time to receive your table/arm combo.I have NO sympathy towards you here.As I complained to Larry(CELLO),last winter,my Cosmos update journey took a LONG time.I mean many months to get it to where I wanted it to be!No fun!!That's one reason to have a good CD player.

The GOOD news---It REALLY was worth it,for me.As you will find out in time.Remember that you are dealing with small companies.They are really "specialty" operations,and need our patience to "Do their thing".

Kirk is a fabulous guy,but he IS Sota.He is hands on with everything,in that small,yet high quality operation.So,it takes a bit longer to get things done.The upside is their products are underpriced(especially the Cosmos)and are built to an heirloom standard.My previous Cosmos ran flawlessly for 12 years,not even needing a new belt,until I upgraded to the series III,which is "on another planet" in performance.Your frustrations will be short lived.Of that I'm confident.Now go get some new music!

Sirspeedy - I'm a little frustrated right now. I bought a stack of vinyl right before I sold off the Rega and Benz. I had just bought Simon and Garfunkel "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on four single sided 200 gram 45 rpm lps. I also got Rosemary Clooney, and Jacintha on 200 gram 45's and Sonny Rollins, and Dave Brubeck's Time Out" on four single sided 200 gram 45's.

I have several LP I bought in Dallas when I went to visit Albert Porter and Lugnut to which I have not yet listened.

Thanks for causing me to bring to mind all these bitter memories!!!

Just some different types of music(unique instruments,or arrangements).EX:Russo's "Street Music".On DG label.This is a classicly influenced blues cto,for harmonica,blues piano,and string bass/with orchestra.It is incredible,and out of the norm!Also,it was just a suggestion.You really don't need to follow up,but it would be nice for all of us to,maybe,add something about a new LP,that may be of interest to others.Just food for thought.Regards!

Maybe at some future point,if you ever decide to report on it,you may want to list some of your "more unique" LP acquisitions over time.I'm really interested in this,as it can lead to some "newer" musical experiences,that I'm always looking for.

Sirspeedy, I'm not sure if this comment is in reference to something specific... What is your area of interest? I'm confused.

Nrchy,the only reason I bring up the "local" installation of the arm is because the first time I sent my Cosmos back to Sota,for a series III update,UPS did the unthinkable!Thank God Kirk is so great to work with.I simply would not want to see another person have such a crappy shipping experience.Trust me(I know),it can,and does happen.Remember,turntables,alone,are very difficult to ship.They are heavy,and UPS will most likely not give a crap about keeping it"upright"(which it must be,if an arm is attached).Believe me.The locking sub assembly means nothing,when you consider what a careless delivery guy can do!I have had Sota products(and loved them)for over 20 years.Just make sure to emphasize to Kirk(who packs incredibly well,BTW)that you want him to "PACK THE HELL OUT OF IT"!!A bit of extra emphasis here will yield rewards.Absolutely,best of luck with your fabulous new rig!!!Maybe at some future point,if you ever decide to report on it,you may want to list some of your "more unique" LP acquisitions over time.I'm really interested in this,as it can lead to some "newer" musical experiences,that I'm always looking for.

I'll be sure to let everyone who has been so helpful know how the new setup sounds.

I don't suppose there's much of a chance of getting you to travel across the country to listen for a while, huh Cello?

Thanks to Sirspeedy, and Dougdeacon for all their help, and everyone else who offered good advice.

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Nrchy,
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Congratulations on deciding to get the Tri-Planar VII and ZYX Airy3.
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If you don't already have one, think about getting a Cardas Frequency Sweep / Break in LP. They are only about $ 30.00 and well worth the money. It will be a great help braking in the Airy3 and the Tonearm cable and it is does great things for the sound of your system when run every 3-4 weeks.
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The time interval is very system dependant you can experiment and figure out how long you can go before running the frequency sweep makes a sonic difference.
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Let us know how it all sounds once you have it up and running with a few hours on it.
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Rgds,
Larry
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Nrchy: all of the arms you have listed are excellent choices. Whatever you do, do not opt for the ET. If you breath on this arm, it will go out of alignment. With a suspended TT (which the SOTA is) which is subject to ambient humidity and temperature, not a good match. You will end up having to level it at almost every time you listen: a royal pain in the #$%! it is incredibly finicky.

Sota turntables use an inverted suspension, so when they are being shipped there is no play in the armboard or the platter. There shouldn't be any problem with it.

The last time I bought a table from Sota I did the same thing but I had a Rega arm at the time, and was concerned about the VTA.

Kirk knows more about setting up an arm than I do, so when it comes in I'll just have to fine tune it. If it's damaged ups can fine tune my wallet.

Nrchy,I would suggest you do NOT have the arm put on at SOTA!!It really could complicate shipping,properly.You would be better off having it installed locally!It's not hard to do,and you can probably do it yourself!!

