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Turntables & Tonearms Where Analog still Rules

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  #1  
Old 02-25-2015, 05:02 PM
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C2300MC275 C2300MC275 is offline
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Default Kuzma reference 2

Hi all,

I just got myself a Kuzma ref 2 with triplanar vii ultimate ii as an upgrade to my VPI classic. Spent a lot of time auditioning the usual suspects (sme 20.3, Clearaudio innovation, Brinkmann Spyder, rega rp10, etc).

Anyway, this oft forgotten table is a giant killer imho. It's sounds as quiet as the sme 20.3, a soundstage as spacious as I have heard, and so musical. All the resolution is there - it is amazing how one lp sounds so substantially different to the next. You can go from warmth, bloom, and dimensionality with one of my Deccas to speed, rhythm, timing, and bass slam with Pink Floyd. Amazing kit. I was always marvel at the sheer build quality of these - check this out:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jlmNE8UGFXE

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2T1PRoNshDo

Anyway, sometimes there are products that were built right 20 years ago and they are still reference class.
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Old 02-25-2015, 06:05 PM
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Whart Whart is offline
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I had the Kuzma Reference (not a .2) with a Triplanar a number of years ago. It was a great table, easy to set up, well made, isolated without the trouble or cost of expensive accessories- in fact, I could find no fault with it. Of course, I got rid of it.
(Have had the XL with an Airline arm for many years now, and still love that Kuzma too).
enjoy your table. Franc K is one of the good guys.
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Old 02-27-2015, 01:09 AM
fjn04 fjn04 is offline
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Congrats on your new table C2300MC275. I guess we don't have to ask you what amp and preamp you are using? If I may ask, what made you decide not to go with a Kuzma arm. I will be listening to a Spyder in a couple of weeks. May I ask what you thought of the Spyder. Is there a reason you didn't listen to a Bardo, because it's much closer in price to the Ref 2. Enjoy the new table!
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  #4  
Old 02-27-2015, 08:08 AM
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C2300MC275 C2300MC275 is offline
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Hi,

I am using Audio Research ref 3, Krell 750 monoblocks, and Focal Maestros (departed from Mac a while ago).

In Europe the reference 2 is 9000 euros (similar to Spyder) - Bardo is much less. I am not so keen on Bardo - it has great speed stability and is very accurate. It is just not so musically engaging as the Brinkmann belt drives. I liked the Spyder - not visually. However, it was not my kind of sound. It focussed on image stability and detail. I prefer voluminous image, liquid, and musicality. This is not the Spyder.

I went with the triplanar because the ref 2 / triplanar combo is very well documented and used over many years of experimentation. Indeed I believe Tri Mai uses or used this combination. Also, I got a good deal
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Old 02-27-2015, 10:44 AM
fjn04 fjn04 is offline
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Very interesting. I am going to hear the Bardo as well, with my exact system, but at the dealers. It's all very system dependent, certainly tonearm makes a difference. I assume you may have heard the Spyder with a Brinkman arm.
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  #6  
Old 02-27-2015, 01:30 PM
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C2300MC275 C2300MC275 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fjn04 View Post
Very interesting. I am going to hear the Bardo as well, with my exact system, but at the dealers. It's all very system dependent, certainly tonearm makes a difference. I assume you may have heard the Spyder with a Brinkman arm.
Yes. With the new kiseki cartridge and dynaudio master evidence. It had the ront valve power supply too. It is very good indeed just not me.
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Old 02-21-2018, 05:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C2300MC275 View Post
Yes. With the new kiseki cartridge and dynaudio master evidence. It had the ront valve power supply too. It is very good indeed just not me.
Any feedback from Kuzma owners. It's been quiet.
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  #8  
Old 02-22-2018, 04:34 PM
Dsholl1 Dsholl1 is offline
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I have a Kuzma Ref 2 with the new 4point 9 Tonearm. I’ve been on the TT merry go round for years. In fact I have had the Ref2 before but had to sell it.
I think this is the best value TT you can buy. It doesn’t get enough attention, perhaps because it’s been around for so long and Franc hasn’t upgraded it for the sake of garnishing attention and extra $$$

It has beaten plenty of tables I have had over the years including SME, Linn, Oracle, AMG, Rega and Transrotor.

It really is a set and forget table.
I have a preference for suspended decks and I don’t think (excluding the Helix which I’ve heard) it doesn’t get better than this.

I had a chance to audition it against the Techdas Airforce 3 which I planned to get. I really wanted to like the AF3 but for me, it was more of Hi-Fi/ cerebral sound where’s the Kuzma was more Musical/visceral sounding.

You won’t be disappointed getting one.

I also had a chance to listen to it with various cartridges. I ended up with the Kuzma Car30. There was a great synergy with the in-house cartridge. Listened to it with a Kleos SL and Etna SL too, let’s just say that Lyra ain’t my cup of tea.
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Old 02-24-2018, 04:25 AM
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John49 John49 is offline
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Dsholl1... was thinking of putting a Kuzma 4point9 on my Avid Acutus. Anything to look out for?
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  #10  
Old 02-24-2018, 06:13 AM
Dsholl1 Dsholl1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John49 View Post
Dsholl1... was thinking of putting a Kuzma 4point9 on my Avid Acutus. Anything to look out for?


Nope.

I have had the 4 point 11 (and I’m sure I’ll get flamed for saying this) but, the 9 IMO is better than the 4 point 11.

Dynamics are explosive extremely detailed but very very musical.

I am seriously impressed with this arm. Should work fantastically with the Avid.
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