SP10 MK3 recommendation


So I'm in the process of upgrading my analog set up. I just bought Albert's SP10 MK3 and I'm trying to decide on arm/cart combo. I'm freaking out a little because I don't want to make an expensive mistake.

My current arm from my last set up is a 10.5" Reed 2P. I might stay with this arm to start with, but I see a lot of 12" arms on the Technics tts so I'm not sure about the length. I'm also trying to decide on which cartridge. I'm leaning towards the Lyra Atlas or Airt Tight Supreme.

My current system is VAC Sig. IIa preamp and VAC Phi 300.1a amp. Speakers are Margules Grand Orpheus with Acuton (ceramic) drivers. SR ICs and Pranawire speaker cables.

So I'm looking for feedback about Reed arms with the SP10 tables and especially 10.5" arms.

Also looking for thoughts on synergy of Reed arms and the two cartridges mentioned above and in the context of the rest of my system.

Here's to a great (sounding) 2013 to all!
mikeba316

Showing 1 response by sonofjim

I have two MKllls and each is in a double arm plinth. I believe you have room for two arms as well on that Porter Plinth. I use some high end arms and cartridges. The PC-1 Supreme on the 312s is very good. I currently also enjoy the Benz LP-s on Reed 3P. Albert sells a really good imported unipivot you may ask him about. I have a Shelter 90x on that one and even the Ortofon M20 fl super is great on it at $175. No experience with the Atlas unfortunately.

One of the spots I reserved for the EPA 500 system which is somewhat dated and not as fully functional as the others but sounds surprisingly good. It's also affordable and very flexible. I rotate armwands in about 30 seconds. It's a great way to work in less expensive MM cartridges(Ortofon M20 fl super, Empire 4000 D/lll, Shure V15vxmr) or a mono cartridge(XV-1s mono). They all sound great.

Anyway, you should be able to set this up with performance and flexibility that will push the limits of most budgets. Have fun.