Tonearm Reviews

Kuzma 4Point tonearm Follow-Up

Follow-Up from October 2011 (Vol.34 No.10):

I reviewed Kuzma's 4Point tonearm in September (p.99) and concluded "while I'm hesitant to call anything 'the best'. . . I can definitely say that the Kuzma 4Point produced the best performance from the Lyra Titan i that I've ever heard from it in my system: the best tracking, the best tonal balance, the best imaging, the best (and most remarkable) cleanness of vocal sibilants." However, when I compared the $6500 Kuzma with my long-term reference tonearm, the Continuum Audio Labs Cobra ($16,995), the latter was fitted with the Ortofon A90 cartridge. I preferred the Kuzma/Lyra to the Continuum/Ortofon, but further comparisons were necessary to eliminate the effect of the different cartridges.

Using my BPT-modified Alesis Masterlink hard-disk recorder, I played and recorded some LP test tracks at 24-bit/96kHz, first with the Lyra Titan i cartridge in Kuzma's 4Point tonearm, and then with an Ortofon A90 cartridge in Continuum's Cobra arm. Both arms were mounted on the Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn turntable. Then I swapped the cartridges between the arms, played and recorded the same tracks again, and compared all four versions.

These are both great tonearms with similar tonal balances, but I think the Kuzma 4Point pushed more energy down the pipeline. It sounded closer to the sound of tape than any other arm I've heard. An improved version of Graham Engineering's Phantom is on the way, but for now, the Kuzma 4Point may be the finest tonearm out there, period.—Michael Fremer

COMPANY INFO
Kuzma Ltd.
US distributor: Elite AV Distribution
1027 N. Orange Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 466-9694
www.eliteavdist.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
bpw's picture
Submitted by bpw on September 9, 2011 - 12:45pm

Having had a 4Point on the floor for demo here for a good while, I think you captured the essence of what it's all about: getting out of the way to pass the music the way the performers intended.

 

Brian Walsh

Essential Audio

calle_jr's picture
Submitted by calle_jr on September 11, 2011 - 6:15am

I've been playing with 4Point for 3 years now. I am very pleased and I recognize your findings.
Anyhow, Mr Fremer always seem to observe new things I never even thought about after three years.
Thanks!

//Carl Jonsson
 

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on September 12, 2011 - 9:12pm

And that is one sexy tonearm!  Mikey, yr the most objective and honest reviewer... ever.

Pro-Audio-Tech's picture
Submitted by Pro-Audio-Tech on September 25, 2011 - 7:28am

What tonearms have come to, I wish I could afford suct a beauty!

I have seem many changes in audio reproduction in my life and I believe there is a comment here on the way we did it way back when. There is a trend back to analog and it is for a reason!

What happened to SACD and DVD Audio, same fate for computer servers and DAC's?

I have listened to music servers and DAC's and all I can say is compared with vinyl (much less R2R tape) no thanks.

I applaud the new breed of analog pioneers, gret job Mr. Kuzma!

monm1670's picture
Submitted by monm1670 on September 1, 2015 - 4:24pm

Fantastic review! After all these years have you compared the Cobra tonearm on a Lyra Atlas versus Kuzma-Lyra Atlas? Have you tried the Kuzma 4 Point with other MC cartridges?

I just purchased a Kuzma 4 Point solely because I believe in your in depth reviews and analysis. In fact I always consult your reviews and articles in Stereophile and AnalogPlanet on on my analog purchase decisions. Thanks for being there for us!

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