Phantom Supreme to 4Point-14?


I'm considering it. Who's done it and what did you think? Members who've heard a head-to-head comparison are also welcome to chime in.

The turntable is an SP10R in Artisan Fidelity plinth. Cartridges at this point are an mainlyan A90 and Benz Ebony TR, but I'm planning for a MSL Gold or Platinum sometime down the road.

Thanks.

wrm57

Showing 5 responses by sksos

@wrm57 I've not directly compared these 2 tonearms BUT I'd suggest the original 4Point 11" over the 14" IMO. Yes have heard both and even the 4Point9 may be a "better" buy than either the 11" or 14" if you don't change cartridges often and don't need the VTA adjustment on the fly. Yes the VTA adjustment is easier on either the 11" or 14" but once set on the 9" it's fine. Another alternative, since the 4Point14" sells for between 14 - 18K depending on options, save your $$$ for the Safir, it is far superior sounding in our view. Yes again I've compared the 4Point9 vs 4Point11" vs Safir all on a Stabi R.

(Kuzma dealer disclaimer)

@wrm57 now I understand, have not had the pleasure of using a SP10R so not aware of the best tonearms to use with it. But based on your description then the 4Point 14 does seem to meet your criteria. Since the Safir uses the same template as the 4POINT9 then even that isn't an option. As you correctly stated either the 4POINT9 or Safir, while you can adjust VTA it's no where as easy or repeatable as either of the other 2 kuzma arms. Myself this isn't as critical although many yrs ago I too would adjust VTA based on the vinyl thickness. 

Sorry still can't tell you the differences between the 2 arms from your original post.

 

As @mijostyn stated, sometimes I also prefer the 4Point9 vs the original 11" but it is a close call. Yes for the $$$ the 4Point9 is the better buy BUT if you are into adjusting VTA per different LP's then DON'T buy the 9" it's a PITA to adjust frequently and not easily repeatable IMO. Yes once set it's fine and it can be set precisily but takes a LOT more effort than the VTA adjustment of the 11". 

The largest sonic change I've heard in all my time with analog is when I installed the Safir arm, it wasn't subtle it was jaw dropping. Yes cartridges have their flavor, tonearms have had their flavor and even the dozen or more tables that I've owned all had their flavor but nothing could have prepared me when I swapped my 4Point11 for the Safir. At least in my own experience. Although out of curiosity I've ordered a CS Port https://www.csport.audio/products/products-turntabletat1m2-en.html table that just cleared Customs and should arrive in the AM. Yes I'll be using the Safir on it, very excited!