Thinking about a new arm

[tony22]

I've been using a Linn Akito II on my ES-1 for a while. I like it, but with the Rega RB-303 out and alternatives like the Clearaudio Verify and Origin Live Mk3a (both a bit more money, yes) I've been wondering if I could see an improvement in my table's performance with one of these newer arms. I tend to use low to mid compliance MC carts. My table has a lot of the Vinyl Nirvana and Scillia upgrades (and the plinth resonance dampening using the material from Sound of the Wood).

I was at the NYAS last weekend and heard a number of tables in the sound rooms. Stuff I could never afford, but it got me wondering if I could bring the sound of the ES-1 up a bit. It does sound nice, but even after all the upgrades it sounds a bit less resolved and airy compared to these newer TTs. I have VdH and Denon MCs (yes, I know the Denons are not necessarily the last word in resolution and airiness). I guess I'm wondering if any of these other arms (or any others in this price range) could bring something more to the table, so to speak.

Or maybe I should be wondering if it's finally time to move to a newer table????? I hadn't considered that until just as I was putting this post together. Kind of scary. I've been living with the ES-1 since the mid 80s.

[pivot]

I am one of those guys who thinks tweeking/optimising what I have, assuming it is "solid stuff" to start with, is the high value road to Nirvana.

The replacment subchassis, mine is the older Merrill acrylic, was a HUGE up over stock.

Have you spent any time with motor tweeks?

A cartridge that is an ideal match to arm and system (which Denons do you have?) may make things "light up". Not sure a stock Rega 303 is an up over a clean working Akito.

I think you will have to spend big bucks to get a substantially better table then a well tweeked AR. Just IMHO of course.

[tony22]

I am one of those guys who thinks tweeking/optimising what I have, assuming it is "solid stuff" to start with, is the high value road to Nirvana.

Well, considering I've stuck with this table for over 25 years, I guess I fall into the same camp!

The replacment subchassis, mine is the older Merrill acrylic, was a HUGE up over stock.

Have you spent any time with motor tweeks?

At the time I could not afford the hot-rod subchassis. So I used the SotW damping compound to damp out the subchassis and the plinth. I think it did a pretty good job, actually.

As to the motor, I was actually one of the first of the group a long time ago who did the Hurst upgrade (I was actually under a different user name back then. At some point I forgot what that password was, by the time I tried to get back to this site I had a new email address, so I had to register under a new name). I have not gone the low voltage / DC route yet, however.

A cartridge that is an ideal match to arm and system (which Denons do you have?) may make things "light up". Not sure a stock Rega 303 is an up over a clean working Akito.

I think you will have to spend big bucks to get a substantially better table then a well tweeked AR. Just IMHO of course.

Right now I'm using a 103R. I have an older VdH HOMC that I've used. I also have a 301. I guess I'm not really looking for a new table, but maybe wondering more how to get what I have up to the sonic capabilities of some of these newer designs. I've even heard some of the more "affordable" (low thousands) tables like the VPI Classic and the Clearaudio. They seem to sound so much clearer and more open - dare I say less like the older classic vinyl sound - than what I'm running right now.

I suspect the 103R is not helping here. It's a great cart for the money, but let's face it it's not the last word in performance in those areas.

Oh, and to fill in the other info - my table over time has also gotten the newer springs, belt, copolymer armboard, platter and subplatter, and the most recent Merrill/Scillia mat (the cork/lead job).

[pivot]

Thinkin' on this, can't help but wonder if the differance you are hearing is more due to transducers - cartridge, speakers, headphones - then to mechanics. Do the systems you are hearing that are "clearer and more open" share any componants with your home system?

How do you know the tonearm is the suspect?

[tony22]

Thinkin' on this, can't help but wonder if the differance you are hearing is more due to transducers - cartridge, speakers, headphones - then to mechanics. Do the systems you are hearing that are "clearer and more open" share any componants with your home system?

How do you know the tonearm is the suspect?

Well, the rest of my system is (IMO) about as good as it gets for any human amount of money. Shahinian Diapasons, Pass preamp, Van Alstine FetValve amp, TFK ECC801S tubes... digital gear that outperforms most of what I've heard. I know the rest of my system can support that level of smoothness + clarity. I honestly don't know that the arm is suspect at all. I wasn't sure, though, if some of the alternatives I'd mentioned could be compared to my Akito II.

[pivot]

If your system is doing it for you with digital it seems something in a analogue end of things.

Have not heard the Pass preamp but have heard Shahinian Obelisks many moons ago and they were superb omnidirectionals.

In your situation, and with your system I'd like to be in your situation, I think I'd be trying some different cartridges. I still don't see a Rega 301 as a big up from the Akido.

[tony22]

Yes, i think I agree Kevin. I have been otherwise very happy with the arm. Any suggestions given that I'm listening to a 103R now?

[pivot]

Well that would be presumptuous of me as most of your kit is rather up market compared to my current rig.

I would note that conical 103 Denons rather like higher mass arms then the Akito, but how did the 301 sound to you?. Quick surf to the Shahinian website and see they mention Dynavector cartridges.

[tony22]

Kevin, sorry for the late reply. I was away on business for a bit and then had some other stuff eating up my time. I honestly haven't used the 301 for a good two years at this point, so my recollection are not sharp. I only remember the 103R (when I installed it at the time) sounding like it had a bit more transient speed. I remember thinking I liked it better. Not much to go on, I know.