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Brinkmann TT with an SME arm - any experiences?

I'm looking into purchasing one of Brinkmann's direct-drive TTs (Bardo or Oasis).
I was thinking of matching it with an SME V arm, as I have a cartridge that works perfectly with the V.
I've noticed that it is common to use Brinkmann TTs with their matching tonearms, does anyone have experience with an SME arm on a Brinkmann TT? Will it be a good match?

Thanks!
iaxelrod
12 responses Add your response
mosin
410 posts
 
Possibly, but you really should give the turntable a listen with Brinkman's tonearm. It is a very good system.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,033 posts
 
You can use any Arm you want, there is no matching with a Tonarm necessary :-)
mosin
410 posts
 
Syntax is right, of course. Still, there are combinations to be tried to find a flavor you like. If it wasn't so, everything would sound the same, right? :)
wrm57
629 posts
 
The Oasis is a pretty neutral platform so you can with go your taste in arms. I'm using a Tri-planar right now and it sounds just like a Tri-planar. When my upgraded Phantom returns from Graham, I'll try that; another Oasis user I've talked to really likes the combo. The same user also had a Bardo and found the Oasis to be a little richer-sounding, FWIW.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
If you have a cartridge that works "perfectly" with an SME V, then by all means use an SME V. The tonearm/cartridge match is far more critical than the tonearm/turntable match.
rapogee
242 posts
 
I have the Bardo matched with and SME 4.5. Superb results. I called a while ago and spoke to Helmut and they actually custom cut the arm board to match the SME 4.5 I have.
royaloak
20 posts
 
The only issue with the Bardo and SME, is that the range for sliding the arm back and forth is limited because there is not enough clearance for the right angled output. Therefore it is possible that some cartridges will not align.
brizonbiovizier
124 posts
 
The V is slightly more neutral in the treble but the 10.5 is much faster sounding and more dynamic with much better bass. Overall its a big step up over the V
agiaccio
147 posts
 
I purchased a Brinkmann Bardo direct-drive turntable and was hoping to get an SME tonearm with it. However, my local dealer suggested I get the Origin Live Encounter MK3c tonearm instead, which is what I ended up with.

BTW, I'm using the EMT TSD15 SFL cart with this combo.

Very nice package, indeed!
brizonbiovizier
124 posts
 
Congrats! Trade up to the brinkmann arm when you can. Its better than both the SME V and the OL encounter although its quite a bit more expensive

Is that the same emt the brinkmann emt is based on from memory?
sksos1
385 posts
 
FYI:
December 14, 2013 - Brinkmann Audio of Germany announces the launch of Brinkmann USA as its direct-to-dealer sales arm in the United States.
Let's see what this brings to the table.

(Dealer disclaimer)
sksos1
385 posts
 
And yes I use a Bardo / 10.5 / EMT-Ti combo myself.

(Dealer disclaimer)
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