2. analog
  3. 1115048600

Recommendation for a second arm/cartridge combo

Folks, I'm looking to install a second arm/cartridge combo on my C/A Maximum Solution table. Plan is to use my current arm/cartridge (Graham 2.2 + C/A Victory H) as the 'daily driver' and install a second arm for more intimate listening sessions. I initially considered the C/A TQ series linear tracking arms, but other pivot models, i.e. Schroder Reference or Dynavector 507, have caught my attention as well. The phono stage is a Klyne 7PX5 feeding a tubed F/S Paramount SE linestage, into a Rowland 302, into Eidolon Diamonds.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations the forum gurus can offer.
ca2284
flyingred
139 posts
 
Schroder Reference/Zyx Airy 3
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
What kind(s) of music will you use this combo for? That and some idea of your budget expectations, if any, would help narrow the field.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
i own the "anniversary" version of the maximum solution, with synchro and all the other available bits. for my second arm/cartridge, i've chosen the graham 2.2 (used) with a benz lp MONO. as a collector of mono, especially early jazz and rock (e.g., beatles) recordings, i find this combination to be quite practical and clearly superior to just another stereo pairing.

my first arm/cartridge is the graham phantom/koetsu burma jade.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
i own the "anniversary" version of the maximum solution, with synchro and all the other available bits. for my second arm/cartridge, i've chosen the graham 2.2 with a benz lp MONO. as a collector of mono, especially early jazz and rock (e.g., beatles) recordings, i find this combination to be quite practical and clearly superior to just another stereo pairing.

my first arm/cartridge is the graham phantom/koetsu burma jade.
ca2284 OP
43 posts
 
listen mostly to jazz (about 50%), followed by classical (about 30%), then an even split between classic rock and country. I like the idea of the Graham Phantom as the main, then the 2.2 as the secondary due primarily to the ease of setup and my familiarity with Graham. However, I would welcome recommendations on other brands/types as well as cartridge matching. I'm looking to spend about $7k on the arm/cartridge combo but have some flexibility.

Cornfedboy, you probably have the 'anniversary' edition of the Master Solution since you're using it with the Synchro. The Maximum solution has 3 motors and comes with the C/A APG motor controller. Question: How do you switch from listening to one arm to the the other, do you just remove/reconnect the 5-pin DIN connector from one arm to the other? How do you deal with the phonostage in terms of load and output? Unless the Benz and Koetzu have similar load requirements and output specifications, wouldn't you have to make adjustments to the phonostage everytime you switch (not a problem with some preamps, i.e., Manley or Rhea, as they are easily adjustable)? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
More to discover