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Looking for Tonearm Advice/Suggestions

I am looking down the road at potentially upgrading my tonearm and cartridge (tonearm first) and would greatly appreciate any advice and suggestions this board may have.  I have always received great feedback from the Audiogon community and I always learn a lot when asking these questions so thanks in advance for your help.

Here is my current setup:

  • Dr. Feickert Volare turntable
  • Jelco TK-850S tonearm
  • Lyra Delos MC cartridge
  • Manley Chinook phono stage
  • Prima Luna Dialogue HP Premium integrated amp
  • Dynaudio Contour S 3.4LE speakers
  • Twin REL T/9i subs
  • Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cables
  • Innuos Zenith music server
  • Lumin T2 streamer
  • Bryston CD player
  • AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner

I listen to variety of music but mainly classic rock, country/folk (not bro-country) and singer/songwriter. I prefer listening to vinyl although I also still play CD’s as well as stream. Overall I have put this system together trying to minimize harshness as I gravitate to a “warmer” sound. In thinking about a tonearm upgrade I am considering the Kuzma Stogi 9 or possibly the Reed 1h 9.5.  Down the road I would love a Hana Unami Red cartridge but not sure I want to pay that price.  The Unami Blue is also a consideration.

I’m not in a hurry but would greatly appreciate your thoughts on these tonearm options as well as cartridges. I know there are many other tonearms out there and countless combinations so feel free to lob in any thoughts you have.  I am all ears and open minded.

Many thanks,

@puppyt 

 

 

 

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2xpuppyt

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka
3,067 posts
 

@puppyt - not sure if this is a good match for your setup, but it would be worth droppig Jeff at Audiomods and email and ask him about your setup. He is very helpful

I purchased the Old Series III about 14 years ago and it worked wonders.

  • the bead blas finish is exceptional it has a micrometer VTA (optional) also.

Jeff’s new arms are even better and suits a wider variety of cartridges and they have azimuth adjustment. They are also reasonably priced and perform way above their comparibly modest price. Some reviewers prefered the Audomods over other arms in the $5k region

Good luck with your quest - Steve

williewonka
3,067 posts
 

@puppyt - if it helps, here’s a review I wrote about the old Series III

Please note - my cartridge was a standard Denon DL103 with a spherical stylus and the phono stage was a $250 Cambridge Audio.

Since then...

  • I had Soundsmith upgrade to a Ruby Cantilever with an Optimized Countour Contact Line stylus
    • NOTE: due to the extremely accurate setup required for this profile I would probably opt for the SHIBATA profile in future
  • I upgraded the phono stage to a Simaudio Moon LP 5,3 RS
  • Both made huge improvements to the level of detail and performance.
  • But I believe the arm to be responsible for the amazing levels of details extracted from the goove

I would highly recommend getting the one piece harness with the KLE Innovations RCA plugs (installed by Jeff) - which will improve on detials, clarity and imaging. He may now use the lated TOTL RCA from KLE Innovations - the Perfect22 Harmony RCA

Here is my review of the Absolute Harmony RCA on my rig

I must admit that perhaps the Micrometer VTA was a frivolous expense, since I have not chaged VTA since insallation, but it is handy if you are of the mindset that VA should be optimized for each album played, OR if you change cartridges frequently.

Hope that helps with your choice

Regards - Steve

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