The arm arrived at Sota yesterday. The countdown is on! Is it ever going to get here?

Hi Sirspeedy: Don't worry about. Sometimes our " emotions " are really stronger than our " mind ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Nrchy, the SME is totally maintenance free. I had a IV before the JMW 10.5 and it was completely troublefree and once set, forget it. The JMW however has me reaching for the VTA frequently...

Raul,I think I may have "done it again" and butted in when I should have stayed out of something that was none of my business.I feel,now,that it was pointless for me to interject my own thoughts.As I had indicated to you in the past I'm surely NOT the audio police.Sorry!Sorry!Sorry!I really have to get a life.

I wish I were more like Dougdeacon,or Albert Porter,who are always able to stay on topic.They must have been really good students,in school!

SORRY!!!I was responding to the comments made towards CELLO,not Doug ,on the Titan Re-tip thread!

Also Raul,I really don't want to get into a subject of contradicting the UNIV fans.As to your post aiming at Doug.

You are a better man than that!That was not necessary!!You know I like you,and you have a right to voice your "opinions",but being mean is beneath you.So someone liked a specific product,and didn't like another.What real significance does that really have when very few of us have actually heard eachothers' systems.To me,the only time to get "Hot Under The Collar" is when someone actually targets me with a false accusation,or is downright nasty.Or doesn't realize that my set-up is actually the "Best in the World"!!!Just kidding!!!Then the gloves can come off.Don't worry about getting beaten up.Have you ever taken a look at us "audio geeks"?The next time you are at a HI FI show take a look at the crowd.Imposing tough guys?I don't think so!!Even if a fellow hobbyist does not find something credible,we have NO IDEA what that persons views towards what his "sonic tastes" are.So,it's a matter of opinion,only!

As far as I'm concerned,with the amount of time you seem to spend on this website,how am I to be convinced that you have gotten ANY kind of accuracy from your extensive collection?I have to hear something myself to be really definitive.Though if one thinks something looks like a great design,I see no reason why it should not be recommended as a possible good product!

Fortunately nobody can "smack" us through the screen.When technology gets to that point I'll quit this forum!!Best luck!

Raul,and Larry etc,Actually try Sirspeedy7068@earthlink.net.

Drop the last "0" in 70680.I hope this is helpful in getting in touch!

I am a lucky guy with a bit of money to spend on what people say. Some said that it was good to have a neutral arm to go along with a "romantic cartridge", so I took the advice and I went for Graham 2.2 with Koetsu Urushi first and now with Rosewood Platinum Sig. At certain point in time, I came across HP's recommendation and decided to go along with Triplanar 7 with Miyabi 47lab cartridge. Reluctantly to discard one arm after another followed by the decision I had made, I mounted both of them on a Nottingham turntable.

It comes the phono stage. I have had Black cube, EAR 834P, AudioResearch Reference Phono, 47lab Phonocube with dual power supply, TomEvan The Groove, and the Whest. I spent a lot time tweaking and pairing each of these phono stage with the arm/cartridge combinations.

I settled down finally with Koetsu to go along with Whest or 47Lab phono stage and Miyabi with The Groove. I found both combinations equally and highly musical involving. My problem is it is very hard for me to switch from one combination to the other every time after i get to listen to either of them.

There is no maintenance on either of the arms. They are both great arms! It just depends on the synergy of the system which you put up.

The rest of my system consists of The CAT Ultimate Preamp runs into the mono block of McIntosh 275. They drive the Avalon Ediolon speakers. My digital fronts are the Burmester 969/970 combo.

Dear Sirspeedy: No, it's not for the old ZYX subject.
My e-mail: rauliruegas@hotmail.com

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Divo,

We've tried using the TriPlanar's damping mechanism with four or five different cartridges. Without exception we've preferred the sound without any damping. I cleaned the trough out months ago (it was collecting cat hairs!) and it's been dry ever since.

BTW-Raul,

If this is in response to my ZYX Univ statement--No I was not serious,and YES,I think it could be "that great".The guys "high" on it have been around the block,a few times.Give them the benefit of the doubt,as I(actually do) with regards to Gmorris's Phantom comments,not the gratuity inference;and I'm sorry for reacting so negatively towards you -Gmorris.I have no animosity at all!!Just a bit of a big mouth!I always feel bad,a couple of days after a "little disagreement" with another,usually well intentioned music lover.Sorry!

Raul,I am perplexed as to why I cannot receive E-mails,as my screen name is my business website address.Trust me I would not have come up with Sirspeedy.Something like "topspin" or "baldguy"(my daughter can't get off that one) serves me best.Actually my audio pal who reads my threads likes to call me(and I admit it is probably accurate,unfortunately)"bloviator"!What can I say?Guess I can't help myself.I appologize to those my rediculous thread lengths,and sometimes over the top conclusions annoy.C'mon,you know you're out there!

