SAT Tonearm

[MylesBAstor]

It's taken a lot more preparation work to set this tonearm up on the VPI Vanquish than originally thought. First had to be aware that the SAT comes with a non-detachable tonearm wire that is a 1.2 meters long. I generally need 1.5 but luckily with the new table, I can use the post closest to the phonostage to overcome that issue.

The bigger problem is that the SAT arm is 9-inches and Harry really didn't envision using anything less than a 10-inch arm with the table. The S2P for instance for the 12-inch VPI is 300 mm; the SAT by contrast is 212.2 mm. So the conventional armboard would hit the platter. Thus Marc made a CAD drawing for Harry's machinist where a piece of the armboard is machined away to allow for platter clearance.




So the last bit of concern is that the counterweight clears the turntable's mounting post. I don't think that will be an issue as the armboard height vs tonearm height can be manipulated. But time will tell as Marc and his rep Maier Shadi are coming this Sunday with the SAT arm. Since I haven't Rosen in the Atlas, we will go with the A95 for the listening session.

[RonR]

Those sure are some hurdles to overcome! I will be fascinated to read your thoughts on the SAT tonearm once you start using it.

[MylesBAstor]

Those sure are some hurdles to overcome! I will be fascinated to read your thoughts on the SAT tonearm once you start using it.

Yes probably wouldn't have this issue on many tables. But this was the best solution I could come up with to review the vast majority of arms out there. For instance, was offered the Schroeder arm a while back but the issue here was like the Graham (?), the phono cable exits through the bottom, not the back of the arm. Thus the Vanquish has plenty of room to accommodate this type of arm too.

[Rob]

Now a SAT arm what's next, an AF1!? (im just jealous )

[MylesBAstor]

Now a SAT arm what's next, an AF1!? (im just jealous )

I did try getting the AF2 or 3 for review.

[rockitman]

SAT in for review only ? Lucky you. Maybe you can cut through the subjective hoopla and determine if it earns its lofty price of admission.

[MylesBAstor]

SAT in for review only ? Lucky you. Maybe you can cut through the subjective hoopla and determine if it earns its lofty price of admission.

Yes would have to sell a turntable setup DVD to afford one.

[ashandger]

Will be eagerly awaiting your feedback. If possible, could you please include some comments on the SATs soundstage perspective. Specifically, compared to the other arm/s, does the front of soundstage SAT creates start ahead of the speaker plane, in-line or somewhat behind. I expect the back of the soundstage will extend way back. Also, any feedback on microdynamics would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to your thoughts.

[MylesBAstor]

Will be eagerly awaiting your feedback. If possible, could you please include some comments on the SATs soundstage perspective. Specifically, compared to the other arm/s, does the front of soundstage SAT creates start ahead of the speaker plane, in-line or somewhat behind. I expect the back of the soundstage will extend way back. Also, any feedback on microdynamics would be greatly appreciated. Look forward to your thoughts.

I'll definitely keep it mind!

[MylesBAstor]

Last piece to the puzzle arrived today! Of course, armboard will rotate clockwise to accommodate S2P distance of SAT arm. Plus the board has been modded to allow for using. 9-inch arm on the table.

Countdown begins to Sunday's blast off! 😄

[Garth]

I will be interested to read your thoughts on this arm pros and cons

[JDZA]

Myles

l hope you can get to your turntable from the back as setting up and accurately cueing a cartridge with a tonearm in that position is absolute torture. Just my experience. Can you not use the left rear upright for the armboard ?

[Metamatic]

Myles

l hope you can get to your turntable from the back as setting up and accurately cueing a cartridge with a tonearm in that position is absolute torture. Just my experience. Can you not use the left rear upright for the armboard ?

plus 1. back left will be soooo much easier to use. I refused to set up a 3rd arm on my TW for that very reason.

[MylesBAstor]

Myles

l hope you can get to your turntable from the back as setting up and accurately cueing a cartridge with a tonearm in that position is absolute torture. Just my experience. Can you not use the left rear upright for the armboard ?

Absolutely. Just mounted it there so Marc and Maier could get an idea of how the armboard looks on the table.

[Rob]

Maier as in Maier Shadi, is he the importer?

[MylesBAstor]

Yes.

[MylesBAstor]

Some pictures from today's set-up and initial listening sessions.

Marc Gomez, Swedish Analogue Technologies along with his carbon fiber tonearm.