Kuzma Stabi and Kuzma tonearm experience

**fjn04** · February 21, 2018, 06:19 PM

I won't get picky. Any thing you wish to contribute regarding Kuzma. I would particularly enjoy
hearing what (if any) sonic signature their tables/arms have. I am looking at a Stabi S (or S-12) and
one the their 313 gimbal arms. I have no local dealer, and their presence in the US is not strong, as
far as dealers having full table/arm setups. I think this is less true of their tonearms.

**fjn04** · February 22, 2018, 09:03 PM

Dealers? Anyone..., Bueller?

**annapolis Raider** · February 23, 2018, 09:51 AM

I was a long time user of a Kuzma products including XL, 4 point, airline, and a few of their carts. IMHO, Kuzma is a stellar company. Products are fully competitive with any other manufacturer. You get good support from the company and importer. In particular, the M turntable and 4 point represent some of the best you can buy at any price.

I have less experience with the products you mention. But feel free to PM with specific questions you may have.

**aKnyght** · October 1, 2019, 08:55 AM

the kuzma stabi s turntable with their stogi s se tonearm was recommended by a dealer as a quite high performance turntable at a somewhat entry level cost.

thought i would revive this thread to see if there are others who have had experience with this turntable or with kuzma products in general.

**vortrex** · October 1, 2019, 09:56 AM

Kuzma makes outstanding sounding products and the support is great. I've had their Ref2 table and 11" 4Point arm for 2 years. Extremely easy to setup, use, and maintain. The machining and materials quality is top notch. Don't let the utilitarian look fool you.

**UltraFast69** · October 1, 2019, 10:11 AM

I was very impressed and took the plunge on a decked out Stabi S, double platter, external drive and 4point 9 arm with their 40 cartridge all resting on a HRS M3X - everything has been ordered and should be here mid-October, review and photos will follow, I’m excited!

Albeit, the S design took me a little getting used to but believe it will compliment the steam punk meters on the DD.

In listening to many systems this was in the same league as higher dollar tables, around double putting this well into the 5 figure category but options and such have me in the high 4’s.

I believe no matter the setup you can’t go wrong. Stay tuned!

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**aKnyght** · October 1, 2019, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

I was very impressed and took the plunge on a decked out Stabi S, double platter, external drive and 4point 9 arm with their 40 cartridge all resting on a HRS M3X - everything has been ordered and should be here mid-October, review and photos will follow, I’m excited!

Albeit, the S design took me a little getting used to but believe it will compliment the steam punk meters on the DD.

In listening to many systems this was in the same league as higher dollar tables, around double putting this well into the 5 figure category but options and such have me in the high 4’s.

I believe no matter the setup you can’t go wrong. Stay tuned!

congrats!! looks like a great configuration... i will be looking forward to the photos and comments.

the aesthetics are indeed unique but have been growing on me. perhaps, the black finish will tone things down a bit for my predominately wood finished system.

as i am also considering a few other analog systems, just curious which high dollar systems were in the mix for you?

**UltraFast69** · October 1, 2019, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by aKnyght

congrats!! looks like a great configuration... i will be looking forward to the photos and comments.

the aesthetics are indeed unique but have been growing on me. perhaps, the black finish will tone things down a bit for my predominately wood finished system.

as i am also considering a few other analog systems, just curious which high dollar systems were in the mix for you?

Thanks and yes, we’re still weeks away, but time will pass quick. Black just looks right.

Yes, photos and commentary.

In the running was the following brands and various price points; ClearAudio DC, Ovation and Innnovation, and Dr Feickert Volare and Woodpecker, Kuzma Stabi R - all nice, but went the route mentioned because when you start adding in everything else it adds up quick - it will be done right, and can’t wait!-

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**aKnyght** · October 6, 2019, 07:37 AM

the kuzma stabi r w/ one of the 4point tonearms is looking promising... any experience / thoughts on this one?

some details / spec at this link

**XV-1** · October 6, 2019, 07:58 AM

both items you refer to are well thought out outstanding analog products that are close to SOTA in their price range.

