P3/24 Upgrayedds?

[atomicAdam]

JM -

Appears there will be an Achroplat II soon.

From Danny at The Funk Firm -

"Secondly as part of the above matter re the website, for 2010, every single product in the Funk line has been fully updated and you will be completely unaware of the fact that Achroplat is now Achroplat II.

To satisfy many queries and to make more universal for other decks as well, it is now a revised higher inertia construction with even better enery transmission which produces even greater transparency and with considerably weight tot he sound."

But he said they were no longer carrying Funk Firm products. Though I'm was a little confused. Sounds like transition and web redesign. But he pointed out the FXR tone arm upgrade. Anyways, when it becomes clear I'll post.

He said some guy named Stewart was handling the Achroplat in the US and forwarded my email off to him.

So, seems like there are six upgrades to try.
1) Achroplat II ($?)
2) Sumiko Blackbird Cart ($900)
3) Cardas rewire ($200+labor)
4) Michell TecnoWeight ($179)
5) Funk Firm FXR tone arm ($?) or Michell TecnoArm ($?)
6) Record Weight ($free - thanks PC!)

[JohnMichael]

JM -


So, seems like there are six upgrades to try.
1) Achroplat II ($?)
2) Sumiko Blackbird Cart ($900)
3) Cardas rewire ($200+labor)
4) Michell TecnoWeight ($179)
5) Funk Firm FXR tone arm ($?) or Michell TecnoArm ($?)
6) Record Weight ($free - thanks PC!)

The Michell TecnoArm is based on the RB 250 with upgraded wiring and the TecnoWeight. They also perforate the arm casting and fill the arm with foam. I would not upgrade the wiring and buy the TecnoWeight if you are considering the Michell TecnoArm. I am not sure of the pricing of the TecnoArm but I would think modding your current arm would be cheaper. The upgraded wiring opened up the high frequencies and the sound became more musical. On the other hand I would say the TecnoWeight's ability to reduce surface noise and improve tracking was probably a bigger bang for the buck.

I found the Michell arm in Pounds at 424.95. Using a currency exchange site that is about $615.74. Again this is based on the RB 250 tonearm.

[jrhymeammo]

I found the Michell arm in Pounds at 424.95. Using a currency exchange site that is about $615.74. Again this is based on the RB 250 tonearm.

Looks like you are keeping your eyes on GBP/USD exchange rate as well. When I found out that Techoarm can be had for a bit over $600, $1200 in US sounds like a complete rip off. It might be an upgrade for you, but you may want to consider a aftermarket counterweight, such as Groovetracer. I haven't tried it myself, but have read great reviews. Rewiring should offer better sound, but probably nothing to rave about.

But all in all, I'm not sure if tonearm/turntable mods will give you the bang you are looking for. For what you can spend on upgrade parts, I would rather spend my money on where it impacts more such as a different cartridge or preowned phono-pre. If I was going to spend close to a grand on analog related gear, I would try out a phono pre by Allnic, Audion, Audio Research(used PH-3SE?), Audio Horizon, or K&K Audio phono kit. I'm still baffled to why people want to purchase any new phonopre in sub $1k category. The way I see it, you are most likely paying for a fancy box to mask cheap components. Whatever your decision may be, I know you aren't afraid to tryout different gear so I'd be looking forward to read your posts.

Have Fun,
JRA

[JohnMichael]

Looks like you are keeping your eyes on GBP/USD exchange rate as well. When I found out that Techoarm can be had for a bit over $600, $1200 in US sounds like a complete rip off. It might be an upgrade for you, but you may want to consider a aftermarket counterweight, such as Groovetracer. I haven't tried it myself, but have read great reviews. Rewiring should offer better sound, but probably nothing to rave about.

But all in all, I'm not sure if tonearm/turntable mods will give you the bang you are looking for. For what you can spend on upgrade parts, I would rather spend my money on where it impacts more such as a different cartridge or preowned phono-pre. If I was going to spend close to a grand on analog related gear, I would try out a phono pre by Allnic, Audion, Audio Research(used PH-3SE?), Audio Horizon, or K&K Audio phono kit. I'm still baffled to why people want to purchase any new phonopre in sub $1k category. The way I see it, you are most likely paying for a fancy box to mask cheap components. Whatever your decision may be, I know you aren't afraid to tryout different gear so I'd be looking forward to read your posts.

Have Fun,
JRA

I already have the Incognito rewire and the Michell TecnoWeight so I do not think the TecnoArm would offer enough improvement to justify the purchase. The main reason I am watching the currencies is in 10 days I am going to Paris. The Euro is dropping which pleases me. But back to audio. I have been very pleased with the transparency and dynamics of the Graham Slee Fanfare preamp. I think it loads the Benz well and has enough gain. I may think differently with a different cartridge. I am of the age where integrated amps, preamps and receivers had phono input. Buying an external phono preamp still seems a little alien.

I wished I lived in an area where I could listen to different phono preamps. I think until then I will be cautious about spending over $1,000. I like Michael Fremer but I can not afford the phono preamps he is excited about. Since I could not compare preamps I chose the Fanfare because I liked Graham Slee's ideas and attitudes about phono preamps. The combination of modified Rega, Benz MC Gold and Fanfare preamp creates a musical experience. Of course you are welcome to visit and hear the system as I would enjoy hearing yours.

[jrhymeammo]

I already have the Incognito rewire and the Michell TecnoWeight so I do not think the TecnoArm would offer enough improvement to justify the purchase. The main reason I am watching the currencies is in 10 days I am going to Paris. The Euro is dropping which pleases me. But back to audio. I have been very pleased with the transparency and dynamics of the Graham Slee Fanfare preamp. I think it loads the Benz well and has enough gain. I may think differently with a different cartridge. I am of the age where integrated amps, preamps and receivers had phono input. Buying an external phono preamp still seems a little alien.

I wished I lived in an area where I could listen to different phono preamps. I think until then I will be cautious about spending over $1,000. I like Michael Fremer but I can not afford the phono preamps he is excited about. Since I could not compare preamps I chose the Fanfare because I liked Graham Slee's ideas and attitudes about phono preamps. The combination of modified Rega, Benz MC Gold and Fanfare preamp creates a musical experience. Of course you are welcome to visit and hear the system as I would enjoy hearing yours.

Hey JM,

My mistake. I thought Adam was the one looking at the Tecnoarm.
I've been meaning to hear your system. After all it should take no more than 3 hours to your pad. I really want to make it happen soon. Perhaps we can meet sometime in early June?

Send me a PM with your schedule.

Have Fun,
JRA

[JohnMichael]

Hey JM,

My mistake. I thought Adam was the one looking at the Tecnoarm.
I've been meaning to hear your system. After all it should take no more than 3 hours to your pad. I really want to make it happen soon. Perhaps we can meet sometime in early June?

Send me a PM with your schedule.

Have Fun,
JRA

Sorry, since you quoted me I thought you thought I wanted the TecnoArm. Never mind. You young people and your computers. I will PM you but I am hoping the Icelandic volcano will trap me in Paris a few extra weeks.