tonearm recommendations for Clearaudio Champion Level II

[neonmagic]

Hi guys,

Currently using a Rega RB300 tonearm, any suggestions for a suitable tonearm. Am thinking something along the lines of a Kuzma Stogi Reference or SME IV/V. A bit wary of the SME as I've heard it referenced as being ultra detailed but not very musical sounding in nature, and I'd really prefer an arm that's detailed, but retains musicality. Will be used with my current Lyra Clavis, which will probably be updated in the next 12-16 months with a new Lyra (not sure which model yet).

Currently using the MC stage in my Audiolab 8000C preamp, but that is about to be replaced with something both much better, and much yummier (mum's the word at the moment).

I'm pretty happy with the sound at the moment to be honest, although I do realise the Audiolab is the weak link my system and can be bettered quite considerably. It's musical, detailed, generally good soundstaging too. The Clearaudio is a big step up from my old SystemDek IIX/900. I know not many people on these forums seem to like Clearaudio tables, and truth be told I'm not so sure why. I'm very happy with my table.

Anyways, any thoughts on tonearms suitable to my table, etc, will be greatly appreciated.

Dave

PS I was tempted by a Reed 2P, but a few dealers have warned me away from these, and the Durand Talea arm for a variety of reasons.

[sturgus]

I am a bit biased but you should at least look at this arm.
http://www.audiomods.co.uk/

sturgus

[thezenroom]

yea, i was gonna suggest jeffs' arm too. clearaudios are great tables, love the maglift bearings. don't be afraid to try an SME, with a musical table and cart i don't think analytical will come into it . if you buy second hand , you can always recover your money- no loss, and the build quality knocks most other arms for six. failing that how about a schroeder?

[neonmagic]

Well, my local dealer carries Kuzma arms, and he recommends a Stogi Reference 9" - very good build quality, and more musical than the SME by his accounts.

I can now reveal that I've also just made a deal to purchase an ASR basis exclusive with battery pack phono stage

re: Schroeder, the same reasoning will apply to that arm as to the Reed and Durand...my dealer feels that the arms are far too flexible to be considered good for real use, and it shows in the final SQ. I myself have no experience with the arms, but I have now had 2 dealers independently warn me against using these types of arms.

It will be some time before I upgrade the arm anyways, so more time to think and decide. Still to come are preamp upgrades and some dedicated hi fi furniture (Yamamoto soundcraft).

Dave

[audiodazed]

I am a bit biased but you should at least look at this arm.
http://www.audiomods.co.uk/

sturgus

+1
I have one too... very very quite, well made, and they did some reviews against the Kuzma somewhere with it being right up there with th SME V.

[satanfriendly]

Nice to hear kindness towards the Audiomods as I pick one up next week. Oh happy days

[neonmagic]

I am a bit biased but you should at least look at this arm.
http://www.audiomods.co.uk/

sturgus

+1
I have one too... very very quite, well made, and they did some reviews against the Kuzma somewhere with it being right up there with th SME V.

Did I understand correctly that you're saying the Kuzma arm is up there with the SME V (or were you referring to the audiomods arms being up there with the SME V arms?).

Dave

[audiodazed]

Sorry my bad, its against the Roksan Artemis, not the kuzma.
But they did review against the SME V
http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/audiomods_e.html

[neonmagic]

Ahh, cool. Ta.

Dave