Planning for a turntable with 12" tonearm

[jsaliga]

I just closed a deal on a used Aesthetix Rhea phono preamp, which has three discrete inputs.  This will allow me to connect up to three different tonearms, using any number of cartridges.  Each channel on the Rhea has its own gain and load settings.

I went this route because I intend to pursue an audio dream that I have had for a number of years and just never quite got around to it.  I plan to put together a second turntable that will feature a 12" tonearm, possibly two tonearms.

I have been kicking my options around for the last few days.  I could go with something brand new, based on a current design.  I ruled out VPI because I feel that one if their tables with a JMW 12.7 arm is cost prohibitive (not looking to take out a second mortgage to pursue this dream....not in this economy!  ).  So I looked at some less expensive alternatives.  Origin Live has the Calypso (available with 12" arm chassis for about $2,400) and the Resolution (also available with 12" arm chassis for about $3,600).  Those are the only contemporary designs that I could find that could accommodate a longer arm and were -- *ahem* -- somewhat affordable.

Still, I would need to add a tonearm and cartridge.  I just ordered a Benz Ebony L that should be here any day, but now that I have decided to pursue a second turntable I intend to return the Benz.  Another audio adventure I have long wanted to embark on was to try a Koetsu cartridge.  So that is the other shoe that you hear dropping.  The thing that has held me back on the Koetsu is that the SME arms I have used are not good compliance matches for Koetsu cartridges.  One really should match a high mass tonearm with a Koetsu.

Obviously with these goals the cost of this project could get extremely high very fast.  I want to control costs to the greatest extent possible.  Given that desire I think any contemporary design is out of the running.  Even $2,400 for the Origin Live Calypso doesn't seem to me to be a good value proposition.

If I am going to spend $2K to $3K on a turntable then going vintage might make the most sense.  For considerably less than the cost of a Calypso I can buy a very nice Thorens TD124 or Garrard 301/401.  This has a lot of appeal because custom wood plinths are available for these tables that can accommodate two tonearms.  So if I wanted I could have, say, a Garrard 401 with a 12" and a 9" arm, with two different cartridges.  I'm really warming up to this idea.

For a tonearm I see two reasonably priced options, and only one that will really match up well with a Koetsu.  The SME 3012 is a classic arm with a solid pedigree.  Used examples are fairly abundant and sensibly priced.  I could obtain one for about $1,000 or less.  New Old Stock arms are still around too, but those are fetching pretty high prices.  The bad news is that the SME is a medium to low mass arm.  At an effective mass of 12.7 grams it is not a particularly good fit for a Koetsu.

The Jelco SA-750L is a high mass 12" arm that is a nice compliance match for a Koetsu.  These arms are available new, use a Linn mount, and can be had for a little more than $600.

I am hoping to have a deck, plinth, and arm by the end of the year.  I'll start looking for a Koetsu cartridge after the holidays.  The cartridge I am mostly interested in is the Urushi.

At this point I am just thinking out loud.

--Jerome

[tmazz]

I know where you are coming with regards to VPI. If I am not mistaken the only TT currently in production that uses a 12" arm would be the HRX which will set you back better than 10 grand. However keep in mind that they used to produce version of the Aries called the Aries Extended that had a 12 inch arm. I don't see them on the used market all that often, but if you can find one  it might fit into your budget range for  TT & Tonearm. The additional advantage of VPI is that the JMW series of arms use uni-pivot wands which can be swapped on and off the TT in a number of minutes allowing you to have multiple cartridges without multiple tonearms.

Just a thought........

[TomS]

This sounds like a fun project!

Kuzma has some 12" options with the Stabi S 12 TT and Stogi S 12 arm that might be worth a look and "reasonable" in cost (I know that's relative).

Good luck!

Tom

[BobM]

Just a suggestion, but maybe looking at a TT that uses separate arm pods might be an option, instead of a fixed arm mount. Either that or perhaps building your own extended plinth to mount them. That could open up a world of possibilities.

[rollo]

This sounds like a fun project!

Kuzma has some 12" options with the Stabi S 12 TT and Stogi S 12 arm that might be worth a look and "reasonable" in cost (I know that's relative).

Good luck!

Tom

  Ah yes the Stogi S 12" arm with gold/silver wiring and VTA tower lists for $2950. According to the distributor the Stogi S is an over achiever. The 4 pont is better however unless one has a fine system do not bother. Improved bass, dynamics and space which only a excellent system can appreciate.
  I will offer a discount for AN members for any Kuzma product.


charles
SMA

[topround]

stabi 12 inch is only 1600 list!
perhaps you could get a deal on one


ahh a Kuzma in every driveway

[jsaliga]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate all the responses.  Please keep 'em coming.

This idea is gaining some traction and I am actively trying to buy a Garrard 401.  If that falls through then I will look for a Thorens TD124 and lastly a Garrard 301.  This was a pecking order that I established based on average cost (remember I am trying to keep costs in check).

I have selected the Jelco SA-750L as my tonearm of choice.  It is affordable at a cost of about $650.  Secondly, Jelco makes arms for Ortofon and Koetsu.  I know it is possible that Jelco saves the real magic for companies who OEM from them, or it could be that there are only minor cosmetic differences and other than that they are simply re-badged.  I have no idea.  I do know that the Ortofon and Koetsu arms retail for about 4 to 5 times the price of the SA-750L.  Since the cost of entry is relatively low I am willing to take a gamble on the Jelco.  It seems to be rather well received among audiophiles in need of a high mass tonearm.  I couldn't find any pro reviews of one (this is probably too much of a low-rent piece to be worthy of a printed review in an audio rag).  Going with the Jelco is also consistent with my belief that high end doesn't necessarily have to mean high priced.  We will see.

--Jerome

[toobluvr]

stabi 12 inch is only 1600 list!
perhaps you could get a deal on one

Stabi is the table, stogi is the arm.      

[topround]

jelco is also making the Ikeda arm

[BobM]

This thread may be of some interest to you ...

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1319650111&read

[jsaliga]

This thread may be of some interest to you ...

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1319650111&read

Hi Bob,

I read through that thread a few days ago and didn't find it particularly relevant to my situation.  Was there a specific post you wanted to call my attention to?

--Jerome

[BobM]

nope - just a general discussion of 12" arms, and since you were in the market ...

[jsaliga]

Thanks! 

--Jerome

[rollo]

stabi 12 inch is only 1600 list!
perhaps you could get a deal on one


ahh a Kuzma in every driveway

Yes but not with the VTA tower and Crystal silver/gold arm wire, oh my.

charles
SMA

[topround]

I think the VTa tower is another 400, but not really really neccesary, the silver cable, maybe....

They are nice options but if they price it out of someones budget???  I would rather have the basic arm if that is all I could afford