After all you have heard and learned over the years, if you had to start again or choose one tonearm to live with, which one would it be and why?
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After all you have heard and learned over the years, if you had to start again or choose one tonearm to live with, which one would it be and why?
Dynavector 507 Mk2, wish I had found it sooner.Quote:
Originally Posted by alcarmichael
Tried most other arms over a lifetime….. nothing else compares. [emoji106]
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I have a feeling I tried to buy yours from you some time ago…?
In my time, I've heard the following tonearms in my own system:
SME 3009/II S2
SME 3009/II (improved) fixed headshell
SME 3009/II (improved) detachable headshell
SME 3012/II S2
SME M2-12R with heavier S2R headshell
Audio Design (later know as Keith Monks) M9BA mercury contact pick-up arm
Breuer Dynamic 5A
Brinkmann 10.5
Decca International
EMT 929 (mounted on an 930 turntable)
Grace G707 (mounted on a Linn LP12 turntable)
Infinity Black Widow
Ortofon 309 (Ikeda modified).
In all cases, unless stated, the arm's were mounted on Thorens TD124/II turntables and used with a variety of cartridges, both fixed coil and moving coil.
For fixed headshell arms I would choose the Brinkmann 10.5, since Breuer arms are no longer available.
The Infinity Black Widow has an exceptionally low effective mass of 3g, so is only suitable for use with high compliance cartridges, such as the ADC25, 26 and 10E.
This leaves the 12" arms. Of these I would probably choose the the SME M2-12R as being the more versatile, though the Ikeda modified Ortofon 309 is optimum with the Ikeda 'cantilever-less' fixed-coil cartridge.
Unfortunately, with the possible exception of the Brinkmann arms, none of the above are made now, so if I wanted to buy a new arm I would consider the Glanz arms.
Another option would be to buy an arm which has been 'fettled' by a tonearm enthusiast: such as the Phonomac modified Audio Technica 1010 arm.
SME tonearms IV & V. Ease of set up, particularly alignment using the sliding base, no twisting and pulling of the cartridge, and of course sound quality.
I was going to suggest either SME V or IV arm, but didn't as you would have to find a used sample because SME no longer sell the arms alone.
Also there is a rumour going around that since SME changed the US supplier of the arm casting, the arms now display considerable variation in quality.
I have had a 309 and a V before. I loved everything about them. I would consider another...
SME V
I’ve yet to hear anything beat it.
Perhaps you need to read post #2 then. [emoji1787][emoji23]
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Did you compare your DV 507 Mk 2 with an SME V?Quote:
Originally Posted by Boyse6748
Of course… the SME V5 was installed on the Townsend Rock 7 and the DP80…. Dull and uninformative by comparison to the Dynavector.
Don’t get me wrong, the V5 is a very good arm, and I’m running the Dynavector with the Koetsu Onyx at the moment. The V5 pails into insignificance by comparison..
I’ve spent a lifetime (60 years) trying to find an arm that meets everything that makes me happy…. The Dynavector is such a device.
lovingly nicknamed the CARJACK, because of its robust build.
However…… each to their own .[emoji106]
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When I once jokingly described the DV 505 and DV 507 as the sort of arm Desperate Dan would use, you took umbrage, yet you are now quite happy with the nickname of the CARJACK.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boyse6748
All pickup arms have limitations of one sort or another, and the Dynavector arms are no exception.
But as you say: "each to their own". :)
As my 76th birthday approaches, I truly can’t remember ever taking umbridge about this arm. It must have been some time ago. [emoji1787][emoji23][emoji1787] when I didn’t know any better.
Still….. when you’ve spent 22k on a TT / Arm / Cartridge, you have to defend yer purchase. 🫤
Enjoy whatever you have….. this gives me loads of pleasure, and at the end of the day, it was my choice……… right or wrong.
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SME V dull and uniformative, never. Are you sure the V was a V?
Mike
I nearly went for the SME IV, but it has very variable opinions so probably can't be considered universal. Although, when well partnered, it can be terrific and is very good at managing surface noise, in my experience.
So, perhaps some slightly controversial choices, but I reckon I'd go for either:
Thorens TP90 (particularly the 'S' version), which is soooo much better than you might ever expect, especially if rewired.
Audiocraft AC-3000, 'cos you can't really beat a good unipivot for sheer musicality and the Audiocraft arms are easier to set up than most.
Of course the arm cable also makes a huge difference and best bang for buck surely has to be the Furutech AG-12.
I tend to think of the tonearm as the key component in a turntable, so it's taken me little while to get down to two!
Steph
I prefer my Dynavector DV505 to both the Fidelity Research FR64FX and Audio Technica 1010 Tonearms.
My Koetsu Black Goldline is sounding the best I've heard it on the 505 so it must suit it and my ears.
i sold my modded AT-1010 last year ,i now use a Mission Mechanic,love it!