Arm and cartridge for Brinkmann Balance


I am considering several arms for a Brinkmann Balance including Brinkmann, Kuzma 4 Point, Graham Phantom II Supreme and Triplanar Mk. VII

As well as several cartridges including Brinkmann EMT, Lyra Atlas, Orofon Anna, and Dynavector XV-1

Any thoughts about these or any others would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Showing 1 response by klinerm

I have not listened on the Brinkmann, but within a short period I heard in my home on the Acoustic Signature Final Tool Mk II (not the ultimate table, but certainly far from the worst), the SME V (first tonearm on the table), Triplanar (whatever iteration it was 4 years ago), and the 4-point (still have). Cartridge was/is ZYX Universe for all arms. The SME V had many excellent qualities, but I felt it was lacking a little in bass. The Triplanar sounded kind of exciting, but a little "fuzzy" compared to the SME, with a less precise soundstage (not meaning to disparage it in any way, all these arms sounded wonderful). When I listened to the 4-point no particular quality jumped out at me, but the more I listened to it, the more I felt the arm was just "getting out of the way," and that's why I still have it. I think I might agree with Michael Fremer that this arm maybe sounds a little like a master tape - adds little, subtracts little, it is what it is. Clearly not for for everyone, but if you're seeking musical truth, maybe a good choice.