The Popularity of the Kuzma 4P (11")


I was looking at my 2019 invoice of a Kuzma 4P and noticed that I had paid $6800 plus taxes (at full retail).  Today, that the price is at $10k - which is almost a 50% increase over a four-year period. Compared to my other two arms- Glanz MH124S and SME 3012 R, performance wise, the Glanz holds the top position with the 4P in close second. I do have to say that the queuing mechanism of the 4P is the best I’ve experienced – super smooth.  I have had no issues with the 4P, but I guess its popularity has increased the price point significantly. I'm also not aware of any improvements since the ruby sapphire cups which were rolled out in ~ 2018. So, is it because the arm is worth $10k or just the way things are going in today's economy or something else?

128x128rdk777

Showing 5 responses by mijostyn

First of all, that is retail. Nobody pays retail. Second of all, the Glanz may have a super smooth cueing device but it is an inferior arm on all other accounts. 

@rdk777 

Don't have to. The Glanz is a stable balance arm the 4Point is a neutral balance arm which is inherently more stable. The 4 point arm shaft is much stiffer and better damped. The 4 point does not have an additional set of contacts at the headshell the Glanz does. The 4 point has lower friction bearings with no inherent chatter. The only thing the Glanz has going for it is a nice lifter. The Galnz is an arm I would not give a second look at.

You are welcome.

@rauliruegas ,

The view I take is that everything is important. It is not rocket science to design an arm correctly in all respects. Looks is not ever a factor in my decision making. The arm I use is esthetically rather dull. It is also a brilliant arm in my estimation. Are you going to get a Sapphire? Everyone is raving about it. Theoretically it is way to heavy for most cartridges. That does not seem to matter to everyone except maybe bottom dwellers like me. 

@rauliruegas 

I have a friend with a Sapphire on a CS Port with a Signature Platinum mounted that I expect to hear shortly. I know this cartridge very well and I will play some very bass heavy records and see what happens.

M

@lewm 

In a macroscopic world you are quite correct. However obvious and visible warps a one thing. What happens at the level of the groove is another. Very few records are perfectly flat. Vacuum clamping gets them close. When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? Think those forces effect tracking? Neutral balance arem follow those microwarps (if you will) better with less force on the stylus. Making an arm neutral balance is not a difficult proposition. There may be some instances such as the Schroder LT were it is impossible due to space constraints, but when it comes to the tortuous life of the stylus in the groove everything matters. If you want to live with a stable balance arm get a turntable with vacuum clamping.