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SME 20/3 --- tonearm recommendations!?

Hello Gon'ers - I have an SME 20/3 coming, recently purchased on Audiogon. I'm trying to decide what tonearm will fit the table and be a good match. I considered Graham Engineering but I have a similar setup already (30/2 + Graham Phantom II). The tonearm will be mated with my Koetsu Urshi Blue cartridge. I generally listen to Jazz and classic rock, but also enjoy most any genre. Will be mated to a Pass Labs XP-25 preamp. 

I've considered an SME IV modified (new bearings, new wiring), or one of the Kuzma tonearms. They seem to be on vogue but I don't know much about them (or it they will fit the SME).
128x128mohawk195

Showing 6 responses by syntax

syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I looked at the 4 point 9 but my concern with it is the exit of the tonearm cable. It looks like it might hit the rear SME tower. Oddly enough the larger 4Point is off set away from the tower and there are photos...

You should be happy for that ...the 4P is slow and anemic, the Phantom is a way better Arm
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Hello Greg,

a superior Choice is the Aquilar Arm from Acoustical Systems.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
... the runt of the litter ...

Yes, but still very impressive. Did listen to one last week...amazing Performance.
But that owner did wear a Rolex too :-)
Well, we know, a true Audiophile is born to suffer ... best is to listen to some Arms ...or to learn something about geometry, bearing quality, enery transfer...most Arms work only with a few carts very well, or they give their 'sonic signature' to everything you use .... most don’t care because Hardware rolling is the fun of the game... or a good price beats the ear...I prefer one which is a final statement for every cartridge :-)
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Well...this ..."terrific match "...unbeatable bearing" and similar endless praise I did read countless times in the last 20 years even for the worst products/ tonearm cartridge combinations.
None, I mean absolutely none of such "influencers" have the slightest idea about Arm geometry, bearing influence, energy transfer, forces to cantilever based in mediocre design etc. Did own verious Kuzma products and know very well what they can do or not ...one man's ceiling is another man's floor
But each his own :-)
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Aha ... learning ...come on...we all know for years that flexible brain is not your cup of tea :-)
But just for me, did you buy anything new in the last 10 years for your System or is all still the same? I mean, do you have a prototype of your own Arm to show as a pic or did you bury your idea of the sonic revolution? I am curious...you wanted to start seriously 10 years ago with it?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Cool....a Ikeda Arm...didn't you try it?

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