As I'm really NO computer guy,or keyboardist,I guess I need your E-mail address.What is it/where do I find it?

Dear Sirspeedy: I already send you an e-mails that was bounced back to me.

Please, could you send me an e-mail?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Nrchy,best of luck with your new table/arm/cart combo.Great stuff!It will sound great and you will love it.Of that I'm certain!

Docsavage, I don't know that I'd say there is anything wrong with the Rega, it's just not in the class of the others listed here. For it's price it does a very good job, but it does not have the ultimate respolution of the Graham, SME, or the TriPlaner.

I spoke to Mehran last night, and ordered the TriPlaner and the ZYX. Thanks to everyone who was instrumental (that's a MUSIC joke) in this process, like Cello, and Vetterone, Sirspeedy and Doug Deacon. If I hate the combo, watch yer backs guys!!! : )

Dougdeacon: did you apply damping with the Triplanar as well, and if so, how much?

What is the problem with the Rega arm??

Nrchy,

I haven't heard any SME so I can't help you with that comparison. Sorry.

FWIW I've heard an Airy 3 on both a Graham 2.2 and a TriPlanar VII (in the same system). The TriPlanar VII controlled the Airy 3's high energy levels much better.

Splashkin,unlike you,I don't have all the Mercs and RCA's.Just a goodly amount.Hey,but you have the Basis,I love so much.I do have a friend that has, not only all the RCA's/Deccas etc(all of them),but he has the entire Mercury catolog in "White Label Promos".I think I have to hate him!!

Thanks for the album recommendation Sirspeedy.

Like yourself, I have all the orignal Mercury and RCA stereo recordings.

Steve

Nrchy, I had both the SME and the Graham on my SOTA for several months--they use the same SOTA board!--so I had time to compare them with a variety of cartridges, though not the ZYX.

My experience was that both arms work extremely well with the SOTA but the Graham was slightly superior to the SME in most respects: better sound (bass), better adjustments (VTA on the fly) and greater ease of use.

I sold the SME and kept the Graham.

As I said, the Wheaton is the best arm I've every owned. It is mounted on a TNT-6 Hotrod. Of all the arms you've mentioned, I feel the SME would provide the most synergistic match with the Sota.

Doug and others, other than the recommendation for the SME because Sota uses it a lot, do any of you think one of these arms will be appreciably better than the others with my Cosmos and ZYX Airy 3 combination?

Nrchy,

The arms you're considering are all low "maintenance". Once set up there's little to do. The Graham 2.2 does require damping fluid and getting it right is critical. But once you've got it things should remain stable, at least until you change cartridges. The TriPlanar and some SME IV's have a damping trough, but unlike the Graham you don't have to use it. We haven't found it helpful on our TriPlanar. I cleaned the oil out months ago and the trough just sits there empty.

Whether you adjust arm height (or anything else) for each record has little to do with your tonearm. It has much to do with your cartridge, your ears and your listening preferences.

Cartridges with micro-ridge or line contact styli (including ZYX) are more sensitive to SRA than cartridges with elliptical styli, which in turn are more sensitive than cartridges with conical styli. If you truly want to set-and-forget then choose a Grado or a Denon 103. You won't need to adjust very much because they won't respond to the adjustments anyway. Of course you won't hear all the music either. That's the tradeoff.

Getting the very best sound from vinyl does require working at it. Anyone who says otherwise has a limited system or limited ears. If you're happy with and relaxed about a notch or two less than top performance that's perfectly fine of course. You can save yourself a lot of work, and a lot of money too.

Gmorris,

In response to your last comments to me,and REDICULOUS conclusion,as to my intent!
#1-Phantom vs Schroeder--you have a point!
#2-I specifically stated that I thought the Phantom probably was a great arm.Did I not?I also stated that it looked massive to me!Which it does!What the heck is the problem here?It's my freakin' taste!Actually,since you seem to be so damn condescending,I "think"(my opinion,which means nothing,and I'm sure I'm NOT impacting sales)my 2.2(and it's arm mass) will perform better with my cartridge,on my vacuum table;and I don't care that you have a Helikon,that sounds fine with an arm that you clearly have so much attachment to.Good for you!How dare I speak to my feelings,that OTHERS know is to be taken with a grain of salt,anyway.That was my advise to NRCHY,as well.So tough luck if I hit on a nerve,and you have decided to impress me with your propensity for arrogance.

