Schroeder vs. Triplanar VII Sonic Differences


All,

I have read a lot of threads regarding the "superiortiy" of these tonearms in the right combinations of tables and catridges. However, there doesn't seem to be a lot said about the soncic characteristics of each brand and the differences between them. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about their strengths and weaknesses, sonci characteristics, applicability to various types of music (rock, pop, classical, large scale, small scale, etc).

Will a Schroeder deliver dynamics, punch, bass suited to Rock music? Will a Triplanar deliver natural, timbral accuracy? Are both these arms suited to the same music?

Thanks in advance,

Andrew
aoliviero

Showing 2 responses by mrmb

I too have enjoyed the camaraderie found in this thread.

We have taken different paths to in-home audio reproduction excellence; however, we certainly share the love of music, the discovery related to seeing and hearing new hardware and the joy of life.

My only regret is that I’m located in the Nation’s heartland – Indianapolis -- NOT near CT, or NY. I’m sure meeting and sharing an adult beverage with you guys would be a blast!

Being in Indy did provide me a central/pass-thru location that prompted Thom Mackris to offer an in-home audition of his Galibier TT, while on his way to N.Y. in June of 2004.

As this was my first foray into vinyl playback since foregoing same in the 1980’s, it was revelatory. Although, electronic equipment problems required that I pull out a long-ago mothballed Phase Linear Pre-Amp (grin), the sonics of Thom’s table, a Graham tonearm, and a Denon 103R couldn’t be dampened, and more than prompted me to order a Galibier Quattro, and Tri-Planar arm from Thom.

BTW, for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mackris, you’re missing the chance to meet quite a gentleman. I enjoyed his personality, and marveled at his audio acumen, and love of this hobby. I know it’s a cliché to say as a manufacturer someone’s not in it for the money, but my experience with Thom proves this to be indeed true. Of course compensation for his time and capital outlay is important and necessary, but I’m convinced that Thom’s primary reward is helping the world experience a closer connection to the music that he and we all so love and enjoy!

Since my Galibier purchase, CD’s have taken a very distant (read miles) back seat to vinyl. Fortunately, I kept all the lp’s from my youth; however, I’ve been able to almost double that collection since 2004.

Scanning web sites, and visiting lp stores has become a wonderful pastime. In fact, just this weekend, I found a two-platter lp of hits issued by a now defunct radio station here in Indy (WIFE) – the one that received most of my youthful listening. Spending a buck a piece for the vinyl, garnered me a free album cover, with great pictures of the city and D.J.’s of the day. Two bucks for a brief walk in the past was more than enough payback for the money spent, and I haven’t even spun the records yet!

Hope this finds all well and by all means, please keep up the entertaining, and educational posts…..Cheers, Mike
Rwd,
At the time, the Galibier Quattro and the Quattro Supreme represented Thom's two offerings. As can be assumed by the name, the Supreme was top dog.

When purchasing the Quattro, I did upgrade to the Aluminum/Teflon Composite platter. But that could have been done anytime after the sale.

Recently, because Thom quite actively supports his existing customer base, he and I have been discussing the conversion of my platter to the new Stelvio, which incorporates graphite "Tunable Platter Interface".

I never compared the Quattro and the Supreme. As I understood at the time, differences were very subtle.

As an aside, I just have to share my plight. I’m having withdrawal pains. One of my CAT monoblocks is in the “hospital” and the HT room is NO substitute for the audio room. So I’m spending far too much time on this confounded PC, rather than critically listening…..sigh….!

Mike