I have finally set up my braso de kamagong to the parameters set forth by baerwald geometry. The cart (initially shure m97 and lasty ZYX airy S) has also been aligned to its exact parameters. I have listened to my system for three straight nights and this is my impression written in simplest terms:
It would not be fair to compare the 'Braso' to my FRfx using different carts. So what I did was used both carts on the two arms to compare their sonic differences. Only one LP was used as a reference: Royal Ballet
*'Braso' fitted with m97: broad soundstage, warm mids and tight lows. The highs lack the intensity I've grown familiar with.
*FR fitted with m97: broad soundstage, the slam of the mid-bass was evident, also reproduce warm mids, but still no intensity on the highs.
*'Braso' fitted with ZYX: Ooohhhlala!!!! wider and holographic soundstage, pinpoint imaging, perfect tonal balance, slambang lows, engaging mids and oh that intensity of several violins playing as one were clearly electrifying.
*FR with ZYX: Oooops. I couldn't hear any difference, except that FR/ZYX combo seems to be just a teeny-weeny bit better in reproducing the mid bass. Trust me, the 'Braso', proudly Philippine-made is at par with the caliber of world's best.
Pardon me, but I have replaced my SME 309 with FRfx because the latter matches with my system very well. This just goes to prove that the 'Braso' will also do well against SME 309, at least in my system.
Conclusion: The 'Braso' will be in my music den for keeps!!!!!!
And before I forget, I'm very pleased with the lifter Master Mandy custom-built (will post pics later) for the 'Braso'. It's actually the lifter of my old AT tonearm whose anti-skating control broke, and which Master Mandy adapted to fit with the 'Braso'. It now makes cueing a very pleasant experience for me.