**aKnyght** · October 6, 2019, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by XV-1

both items you refer to are well thought out outstanding analog products that are close to SOTA in their price range.

thanks for the post -- only other one in the mix at this point is the amg giro w/ the 9w2 tonearm at a somewhat lower price... any thoughts here vs the kuzma r + 4point? thanks!!

**UltraFast69** · October 6, 2019, 10:34 AM

SME makes a new entry table, that includes a outboard motor control and arm - I forget the model and it’s unique looking like Kuzma but was a fine table

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**Mike** · October 6, 2019, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

Thanks and yes, we’re still weeks away, but time will pass quick. Black just looks right.

Yes, photos and commentary.

In the running was the following brands and various price points; ClearAudio DC, Ovation and Innnovation, and Dr Feickert Volare and Woodpecker, Kuzma Stabi R - all nice, but went the route mentioned because when you start adding in everything else it adds up quick - it will be done right, and can’t wait!-

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Congrats! Great selection. You’ll love it.

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**gabweb** · October 7, 2019, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by aKnyght

the kuzma stabi r w/ one of the 4point tonearms is looking promising... any experience / thoughts on this one?

some details /

Hello
Although this is my first post, I’m an old “silent reader”
As a new owner of the mentioned combo (stabi r + 4p) I can highly recommend it !!!
I was the owner for the last 3 years of another kuzma turntable/ arm combination, Stabi S and Ref 313 VTA arm.
The cartridge was and still is a Zyx ultimate omega.
The R + 4P is a very huge improvement. It’s not easy to point out what is responsible of what, but I guess the turntable contribute to the more bass extension and “solid sound” that I can easily hear on my room and the 4P creates a more three dimensional soundstage and better and more crystal highs...
The R is build like a tank, as every Kuzma gear I saw. Feels and looks awesome
I choose the Stabi R because his versatility to manage multiple arms (maybe a dream, but better be ready) and the DC motor and belt coming from the M model and the better platter and bearing.
About the 4P arm I don’t need to explain...
I must admit that until now I underestimate a little the importance of the turntable influence on the final result.... I was wrong.

The rest of my gear is an Andros 1.2 Zesto phonostage , Lumin T2, Luxman C 900, Karan KAS 400 driving Magico S3 mkII. The cables are all Nordost heimdall II

Best regards
Gabriel

**joeinid** · October 8, 2019, 06:54 AM

Welcome to the forum Gabriel, thank you for joining.

**UltraFast69** · October 8, 2019, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by gabweb

Hello
Although this is my first post, I’m an old “silent reader”
As a new owner of the mentioned combo (stabi r + 4p) I can highly recommend it !!!
I was the owner for the last 3 years of another kuzma turntable/ arm combination, Stabi S and Ref 313 VTA arm.
The cartridge was and still is a Zyx ultimate omega.
The R + 4P is a very huge improvement. It’s not easy to point out what is responsible of what, but I guess the turntable contribute to the more bass extension and “solid sound” that I can easily hear on my room and the 4P creates a more three dimensional soundstage and better and more crystal highs...
The R is build like a tank, as every Kuzma gear I saw. Feels and looks awesome
I choose the Stabi R because his versatility to manage multiple arms (maybe a dream, but better be ready) and the DC motor and belt coming from the M model and the better platter and bearing.
About the 4P arm I don’t need to explain...
I must admit that until now I underestimate a little the importance of the turntable influence on the final result.... I was wrong.

The rest of my gear is an Andros 1.2 Zesto phonostage , Lumin T2, Luxman C 900, Karan KAS 400 driving Magico S3 mkII. The cables are all Nordost heimdall II

Best regards
Gabriel

Thanks for posting!

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**Mike** · October 8, 2019, 07:33 AM

Welcome to the forum Gabriel. Nice system you have there.

**aKnyght** · October 8, 2019, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by gabweb

...Although this is my first post, I’m an old “silent reader”
As a new owner of the mentioned combo (stabi r + 4p) I can highly recommend it !!! ...

welcome to the forum... you chose a great topic for your first post :-)

thanks for sharing your experience. great to hear you are happy with the stabi r + 4point combination... perhaps, the only thing left for me is decide upon a configuration for the stabi r and to choose between the 4point-11 or the 4point-9 !!

