Sumiko Premier FT-3
Stereo Gimbal Bearing Tonearm
Description
The Sumiko Premier FT-3 is a Japanese made straight tonearm with variable fluid damping.
Specifications
Overall length: 305mm
Effective length: 239mm
Overhang: 17.3mm
Offset angle: 23 degrees
Mounting distance: 221.7mm
Maximum backswing: 64mm
Cartridge weight range: standard up to 8g, extra weight 8-14g
Downloads
instruction/owners manual (en)
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Sumiko Premier FT-3 / FT3 owners manual, service manuals and schematics are for reference only and the Vinyl Engine bears no responsibility for errors or other inaccuracies. The PDF files are provided under strict licence. Reproduction for financial gain is strictly prohibited. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Sumiko.
User Reviews
Despite the excellent build quality and range of adjustment the Jelco-built FT-3 failed to impress when the stylus hit the groove. Worth tracking down if you want to experience on the fly VTA.
7/10 by JaS
For the money, a good arm. Stereophile once said it was better than the RB-300. Comparable.
8/10 by Nipplestiltskin
Comments
Excellent
An excellent mid-level tonearm and works really well on the HW19. Its easy to adjust a plethora of different things; VTA, azimuth, anti skating, and VTF. I like the fact that it is fluid damped and the damping level is also adjustable. If you take your time, you can set up the tonearm and cartridge more precisely than on many other arms. The resultant sound quality is superb.
Good arm, better than it's
Good arm, better than it's peers at it original price point. Balances nicely with many low compliance carts. Deep bass, clean highs, good dynamics and detail. Good image and soundstage. No particular problems. Easy set-up, VTA adjustment is a bit difficult, but manageable, anti-skate reliable and easy to set-up. As good as it gets in a mid-line arm. Does not establish the final word in detail or microdynamics, but this weakness is not a distraction. It does not compete with the megabuck arms, but does better the low and mid-level Linn arms. Works nicely in a VPI HW-19 or solid-mount table.