[JLSmith]

Does anyone know the make and model of tonearm that was used on the original Comet? They all had the same tonearm; there was no option available. Mine is from 1993, and I'd like to get a high output mono cartridge for it. I'm considering a Soundsmith, but I'm not sure of whether I should get a medium or high compliance version. Thoughts?

Thanks.

Joe

[analognut]

I would call Sota. They can help with that.  1-800-772-SOTA   sotaturntables@kwom.com   

[BaMorin]

Does anyone know the make and model of tonearm that was used on the original Comet? They all had the same tonearm; there was no option available. Mine is from 1993, and I'd like to get a high output mono cartridge for it. I'm considering a Soundsmith, but I'm not sure of whether I should get a medium or high compliance version. Thoughts?

Thanks.

Joe

Looks like the Jelco 250ST to me. Sumiko called it a LMT, Mission called it a 774(something) AR called it the AR arm.

runs around 11g effective mass. Bearings when new are said to be set to < 20mg coulomb either direction.

Fairly decent entry level arm. has the advantage over the RB250 of replaceable tonearm cables, better internal wires( and ground strap) VTA can be adjusted without the need for add-on contraptions.
Depending upon which base size it has, the larger base is pretty much the same as a Linn base. If so, and you have a spindle to base distance of 210-211, you can always go to an Akito or Ittok as an upgrade for little money, and little work.

I can't say how it will do with the cart you are asking about but with the various Grado carts I've run on the 250ST (and rebadged 250's) the cart tracked fine. Sounded exactly like the Roksan Tabriz I owned. FTR, the Grado cart is rated at 20CU. All of mine fell right in at 10hz peak resonate with either the 5.5g plastic body, or 6.5gr wood body carts.

Marc

[JLSmith]

Analognut - I emailed SOTA 3 days ago but have not heard from them.

Marc - I tried to find images of each arm you mentioned. All of the Jelco is exactly the same except the main part, where the pivot point is located. Mine has the armtube going through a toroid, with space around the armtube, rather than through a solid-looking cylinder like the Jelco 250ST. If I can get and post a photo, I will.
Thanks.

Joe

[TheChairGuy]

Joe,

I've read before that SOTA is not so email proficient....best to call them as I understand that are quite good at answering matters that way 

John

[planet10]

A picture?

dave

[JLSmith]

I wanted to follow up by saying that Donna at SOTA replied to my email soon after my post. She essentially confirmed what BaMorin posted. She said that the early Comets used Jelco arms and the one I have, with fixed cables, was called the LMT I. She said that the specs for a current Jelco 250 should be OK to use.

I should also add that I've spoken to Donna in the past about their current turntables and compatibility with various tonearms, and she's always been very nice, helpful, and willing to spend time discussing their products. 

Thanks, everyone.

Joe

[robinje]

I concur...  SOTA's customer support is exemplary.  Kirk and Donna are very nice people to deal with!

[Mitsuman]

Bammer (BaMorin) is awesome.  I was sure his info would be right on.

Now if I could just pry loose an 8MZ stylus from him some how. 

[BaMorin]

Bammer (BaMorin) is awesome.  I was sure his info would be right on.

Now if I could just pry loose an 8MZ stylus from him some how. 

LOL............the LMT on a Sonographe SG-3 was known as a Mission tonearm....err......The Jelco 250St on a Sonogra....Ummm...............you get the idea.

About that 8MZ.......Grado Labs: 4614 7th Ave Brooklin, NY   (718) 435-5340.  They run the same there as they do through me.....except they pay postage. Tell 'em Marc sent ya          

Really though, you do want the MCZ stylus........and then load it as needed.