Audio Origami PU7 midrange?

[Ron_P]

Hello,


I have a bit of a specific question regarding the PU7. I had been talking to J7 directly and he suggested I seek a wider audience for this particular question. That's respectable indeed.

I'm currently looking at the PU7 as a potential upgrade/big step up from my AudioMods Series 6. [ I don't want to spend the money on a 4 Point "11" and I'm told the 11" is really the one I want over the 4 Point 9. ] Anyway the review from Fremer mentions a midrange warmth due to accentuation. And that's what I want to ask PU7 users about.

I do want a musical and lively arm. I do want detail (not sterile) and amazing soundstage. But at the same time I want neutral(-ish?). I do both LP live playback and 24/192 recording to playback later in digital. I don't want to be caught in a situation where, essentially, some EQing is being done by the arm. Think of the first Gen of CDs and their pre-emphasis. Or Speakers with that "British Sound" built into the speaker's response. ie, it's not a flat response.

People praise the midrange, but it's also been called warm. So I'm trying to understand what's going on here so I can make an informed decision.

If it helps/matter I'm running a SoundSmith Paua MkII cartridge into a ModWright PH9.0X phonostage. (Table will be an Ace SpaceDeck + Heavy Kit once my new collet arrives)

I'm interested in what the PU7 users can tell me about this arm's midrange.

thanks!

Ron

(the new guy )

 

[Rockchild]

Hello,


I have a bit of a specific question regarding the PU7. I had been talking to J7 directly and he suggested I seek a wider audience for this particular question. That's respectable indeed.

I'm currently looking at the PU7 as potential upgrade/big step up from my AudioMods Series 6. [ I don't want to spend the money on a 4 Point "11" and I'm told the 11" is really the one I want over the 4 Point 9. ] Anyway the review from Fremer mentions a midrange warmth due to accentuation. And that's what I want to ask PU7 users about.

I do want a musical and lively arm. I do want detail (not sterile) and amazing soundstage. But at the same time I want neutral(-ish?). I do both LP live playback and 24/192 recording to playback later in digital. I don't want to be caught in a situation where, essentially, some EQing is being done by the arm. Think of the first Gen of CDs and their pre-emphasis. Or Speakers with that "British Sound" built into the speaker's response. ie, it's not a flat response.

People praise the midrange, but it's also been called warm. So I'm trying to understand what's going on here so I can make an informed decision.

If it helps/matter I'm running a SoundSmith Paua MkII cartridge into a ModWright PH9.0X phonostage. (Table will be an Ace SpaceDeck + Heavy Kit once my new collet arrives)

I'm interested in what the PU7 users can tell me about this arm's midrange.

thanks!

Ron

(the new guy )

Welcome

I’ve owned both but the PU7 was first in 2010 and I would still have it if not for a divorce.
I’ve mentioned on here in the past that the PU7 is one of the best ‘affordable’ tonearms out there and it imo, was a more dynamic performer over some SME models. The midrange is difficult to pin point but it was a tonearm that allows the cartridge to do its thing.
It’s extremely well built and meeting J on a number of occasions and a few beers, I can think of no one better to build a tonearm.
The arm is a descendent of the sphinx arm which Johnny was involved with. I love the arm and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend but since then, the Audiomods came out and it’s cheaper and well built too. It can accommodate just about any cartridge as you know.
So, the big question. Is the PU7 a major upgrade on the 6? Sadly no, not today. Jeff’s arm is impressive at the price and I’m more than happy with it.
It’s such a difficult question to fully answer but if I was put on the spot, the Audiomods is 90% of the PU7.
Only you can decide, I’ve not used your cartridge on either arm and maybe it could be better on the PU7.
Good luck, I love both arms.

 

[Ron_P]

So, the big question. Is the PU7 a major upgrade on the 6? Sadly no, not today. Jeff’s arm is impressive at the price and I’m more than happy with it.
It’s such a difficult question to fully answer but if I was put on the spot, the Audiomods is 90% of the PU7.
Only you can decide, I’ve not used your cartridge on either arm and maybe it could be better on the PU7.
Good luck, I love both arms.

