Isn't this interesting how so many of us have purchased turntables with what some would call an inferior arm or as they say the WEAK link in this turntable chain.
I don't agree. I've heard other arms and mine with the upgrades sounded better to me mids were stronger bass was to die for. But it makes you wonder who started all this inferior arm nonsense?
When compared to the top guns out the - such as the SME's - the Technics arm is "inferior". However, with minimal effort, the weaknesses in the arm, which are relatively few in comparison to the "better arms" out there, can easily be overcome.
The first order of business is to make sure that your cartridge of choice matches up well with the Technics arm. A medium to medium - high compliance cartridge is a better fit for the arm, though heavier cartridges can be made to work well. On my budget, the Stanton 881S and the Ortofon OM-30 are very nice fits for this table, tracking in the 1.25 to 1.5 gram range respectively.
The fluid damper is intriguing, though I'm not confident that my listening environment would allow me to experience the difference it makes.
After that, its the little things:
- make sure the cartridge is aligned. I've had great success with the Technics alignment gauge.
- adjust the VTA so that the arm is parallel to the table with the stylus in the groove. Beyond that, adjust by ear if needed.
- make sure the table is level.
- The thicker Supermat is a nice addition to manage vibrations, and it makes it easier to get the VTA correctly set with a wider variety of cartridges.
The final step: drop the arm on some vinyl and have fun!
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