**UltraFast69** · October 8, 2019, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by aKnyght

welcome to the forum... you chose a great topic for your first post :-)

thanks for sharing your experience. great to hear you are happy with the stabi r + 4point combination... perhaps, the only thing left for me is decide upon a configuration for the stabi r and to choose between the 4point-11 or the 4point-9 !!

First world problems

Kuzma Stabi and Kuzma tonearm experience

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**gabweb** · October 8, 2019, 10:01 AM

Thank you all for the welcome

aKnight, I was at the same crossroads, you will go right in every direction you’ll choose with Kuzma.
I went “solid and conservative” with the arm and picked the 11”...
About the plinth configuration, took the all black one-wing to let the option to add a second one in the future.
And then go for a 9”

**Mordante** · October 9, 2019, 04:41 AM

A while back I was at a "show" where we compared tonearms. A Dr Feickert Firebird was used. There were 3 brands, Kuzma, Reed and another brand I forgot. The general consensus that the Reed arm was the best. The Kuzma compared to the Reed was a bit darker and more coloured in sound.

I would like to compare my Dynavector arm to a Reed, Kuzma and Thales arm.

**aKnyght** · October 9, 2019, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by gabweb

...aKnight, I was at the same crossroads, you will go right in every direction you’ll choose with Kuzma.
I went “solid and conservative” with the arm and picked the 11”...

gabweb, curious what considerations led you to choose the 4point-11 over the 4point-9 to go with the stabi r?

thanks!!!

**gabweb** · October 9, 2019, 11:55 AM

Coming from the ref 313 VTA it was hard to leave the VTA tower I was use to and go down to 9”...
Also the 9 got very good reviews, but I think the 4p 11 was in my mind since I bought the 313

(then I didn’t get the $$)

**aKnyght** · November 4, 2019, 07:59 AM

i see the bespoke color option is now available for the stabi r

...now that i can get one to match my lambo, that pretty much settles things

**UltraFast69** · November 4, 2019, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by aKnyght

i see the bespoke color option is now available for the stabi r

...now that i can get one to match my lambo, that pretty much settles things

Kind of makes sense, why not?

My buddy rented a Black Gallardo this weekend, and it solidified my thoughts of I’m well past fast cars - too much trouble when one can’t control himself

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**Mikeoo** · November 30, 2019, 07:53 AM

Hi All,

Running a Kuzma setup and having heard many of their TT's and arms. I would say the 4P 9" is one of the best bang for the buck arms out there when looking for top arms.

I recently got my 4P 11" upgraded with the latest gemstone bearings and if you are playing on the non upgraded 11" and 14" arms the difference will be huge if upgraded! It is a no brainer upgrade IMHO!

Mike

**UltraFast69** · November 30, 2019, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by aKnyght

i see the bespoke color option is now available for the stabi r

...now that i can get one to match my lambo, that pretty much settles things

Kinda like this one in my driveway, my buddy wants me to get this and the Hurrican is much better designed than the Gallardo

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**UltraFast69** · November 30, 2019, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mikeoo

Hi All,

Running a Kuzma setup and having heard many of their TT's and arms. I would say the 4P 9" is one of the best bang for the buck arms out there when looking for top arms.

I recently got my 4P 11" upgraded with the latest gemstone bearings and if you are playing on the non upgraded 11" and 14" arms the difference will be huge if upgraded! It is a no brainer upgrade IMHO!

Mike

Thanks for the update!

Enjoy your sound!

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**BruceLet** · December 1, 2019, 02:23 PM

My analog setup is a Kuzma Stabi M with a 4 Point 11" arm, a ZYX UNIverse Premium into a Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Stage w/ Ypsilon step up.

kuzma.jpeg

**UltraFast69** · December 1, 2019, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by BruceLet

My analog setup is a Kuzma Stabi M with a 4 Point 9" arm, a ZYX UNIverse Premium into a Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Stage w/ Ypsilon step up.

kuzma.jpeg

Sweet!

