At its modest price Thomas Schick "12 is the most stylish tonearm for a low compliance cartridges.
Reference System TT - Dr. Feickert Analogue or Sota
Putting together a reference system.
Recent equipment purchase:
Linear Audio Zotl 40 power amp
Don Sach's pream & phono pre
Spatial Audio Lab X5 (open baffle speakers)
Seeking input for a turntable/tonearm/cart upgrade to complete the sysytem. Narrowed TT choices to Dr. Feickert Analogue (Woodpecker or Blackbird) or Sota Nova VI? Tonearm being considered: Kuzma Stabi S12, Thomas Shick, Wand Master. Cart: Kiseki Purle Heart NS SB, Koetsu Rosewood, less expensive choices - Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES, Sumiko Starling, dependent on TT/tonearm choice. I currently have and have had for a number of years, a VPI Scout & Benz Micro L2 cart & an ASUSA Tube Phono-Pre (it is kit).
Listening preference 70-80's R&B, jazz (traditional & contemporary), soft rock infrequent but listen to most music genries at some point.
Hopefully, there'll be those familiar with the noted TT's, tonearms and carts to provide input. Finding audio dealers in my area to audition the equipment choices I'm considering is a big challenge, if not impossible. This is my first steps from mid-fi into high-end equipment. Respect the discussions of fellow audio lovers. Your input, insights and experiences input is greatly appreciated.
Still Bill
Recent equipment purchase:
Linear Audio Zotl 40 power amp
Don Sach's pream & phono pre
Spatial Audio Lab X5 (open baffle speakers)
Seeking input for a turntable/tonearm/cart upgrade to complete the sysytem. Narrowed TT choices to Dr. Feickert Analogue (Woodpecker or Blackbird) or Sota Nova VI? Tonearm being considered: Kuzma Stabi S12, Thomas Shick, Wand Master. Cart: Kiseki Purle Heart NS SB, Koetsu Rosewood, less expensive choices - Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES, Sumiko Starling, dependent on TT/tonearm choice. I currently have and have had for a number of years, a VPI Scout & Benz Micro L2 cart & an ASUSA Tube Phono-Pre (it is kit).
Listening preference 70-80's R&B, jazz (traditional & contemporary), soft rock infrequent but listen to most music genries at some point.
Hopefully, there'll be those familiar with the noted TT's, tonearms and carts to provide input. Finding audio dealers in my area to audition the equipment choices I'm considering is a big challenge, if not impossible. This is my first steps from mid-fi into high-end equipment. Respect the discussions of fellow audio lovers. Your input, insights and experiences input is greatly appreciated.
Still Bill
Showing 3 responses by chakster
Cart: Kiseki Purle Heart NS SB, Koetsu Rosewood, less expensive choices - Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES, Sumiko Starling, dependent on TT/tonearm choice. I currently have and have had for a number of years, a VPI Scout & Benz Micro L2 cart & an ASUSA Tube Phono-Pre (it is kit). If you are considering Thomas Schick tonearm do yourself a favor and look for a low compliance Miyajima cartridges like Kansui or Madake. Here is a US distributor. You will find some amazing reviews. I got two and this MC cartridge is something special for a high mass tonearm. If you have funds for a NOS Fidelity-Research FR-66fx (about $5k) it will be much better than Schick. You can also look for IKEDA IT-407 tonearms if you want new ones. |
Not that it won’t work with a Sota or Feickert, but those setups are far more commonly mated with better vintage tables(e.g. Garrard 301,401). Schick ("12 inch) was in my system and I would recommend it as a very cost effective solution, it’s a pure beauty! As far as I know a "9 inch version with anti-skating is available now. Schick is nice for any turntable (if you can mount it), I’ve been using it on SP-10mkII. It's often seen on EMT. My tonearm was OK for mid compliance MM, but I bought it primarily for SPU. |