#3-Your inference that I may be trying to position myself for a possible accommodation price on a Schroeder is so laughable that I "just have to love you" for making the accusation.
I have one child in the fourth year of med school,and another in the first year of graduate school.I have a mortgage,employees that actually like me(I pay all med/insurance expenses,and offer 3 week vacations,after 1 year),and have positioned myself to have a satisfying existence,with as little aggravation as possible.In other words-I haven't got alot of loose cash lying around,as of now.If I was to consider adding any additional expenses,after what I have spent on this hobby over these last few years,it would be ME not my wife who would have myself committed!Also,I really like the 2.2.

BTW-I have been gracious towards the Schroeder line because I think it looks like a finely designed and made product,has gotten tons of acclaim and because Frank Schroeder comes off as a very engaging guy, "committed" to his products(as I know Bob Graham is)and customers.If you have a problem with any of this,than all I can say is "TOUGH LUCK"!!

Splashkin,I LOVE the fact that someone is actually talking about the "software" aspect of this hobby.In a forum where equipment is taken WAY too seriously!ALL of the equipment we all love to discuss,is easily replaceable!!The software,in many instances,and especially if one has put together a truly "great music collection"(one that you can really take pride in,and one that your mother-in-law is impressed with,too)),is almost impossible to replace!!

I would love to see some of us mention some of the more interesting(obviously one's own opinion,but interesting to consider)Lp's we have come across.Ones that may not be of the norm.GOD,I LOVE to try to hunt down something different,and unique,that I've heard at a friend,that "blows me away"!How friggin' great is it when you finally get it?Locking yourself in your listening room,and "Going Back Through Time".To the "Event"!Anyone ever hear of the British EMI/Columbia pressing called "Conquistadors"?About the Spanish conquest,and destruction of the Aztecs.A disc where Raul's insistence that we "MUST" have TWO subs begins to make sense(I only have one)!In line with the DECCA recording "The Plague".Only better,to many,who have heard it.Stunning orchestration,and percussive forces,here.Man,those Spaniards were "MEAN"!Sort of like Steven Spielberg,for the ears!Finding that disc is another story.Took me ten years.

I have almost all the MERCS.WOW!!Are some of these magnificent.The DECCAS may be technically better,but as you probably know,there is NOTHING like the sound of some of the orig Mercury series discs.I hope I'm not going to get "yelled" at by someone for making that statement.It's JUST MY OPINION!!!There's a ton of newer music in this series that MUST be heard.One can source from archives(I'm fairly certain)the "GREAT" reviews by the INCOMPARABLE and "One of a kind" SID MARKS.This series was in TAS,as of a few years ago!!

Splashkin,if I can make a suggestion as to an incredible disc(one that sort of mirrors some of the Merc series,in content)that has some absolutely stunning sound(real demo quality,especially with a Phantom),as well as Phantomstic,oh sorry,I meant fantastic,and a "HOOT" fun musical content,it is the Deutche Grammaphone pressing of Russo's "Street Music".It is coupled with a fine Gershwin piece,but the REAL discovery is the "Street Music" side.It is(believe it or not) a Blues Concerto,for harmonica,with "slammin" blues piano,string bass and orchestra.It "ROCKS"!!!!!NOBODY,and this is NOT my opinion ,who has heard it,has been able to lift his/her jaw off my listening room's carpet!You should see the saliva stains on my nice rug.A bit like a dentist's office!I really should make everyone "RINSE",after the piece ends.

I hope you(or anyone else reading this)has this fabulous disc!If not keep an eye out.It should not cost more than 15-20 bucks!!And you thought I got off on equipment!!

Man I love this hobby,but it's WAY MORE FUN sharing "musical passions" with fellow music lovers!

You know Sirspeedy, sometimes with your obfuscations you come across like a politician. I tend to be upfront with my comments. The fact is that you have never heard the Schroeder but perhaps the Phantom (which you claimed “sounded great”); yet you are willing to recommend exploring the Schroeder based on reputation and design whereas you are dismissive of the Phantom based on your erroneous conjecture that it may be too MASSIVE for low mass/high compliance cartridges. I said, “Here we go again” because many words were expended in a previous thread discussing this issues (including a lengthy explanation from the manufacturer). I found it odd that on a thread were someone was seeking recommendation on possible arms that you would raise this conjecture.

Are you positioning yourself for a nice accommodation price on a possible future Schroeder purchase?

By the way Raul, I own three arms: Zeta, 2.2 and the Phantom.

Thanks for the kind words Sirspeedy.

If we get back to the original question requesting a tonearm of low maintenance, then the Graham 2.2 or Phantom does the job.

This weekend I listened to a number of my old Mercury Living Presence stereo recordings with the Phantom. I was amazed at the increased tracing ability and rendering of information I had never heard before on these recordings. The first Mercury stereo recordings with early matrix were tough to track. Not for the Phantom-Koetsu Jade Platinum. Of course, a Zenith Cobra would also do an excellent job!

Best Wishes,

Steve