Moderator: dante
Racio wrote:I'm seriously considering a unipivot arm, specifically ClearAudio's Unify, to mate w/ my Oracle Delphi Mk4 (w/ Beta Wood cart). Since I've no prior handling and setup experience w/ unipivots whatsoever (except for a short stint w/ Edrich's Ultracraft arm and Sota Cosmos TT), your inputs on its probable pros and cons shall be highly appreciated.
TIA,
-Racio
Noam wrote:Your Aurum Beta is a moving maggot so in theory that's a good match for a unipivot. Some people say a unipivot isn't a stable platform for a low-compliance MC - then again these are the people who tell us the world is flat and the RB250 Silver is the best tonearm ever made. I'm not familiar with the Unify but it has a good rep. The other unipivot contenders in that price range are the Graham Robin and the JMW9. And, if you're crazy like me, the RS-A1 it sounds awesome, but I warn you, it is not fun to use... you'd never let anyone else touch your deck again, that's for sure. What do you use right now? Maybe someone can speculate how much of an improvement the Unify would be.
When you consider the range of arms -including Naim and Graham unipivots- that are used successfully on the bouncy LP-12, I don't think your Oracle will pose a real problem. I even used a high mass arm (FR) on my Oracle II successfully. The one arm I always hear is giving Oracle users fits, is the ET-2 linear tracker..
Noam
ambel wrote:My bud Brian's LP-12 uses Graham 1.5T and it's a good match.
I have been using the Graham for almost 10 years now from
1.5 upgraded to 2.0 after trying several tone arms. But TT
is not suspended. I've got an Oracle III with SME IV which is
also a good match.
Racio wrote:P.S. Does it mean that if I go the unipivot route, I'll be limiting my cart options to MMs only?
Racio wrote:Well currently, I'm using an RB300 that originally came w/ the table when I bought it. Aside from its skimpy cabling, I must say that it's nonetheless a pretty decent arm IMO. But a friend of mine is offering to let go of his almost bnew Unify at a hard to ignore bargain price. I just don't know if a jump to a unipivot would also translate to better tracking.
It's quite a relief to know that some unipivots have mated well w/ other suspended tables. I would need to bore three more small holes on my armboard in order to accomodate the Unify, and I don't want to end up bonking my head on the wall after the install and finding out that they don't match (I'm only 1 bonk short of going to the looney bin!). Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Noam!
P.S. Does it mean that if I go the unipivot route, I'll be limiting my cart options to MMs only?
arnoldc wrote:racio, if you're one bonk short from going looney, why not go for a linear tracking arm?
arnoldc wrote:noam, in your experience with your oracle, what was the best arm you had? i currently use SME Series III with removable arm wand.
Noam wrote:I agree that the RB300 is a pretty decent arm. Good unipivots are very quick on their feet, so you would notice an improvement in dynamics and 'PRAT'.. not necessarily better tracking.
If your friend will let you try it out, it could work out really well. A few holes in the armboard isn't a big deal.. Oracle does overcharge for replacing the acrylic board, but you can probably get one made locally - maybe an exotic material like carbon fiber, or rosewood. If you need a new one, that is.
You won't be limited to MM's.. but the uni may not be the best match a really low-compliance cantilever, like Koetsu for example.
Noam
Racio wrote:I'm awfully interested in the DL103 since you mentioned that you switch to it coming from a Koetsu. Man, that should say a lot about the Denon cart.
Racio wrote:Are the 103's cantilever low compliance as well? Would you recommend it with the Unify then? Thanks for your note worthy opinions Noam! Please keep it coming!
Noam wrote:..I think the 103R specs are like the 103D (?), so that may be the best one to go for as an all-rounder. 103R has silver wiring. THEN AGAIN, if you check the Listener review of the plain DL103 (Summer 1999), Art Dudley was using it on the Naim Aro unipivot, and he was blown away by this cartridge. Same when he used it on the Rega arm.
Go for a group thing, you won't regret it!
Noam
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