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**gabweb** · December 1, 2019, 02:38 PM

Great analogue set
The 4P is 9”? Looks like the 11”...
4P with the VTA tower are the 11” and 14”, Am I correct?

**BruceLet** · December 1, 2019, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by gabweb

Great analogue set
The 4P is 9”? Looks like the 11”...
4P with the VTA tower are the 11” and 14”, Am I correct?

You are right. Not thinking clearly these days. My 4P is the 11". Thanks.

**gabweb** · December 1, 2019, 04:48 PM

The main thing is that is a 4P...

Can’t post pictures of mine until reaching 10 posts...
I will when allowed

**Mikeoo** · December 2, 2019, 05:54 AM

Nice!

I may head that way as well but waiting for a shootout demo between Stabi M and Techdas AF V/III.

Mike

**vortrex** · December 2, 2019, 11:11 PM

I went from the Stabi Ref2 with 4Point to the TechDAS AF5 with various arms. The Kuzma setup was superb. It’s got an extremely high SQ to $ ratio when purchased on the used market. Build quality, machining tolerances, materials are all top notch. However, after using the TechDAS I can’t ever see going back to not having vacuum hold down. I would say the TechDAS is also noticeably quieter. Difficult to compare actual SQ since I’m using different arms and cables.

**Mikeoo** · January 10, 2020, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by vortrex

I went from the Stabi Ref2 with 4Point to the TechDAS AF5 with various arms. The Kuzma setup was superb. It’s got an extremely high SQ to $ ratio when purchased on the used market. Build quality, machining tolerances, materials are all top notch. However, after using the TechDAS I can’t ever see going back to not having vacuum hold down. I would say the TechDAS is also noticeably quieter. Difficult to compare actual SQ since I’m using different arms and cables.

Hi, did you hear/try the 4Point on the TechDAS? Anyone else out there that heard or run Kuzma 4Point on TechDAS?

Mike

**vortrex** · January 10, 2020, 04:30 PM

No, I did not hear the 4Point on the TechDAS.

**Mikeoo** · June 9, 2020, 12:31 PM

So here its is,
After several occasions having substantial demos of lower range TechDAS models I am now waiting for the TechDAS AF5 premium to replace my Stabi R. Had the Stabi M in sights for a comparison with TechDAS but after hearing what air bearing and hold down does it was a no brainer to move for TechDAS. My 4P 11" will move on to the TechDAS and I am thinking of adding a 4P 9". Anyway one of the best vinyl replay I ever heard was a TechDAS AF3P with a SAT arm. Until SAT arm funds are here I stick to Kuzma 4P.

Mike

**vortrex** · June 9, 2020, 12:34 PM

Once you go air bearing and vacuum hold down there’s no going back. I moved to the AF5 from a Kuzma Ref2.

**Mikeoo** · June 9, 2020, 12:54 PM

Choice is already made, V Premium on its way! Specially 1st and 2nd track issues are gone with vacuum hold down.

Will report back when in August hopefully it lands here!

Mike

**gabweb** · June 9, 2020, 03:49 PM

Thank you for your update
Regardless of your post I was wondering that if I would upgrade my Stabi R, the TechDas V premium will be the candidate...
Love the minimal foot print and versatility of adding tonearms of both
but the air bearing and vacuum on TechaDas is a winner
Did you ear or see the premium version?
It’s suppose to be a big improvement on the basic one

**Mikeoo** · June 9, 2020, 03:59 PM

Hi, I think I heard about this in April when my dealer had some inside info from Japan. I've recently seen it on the web but not in the flesh. Strangely TechDAS didn't update their page with this info but I found some here: Mono and Stereo: New TechDAS AirForce V Premium turntable, TechDAS Announces Air Force V Premium Edition | - StereoNET Australia - Hi Fi & Home Cinema News
I have one on order. M Fremer said he rather take a V than a III and then use the money saved on a top arm, I kind of follow that advice…

Mike

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