I'm glad you're enjoying your Reference. I purchased my Model 2 about 2 years ago and it was a revelation; I waited 4 months for mine. I use an Allaerts MC1B on mine and it is an excellent match on my Platine Verdier. Fed through my Tron Meteor tube preamp (www.tron-electric.com, made by Graham Tricker at GT Audio, UK - also distributor for Frank's arms as well as Avantgarde, Verdier, DPS, Lindemann, ZYX etc), Quad IIs and Avantgarde Duos, it sounds like real music or at least pretty close. Having started out in the hifi business in the 1980s with Ken Kessler, I progressed onto other things (I'm a surgeon by trade). With that background, you might say that I have a penchant for vinyl and tubes - Yep! The Allaerts is a great pickup; I still have my original Decca London Gold (Garrott Brothers) which was stunning when I had it modded by them in the early 1980s. The MC1B just blows it, and my memories of it at its pomp, out of the water. By the way, Deccas work very well in Frank's arms.
The Schroeder has arrived
My Schroeder Reference arrived over the holiday weekend. It has been a long wait but looks to be well worth it. The fit and finish on this tonearm is a work of art. The adjustments are actually very simple compared to many arms. Most adjustments are just a slight turn of a set screw. The arm sounds incredible. I have heard others say effortless. That seems pretty good to me as words really cannot describe how good this sounds in my system. I am still in the process of fine tuning and the wire is still breaking in so I guess it will probably sound even better. I am using a Shelter 901 on it and that seems to match up well. BTW, if anyone is looking to buy a Schroeder I would strongly suggest working with Thom at Galibier Design. He kept in contact with me throughout the lengthy waiting period and was excellent with the delivery and setup. I would though be interested to hear from any others that may have this tonearm and their thoughts on some of the cartridges that are a good match.