Any Kuzma owners here? Stabi S/Stogi S in particular?

Gopher · « **on:** 25 Sep 2011, 10:19 pm »

I recently purchased a Kuzma Stabi/Stogi S to replace a Well Tempered Reference turntable, in hopes of pulling some cash out of my system/scaling back on my analog investment. In my research, I've come across a good bit of anecdotal evidence that it might actually turn out to be an UPGRADE or at least lateral move...

This has me very excited and it seems this arm will be a good match (mechanically) for my Denon DL-103D cartridge.

It SHOULD be delivered tomorrow, though I'll be waiting on a few miscellaneous parts to get it up and running.

Is there any information, suggestions, speculation, or general gossip you guys have on this deck?

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Sep 2011, 10:33 pm »

There is an AC member who does, tho, I'm sorry, I can't recall his name. You might find some discussion by paging back to earlier conversations in the Vinyl Circle. That combination is certainly a handsome one and the cost seems reasonable, too. I'm bettin your Denon 103D will play wonderfully. Were I you, I would isolate the table from your rack similarly to the photo. That from Mapleshade?

orthobiz · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Sep 2011, 10:42 pm »

toobluvr might have one...

Paul

Gopher · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Sep 2011, 10:50 pm »

My turntable goes on a target wall mount and I'm planning on using mapleshade iso blocks and a John Boos maple butcher block on top of that isolated shelf for the Kuzma. It won't be on top of a traditional rack.

Thanks, yeah--toob is a good buddy of mine, and local to me too. He's going to help me with setup when it comes. I know his thoughts on it (and they have me very excited). I know Elizabeth has this setup as well, but it seems like this deck was largely overlooked.

Gopher · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Oct 2011, 01:58 am »

My Kuzma rig is up and running and I am pleased to say it has exceeded my expectations. I picked this thing up in hopes of having a decent sounding turntable on hand for when the mood arose, but had no realistic expectation of matching the quality of my Well Tempered Reference... I having spent a couple days with this (not even optimally setup, mind you) I can say without reservation that I prefer the Kuzma.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get it going with my Denon 103-D. Upon mounting it, its age could be heard, so its going to be headed into soundsmith for a TOTL re-tipping, which I understand to be a huge upgrade to the already tonally great cartridge. Right now its making great music with a Dynavector 20xH which has many, many hours on it as well.

I don't know why this thing flies under the radar. It really is fantastic.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Oct 2011, 06:23 am »

Hi,
yes it is true i own the Kuzma Stabi/Stogi S combo. With a Dynavector 17D3 mounted.
I bought mine used off Audiogon, from a seller close enough he delivered it,
The only things I had to do was put on my new Dynavector, and remove some of the dampening fluid.
The arm felt very heavy and overdamped, taking somee of the fluid out helped the feel. i do nott know if it sounds better, as i really took the fluid out before finishing mounting my new cart.

(I had a dynavector Ruby23 on a Magnepan Unitrack and that was great too.. So that is why i got the Dynavector for the Stogi S.)
Sold the Mag to a Unitrac freak, but still own the Ruby.

I have my Sabi/Stogi S on a 18" by 18" display sample of brazillian hardwood 3/4" thick 'teak' like flooring. Beautiful heavy wood. ($5)! on top of size ten rubber bottle stoppers on 3" tall 5" round patio bricks on a rubber pad. On top of a TV stand (next to my other TT a Rega P-5)

DaveyW · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Oct 2011, 06:47 am »

Congrats Gopher

Always good to share experiences of new acquisitions, especially when they've exceeded expectations

Post up a few pics when you get a chance.

Sounds as though there's a lot more to come too on the cart front

sunnydaze · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Oct 2011, 06:33 pm »

Enjoy the Kuzma, Fred. It was sounding superb over here t'other night when we set it up. Makes me kindof regret selling my Kuzma "s" setup. I've thought about buying it back on many occasions, and probably will at some point. It's that good.

Don't know how you can touch it for the $$, and even more. Great synergy w the Dyna 20X -- I listened to that combo for a few years. And remember, cart. is very long in the tooth, so the fact that it sounds so good with it now means there are good things down the road as you upgrade it.