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Schroeder Model 2 for Technics + Ortofon 2M Black

A poster (Cmk) suggested a Schroeder Model 2 tonearm as an alternative to the Hadcock and the Graham Unipivots as a replacement tonearm on my TECHNICS SL1210 turntable.

Since I'm exploring unusual options, I thought it might make an interesting thread. So, do you think that a Schroeder Model 2 arm could work on a Technics SL1210? Apparently, the Model 2's geometry is similar to a Rega tonearm. I have an excellent adapter plate for my Technics TT that enables Rega type arms to be fitted.

There is also the question of the Schroeder's compatibility with my relatively high-complience Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. Any thoughts?

Finally, what does the Audiogon community think of the Schroeder Model 2 arm? Is it designed for hyper-bucks high-compliance MC cartridges?
Are there better arms to be found in the in the Unipivot world, like the Grahams and the Hadcocks?
dsa

Showing 3 responses by cmk

cmk
397 posts
 
Hello Dsa
Having been a long term user of the Model 2, I'll share my experiences with it.

The Schroeder tonearm is like no other due to the lack of bearings and the use of magnetic dampening. The music flows much smoother than other tonearms, gimball or unipivot. The wood versions have a more rounder presentation, while the carbon fibre model is more snappy - I prefer the later as it seems to be faster. Arm mass is 12g so it should match with most carts. For the Denon 103variants, Frank has a brass mounting plate (+6g) for low compliance carts.

Certainly there are better arms out there, but these would not be in this price range.

On my high mass Schue DL2, with Mapleshade brass footers under the Herron VTPH1mc, it is a wonderful mix of power, dynamics, musical nuances and quiet background which is really hard to come by. Now the real problem is finding one.
cmk
397 posts
 
Dsa
The magnets are very powerful. The motor's magnets should not cause any problems. One of the key parameters of setting up the Schroeder is the magnet gap, which is typically very close, like 1mm. You would have to experiment to see the impact on the sound.

Like what Xronx mentions, setup is more time-consuming, since any changes in the counterweight affect other parameters - anti-skate, azimuth. The initial setup requires you to be patient. Once that is done, its pretty much maintenance free.

By a simple change of the cart mounting plate, you can mount a wide range of carts. It would be advisable to ask for the brass and alu mounting plates at one go. You can then play around with whichever cart floats your boat.

Good luck with your search.
cmk
397 posts
 
The mounting base is just shy of 2".

As the dust cover, if it doesn't fit, get rid of it. If you're this serious into getting the Schroeder on, I wouldn't bother if the dust cover doesn't fit.

I have heard the Music Maker cart with the Model 2 and it is a fantastic match. It was so good I thought I was listening to a really good MC - smooth, extended, and musical.
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