Thanks for the reply. This is interesting. I specifically asked him about the AM6 vs his PU7 and he said he was very familiar with the AM6 arm. He went on to say that he would expect massive differences, citing the bearings and math involved in the build/assembly.

hmm

 

[Rockchild]

Thanks for the reply. This is interesting. I specifically asked him about the AM6 vs his PU7 and he said he was very familiar with the AM6 arm. He went on to say that he would expect massive differences, citing the bearings and math involved in the build/assembly.

hmm

Unless you can have two identical Decks, cartridges and phonostages, you can’t fully compare.
I do recall on my then Xerxes 20 with an AO modded Rega RB300 to a PU7 was like the deck going on steroids, it was a huge upgrade but the arm was £1500 then and now £2500. The PU7 is more than twice the price of the Series 6 and I think the 6 is under priced against the competition.
For the 6 test, I used the same Rega then the Classic 3 which was upgraded to the 6 and all showed incremental improvements although this was done on a different deck and cartridge.
The Series 6 is a very much in demand arm, it’s competition to the AO. My Heart says AO but my head says AM.

 

[Lurch]

Whilst I appreciate that your looking at a PU7 VS an AM6, another arm that you should consider around this price point, that retains the Rega geometry, is the Origin Live Conqueror (now in mk4 guise) I went from an OL Enterprise 3C to the Conqueror 3C and it was a massive step up (more expansive soundstage, detail & bass). I now run a 12" OL Enterprise (mk4) and have not found any of the OL Arms I've owned to have any sonic foibles, just neutral with great delicacy, detail and superb textured bass.

 

[Ron_P]

Whilst I appreciate that your looking at a PU7 VS an AM6, another arm that you should consider around this price point, that retains the Rega geometry, is the Origin Live Conqueror (now in mk4 guise) I went from an OL Enterprise 3C to the Conqueror 3C and it was a massive step up (more expansive soundstage, detail & bass). I now run a 12" OL Enterprise (mk4) and have not found any of the OL Arms I've owned to have any sonic foibles, just neutral with great delicacy, detail and superb textured bass.

Thanks for the reply. I am considering other arms as well. And that MK4 is on the list too.

 

[Ady]

Hi @Ron_P Welcome. I can't specifically answer your question because as @Rockchild has said you need to do a back to back demo using exactly the same kit to hear what difference the AO PU7 will deliver.
I can say that I've had my PU7 for about 6yrs and I have no intention of changing it. Sorry I can't be any more helpful. If you lived closer you would be welcome to listen to my setup.
Cheers Ady

 

[stevied]

Nottingham analogue Ace Anna is another Tonearm to consider.

 

[Knipester]

I’ve owned two PU7’s one silver alu tubes and a black pu7ti. I have a used audiomods 6 in a box in my office which I’m about to fit to a friends LP12 and I currently use a Kuzma 4 point 9 on my ref 2.

Johnnie (J7) makes brilliant arms with a care and precision that sets him apart from many other small manufactures. The PU7 exudes quality and performs brilliantly. I visited J7 a few weeks back for a brew and a natter. He really knows his stuff & is a great person to deal with.

The S6 looks great however I’ve yet to install it. Does it have the fit and finish of the PU7…no, do they sound great? Yes, having heard one on a few occasions on unfamiliar decks.

Kuzma… 11 v 9, I’m very happy with my 4.9, is it worse than the 11… if it is then I don’t think we are talking much especially given the price difference.

Ultimately the arm synergy with your deck will determine its overall performance. All three are great arms and crop up on loads of very well spec decks.

 

[Battlesword]

I’ve owned two PU7’s one silver alu tubes and a black pu7ti. I have a used audiomods 6 in a box in my office which I’m about to fit to a friends LP12 and I currently use a Kuzma 4 point 9 on my ref 2.

Johnnie (J7) makes brilliant arms with a care and precision that sets him apart from many other small manufactures. The PU7 exudes quality and performs brilliantly. I visited J7 a few weeks back for a brew and a natter. He really knows his stuff & is a great person to deal with.

The S6 looks great however I’ve yet to install it. Does it have the fit and finish of the PU7…no, do they sound great? Yes, having heard one on a few occasions on unfamiliar decks.

Kuzma… 11 v 9, I’m very happy with my 4.9, is it worse than the 11… if it is then I don’t think we are talking much especially given the price difference.

Ultimately the arm synergy with your deck will determine its overall performance. All three are great arms and crop up on loads of very well spec decks.

Out of interest what was the difference in sound between the PU7 silver aluminium and the PU7 titanium?