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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
pryso
1,501 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 .
manitunc
795 posts
 
I don't see how the phantom or triplanar fit in his budget
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have the Rega; I also have a Graham and have had a FR 64fx years ago. Frankly I would just as soon have my Jelco 750 as the 64. Have also had the 309 and IV. I went with the Moth version which you can get new for $1200. Can add a Pete Wriggle VTA for $200 or so. I would go with the Rega.
pani OP
1,049 posts
 
FR64 has always been a mystery to me. Some love it and some dont care about it. I could not find enough internet reviews about it as well to have a clear idea about its sonics. What is it about FR64 ?

Otherwise I am leaning towards Rega 1000 or a Naim ARO, slightly preferring the ARO because of its "musical" reputation. However, the ARO has a fixed headshell and fixed holes, does that mean it can only take certain cartridges ? Can anyone throw some light on this aspect ?
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Pani, If you can afford it get an arm with easily adjustable VTA, VTF, and Azimuth. The Rega is the least adjustable arm. If you get a Rega make sure to get an after market VTA adjuster for it. I would skip the Naim for the reason you stated (fixed headshell holes). With the ARO unless you happen to have a cartridge with the right mounting hole to stylus distance then your alignment will not be as accurate as it could be. Why limit your cartridge selection?

Sure, people can and do get by without these adjustments but they are not getting the most out of their cartridges IMO.

From what I understand the FR-64fx is a different animal than the FR-64s. Everything I've read says that the FX-64s is the one to get. Maybe someone with personal experience with both will chime in.

Your not going to find an arm with a 100% approval rating.;) You will just have to pick one and go from there.
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