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SME 20/3 --- tonearm recommendations!?

Hello Gon'ers - I have an SME 20/3 coming, recently purchased on Audiogon. I'm trying to decide what tonearm will fit the table and be a good match. I considered Graham Engineering but I have a similar setup already (30/2 + Graham Phantom II). The tonearm will be mated with my Koetsu Urshi Blue cartridge. I generally listen to Jazz and classic rock, but also enjoy most any genre. Will be mated to a Pass Labs XP-25 preamp. 

I've considered an SME IV modified (new bearings, new wiring), or one of the Kuzma tonearms. They seem to be on vogue but I don't know much about them (or it they will fit the SME).
mohawk195

Showing 6 responses by mohawk195

mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
I believe what I’m going to end up doing is putting my graham engineering Phantom II tonearm on the SME model 20/3. I’ll put the Kuzma 4point on the SME model 30/2. I believe the 30/2 can bear the weight of the Kuzma better than the 20/3. Plus I’ve seen more than one 30/2 set up this way.  This is in the cast in concrete of course but that is the way I’m heading.
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for the additional suggestions and ideas. 

I looked at the 4 point 9 but my concern with it is the exit of the tonearm cable. It looks like it might hit the rear SME tower. Oddly enough the larger 4Point is off set away from the tower and there are photos of this setup. So if I end up with:

* SME 30/2 + 4Point
* SME 20/3 + Phantom

I may have to sell the Koetsu and get a suitable cartridge for the Phantom. The Dynavector XX2 I have on it performs very well.
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
Hi Syntax. Outside of the Phantom what do you recommend in a nine arm? 
Regards 
Greg
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
I know that it has been stated the the Koetsu will not be a good match to the Kuzma due to compliance. Looking at a cartridge calculator, the Kuzma is 18g effective mass. The Koetsu mass is 9g with a compliance of 5. The calculated resonance is 14hz. If I use heavier fasteners, I can bring the Koetsu mass to 15g and the resonance down to 12hz. Is this a worthwhile approach? I realize if I go this route (Kuzma), I may have to sell the Koetsu..
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
I ended up getting a Phantom III for the SME model 20/3. This seems to be a good physical and esthetic match. It should be a reasonable match to the Koetsu Urshi Blue as well.

For now I will pause on the SME 30/2 tonearm changes. I have time to consider the Kuzma 4Point or not, independent of the 20/3. It will also give me time to look into other possibilities (including the Aquilar Arm that syntax mentioned).

Oh yeah! --- I have a beautiful Ikeda 407 CR-1 that I will be selling. Not sure if that is allowed to note in forums...!
mohawk195's avatar
mohawk195 OP
9 posts
 
Yes I had it mated with a Vinylista plinth and an updated SP-10 MKII turntable. Great combination. The Ikeda is a work of art. For sale on US AudioMart.
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