GrooveMaster II Tonearms
- Thread starter nemu
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pretentious company name, given the Californian location, for a Norwegian...
New Mexico.
still....Mayan Acoustics...
He looks a lot more Viking than Mayan!
I heard the dc10 Kabuki speaker at a show and was very impressed. It's too bad they no longer make this speaker.
Phenomenal electronics. I've only heard them at shows but they've been in several of my favorite and most musical rooms.
Yesterday @Jimford house (Tannoy Westminster, Audio Research, PBN 308 Table) we compared the Groovemaster (Aluminum arm wand) to his Origin Live tonearm. We used two VDH XWG Stradivarius carts and listened to the arms on various jazz and rock tracks. We were both aligned that the Groovemaster excellent in all areas (tracking, sound stage, bass and treble) vs the Origin. Impressive stuff for a tonearm not designed to be used with a higher compliance cart like the VDH.
That's interesting and good to hear, it's widely reported VDH at that level is less than happy in a heavier arm. Dave Crawley claimed most carts work well in his Timestep version when I spoke to him. He gave me the impression he felt that within reason finding a perfect resonance match was overrated, AK from Funk Firm suggested the same.
Some arms seem to work with about anything. Others not so much. The FR arms come to mind...
I use the titanium Groovemasters but feel the same...quite good across the board...
I use the titanium Groovemasters but feel the same...quite good across the board...
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That’s the next test Bonzo. I was surprised wow well the Groovemaster did with the VDH, with the 4pt and other heavy arms not playing as well with the Cartridge.
Also, I can report there have been no issues with the SME sliding base.
When you visit your tannoy friend again please send me some classical and vocal (ideally soprano baritone type) videos. I like that system based on the videos Ron had put up.
Hi Leif,
It’s a Enterprise C 12 inch.
I will but I don’t want you to think that I’m your new audio bitch.
What's your take on fr64 vs the groovemaster, based on various carts you have tried?
Good question. I've tried both arms with same carts but have not had both arms on same table. Here is why:
I have (for long) had an FR64S/B60 replica on my SP10mk2 (in stacked baltic plinth). The SP10mk2 is electrically restored but not mod'd. This was/is my lower budget point of reference. I happen to think the FR64S suits well here; its 'sins of commision' iow its well known bloom compliments the somewhat dry Technics. (I have not tried to mod the Technics as imho I would hunt after other more costly vintage DD before spending a lot on mods)
Anyways, I starting playing with the 12" Groovemasters on STST Motus II decks (and quite like this combo). I bought a 10" Groovemaster to try on my SP10mk2 but decided to send it out for a demo first, from which place it has mysteriously disapeared
so haven't done that compare.To the question they are similar in that both arms seem to work fine with medium compliance carts despite the high effective mass. I find the Groovemaster to be more neutral overall, and perhaps pulling deepest bass out better. The FR64S might grab a bit more emotion and swing. But I hesitate to say more since the compares have not been on same deck nor very rigorous
Also as I mentioned I have never heard the aluminum version of the GM2...only titanium.
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