2. analog
  3. 1345310279

Graham Phantom1, Kuzma Stogi Ref, Naim ARO

Hello Everyone, I am in the final rounds of selecting a tonearm upgrade for my Verdier/SME3012 combination. Somehow I am unable to make up my mind. I have drilled down to these arms as the final short list within my budget of $2k

Naim ARO (used)
Graham Phantom1 (used)
Kuzma Stogi Ref (used)
Rega RB1000 (new)
Fidelity Research FR64 (used)
Scheu Classic
EMT 929

The cartridge I will be using is a Dynavector Karat 17D3. I am not sure how people choose tonearms in general. My TT should be able to host any of these arms well. So it boils down to which tonearm can handle the Karat well I guess. I normally listen to all kinds of music with preference to classic rock so I like my music to be full and lively with good PRAT.

Would really appreciate some input here. I know I still have to buy blind but your inputs will help me big time in at least eliminating few of these from the list.
pani

Showing 1 response by pryso

pryso
1,909 posts
 
Pani, I only have experience with one on your list, the Kuzma Stogi Reference. However I have owned many other arms during my decades in this hobby and the engineering of the Kuzma continues to impress me. The bearings are outstanding, set up is fully adjustable, and I cannot fault the sonic performance. It may not look impressive but it is a precise instrument.

The only negative, which will be a plus for many, is the fixed headshell means swapping cartridges becomes more of a task than with interchangeable headshells or arm tubes .
More to discover