Ikeda 9GSS cartridge compliance

@scothurwitz 

Scot,

Thanks for the note and link to the 9GSS video. The Luxman preamp I use has two pair of SUT so it can accommodate both high and low impedance cartridges. I run the Ikeda 9GSS into the SUT for low impedance, which provides the best match. I have not tried the Ikeda SUT, so it may well be better, but it would also require another set of expensive interconnect cables as well. At this point in my system nothing is inexpensive it seems.

I had an Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp at one time. It is an all tube unit with different gain and loading available. A great sounding unit, but too much hiss for me with low out put MC cartridges.

I also had an Audio Research Reference Phono 3, but wanted to get something with a built in phono preamp and SUT so I selected the Luxman which is a better match in my system.

My former tonearm was an Ortofon RS 309D. A very good tonearm, but not as good as the Ikeda, especially when matched up with an Ikeda cartridge.

The 9GSS sound great out of the box, but gets better as it breaks in. Mine now has a little over 50 hours on it, and is still improving

Best Regards,

Jim Perry

Mijostyn

Thanks for correcting my compliance question. 

I also prefer a 9” arm over a 12” arm. I’m of the opinion the the 9” arms tend to have a little more energy and life. The 12” arms tend to be a little lazier (in general). 

I’m looking at a Kuzma 4point 9” arm or the 4point 11” version. It’s a tough call, I believe the 9” would sound a little better but am I willing to give up the vta on the fly that the 11” offers? Not sure.

Thanks again guys. Take care.
Scot

Mijostyn

Thanks for correcting my compliance question. 

I also prefer a 9” arm over a 12” arm. I’m of the opinion the the 9” arms tend to have a little more energy and life. The 12” arms tend to be a little lazier (in general). 

I’m looking at a Kuzma 4point 9” arm or the 4point 11” version. It’s a tough call, I believe the 9” would sound a little better but am I willing to give up the vta on the fly that the 11” offers? Not sure.

Thanks again guys. Take care.
Scot

There is a 9 inch Ikeda tonearm for sale. Search on hifishark.com

High end prices have spiralled out of control as we all know, but $4800 for a SUT? These are passive devices with not much technology involved. The choice between copper or silver for the wiring is pretty much the only variable (in price as well as sound). There are plenty of great SUT’s on the used market at much more reasonable prices that are in no way inferior to this Ikeda. As long as you choose one with around 3 ohm as ideal input impedance and around 26-30 dB gain, it will match perfectly with your Ikeda 9. There are plenty of those around. Even the uber Audio Technica AT-1000T (silver wired, 8kg!) can be found for less than half that amount. These devices don’t deteriorate much with age (arguably, the silver wired will only improve), so no risks involved like with buying older cartridges. You can save yourself a lot of money. Or if curious buy several for the same money (or still less) and have fun comparing the results.

Compatibility with the tonearm is a much more complex affair and here the choice for the Ikeda (or older Fidelity Research FR-64/66 series) makes perfect sense. For me, the jury is still out on whether 9", 10" or 12" is preferable. I own two 10" and three 12" arms and I can’t really say there is a length determined sonic benefit either way.