Wow, I don't think that the venerable Alphason is the weak link by any stretch of the imagination. I would look at almost everything before that arm. Actually the whole rig looks pretty well put together. How about some detail work, tube swapping, AC power delivery (dedicated line, outlets, power cords), room treatment, or just some nice records. If you are set on an equiptment upgrade, I would look first at the phono cartridge.
Arm upgrade for Gyrodec SE, could use some help
Hi All,
I have a modest rig that includes:
- JA Michell Gyrodec SE (~$2400)
- Benz L0.4 MC cartridge (~$1250)
- Alphason HR-100S MCS tonearm (unknown)
- Sonic Frontiers SF-Phono1 Phono stage (~$2000)
It seems to me that the old Alphason "S" curved arm is a bit of a weak link at this point (any opinions on that assertion?), so I've been thinking about an upgrade. There are several options, and here is where I could use an opinion or two:
1) JA Michell TecnoArm - rebuilt RB-250, is it worth $1100?
2) RB-300 - probably the most common arm on Gyrodecs, and at $500 seems to be a reasonable price point. Better than the Alphason?
3) RB-700 - don't know much about it, but in the price range of the TecnoArm.
4) JWM-9T - Not sure it will fit, but beautiful arm that is well regarded ($2100)
5) SME 309 - Similar price point to the JWM, but again, will this work well in my system?
so that is my situation, I'd appreciate any opinions and recommendations you have!
Thanks,
brent
===============
Rest of system:
DK MkII Integrated
SFCD-1 CD player
Silverline Sonata III speakers (Thanks Grant!)
AU-24 / Harmonic Tech / Cardas
I have a modest rig that includes:
- JA Michell Gyrodec SE (~$2400)
- Benz L0.4 MC cartridge (~$1250)
- Alphason HR-100S MCS tonearm (unknown)
- Sonic Frontiers SF-Phono1 Phono stage (~$2000)
It seems to me that the old Alphason "S" curved arm is a bit of a weak link at this point (any opinions on that assertion?), so I've been thinking about an upgrade. There are several options, and here is where I could use an opinion or two:
1) JA Michell TecnoArm - rebuilt RB-250, is it worth $1100?
2) RB-300 - probably the most common arm on Gyrodecs, and at $500 seems to be a reasonable price point. Better than the Alphason?
3) RB-700 - don't know much about it, but in the price range of the TecnoArm.
4) JWM-9T - Not sure it will fit, but beautiful arm that is well regarded ($2100)
5) SME 309 - Similar price point to the JWM, but again, will this work well in my system?
so that is my situation, I'd appreciate any opinions and recommendations you have!
Thanks,
brent
===============
Rest of system:
DK MkII Integrated
SFCD-1 CD player
Silverline Sonata III speakers (Thanks Grant!)
AU-24 / Harmonic Tech / Cardas
- ...
- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total