Kuzma Stabi R
(click to visit Kuzma)
We’ve had a design for an $8K-$12K turntable on our drawing board for quite some time.
The challenge lies in manufacturing costs in the U.S.
Local production is key to maintaining quality, so manufacturing offshore is not an option.
Enter the Kuzma Stabi R which embodies three key design principles we embrace here at Galibier.
Galibier’s Expertise – the Answer was in Front of Us, all Along …
As we considered what turntable we would own if Galibier didn't exist, our selection narrowed down to two manufacturers: Kuzma and Feickert.
With over two decades' manufacturing experience, we consider ourselves uniquely positioned to evaluate and specify a turntable from another manufacturer.
Schröder CB Arm & Custom Arm Rest
Stabi R -Dual Mount
The more we studied the Kuzma Stabi R, the more we liked it.
Franc Kuzma embraces many of the design principles we advocate, and hence, our recommendation.
Shown here is a dual-arm implementation with an arm wing on the right (4Point, 11" arm) and a balcony on the left for a Jelco.
The Jelco mount is a custom implementation, not normally available with the balcony.
If you want a Galibier on a budget, the Stabi R is worthy of your consideration.
Maintaining Focus
Representing Kuzma has freed us to adopt a two-pronged approach: returning our attention to development and delivery of our convertible (belt/idler) turntable – The Savoie.
Enough about our plans, here's what we like about the Stabi R ...
The Stabi R: Key Features
Three key design concepts embodied in the Stabi R immediately jumped out at us (and translate into a turntable that satisfies our design criteria).
The first two items are consistent with everything we've learned about driving a turntable, and everything you read about rigid belts and DC motors in our drive system FAQ page applies to the Stabi R:
Rigid belts
You know how we feel about their contribution to speed stability, but if you’re not aware, read this blog post, on how we specify a drive belt.
Their belt is more rigid than any belt we've seen, with the exception of our early Kapton belts.
DC Motors
Our development arc at Galibier led us to specifying brushless DC motors driven by 3-phase sinewaves, as sub-horsepower, AC synchronous, 3 phase motors are a thing of the past.
When you see “3 phase motor” specified in a modern turntable, this is what they’re referring to. Kuzma and Galibier embrace this approach.
Flexible Configuration
While we'd prefer full modularity for ease of service, this adds considerable cost, and is one of the key reasons we're developing our Savoie, but enough about us.
Having said that, the Stabi R is easily configurable for various tonearm configurations.
Prices are effective January, 2025:
Subject to change without notice due to fluctuating market conditions and at manufacturer's discretion.
Pricing and Options
Pricing spans a wide range due to myriad options, ranging from about $10K for the bare-bones chassis with no armboard to nearly $16K for a dual arm wing version in custom RAL colors.
The "bare bones" chassis is typically specified by the custom builder. It is also the basis for the wood plinth versions you see in the photos below.
Popular Configurations below are quoted for standard colors - matte silver or black. Custom RAL colors are extra, and add 6-8 weeks to delivery time.
Stabi R - 1 arm wing (Kuzma bore) | $11,585 |
Stabi R - 1 arm wing (non-Kuzma bore) | $11,733 |
Stabi R - 2 arm wings (both Kuzma bore) | $13,078 |
Stabi R - 2 arm wings (1 Kuzma, 1 non-Kuzma) | $13,214 |
Stabi R with Dual Arm Wings - both Kuzma | $13,078 |
Stabil R w/Walnut or Pine plinth (Kuzma bore) | $13,364 |
Stabil R w/Walnut or Pine plinth (Kuzma bore) | $13,700 |
Bare-bones chassis (arm boards a la carte) | $9,979 |
Right Arm wing for Kuzma arms | $2,054 |
Right Arm Wing for non-Kuzma arms | $2,236 |
Left Arm Wing for Kuzma arms | $2,194 |
Left Arm Wing for non-Kuzma arms | $2,376 |
Arm Balcony for Kuzma 9" or Jelco | $970 |
Arm Balcony for Kuzma 12" or Kuzma | $1,096 |
Arm Mounts Explained
Arm Wing - the tapered rectangular extension on either side of the base. This is our favorite method. It provides mass, rigidity and protection for the area under the headshell. The extra real estate discourages you from moving your hand under this area with the possibility of destroying a cantilever.
Balcony ("L-shaped bracket) - technically available only for Kuzma arms, but we fabricated a custom riser for Jelcos and Jelco compatible tonearms. Sonically, it's our only other recommendation.
Refer to the 3rd photo above, for the dual arm mount with a Jelco mounted to the left-rear.
The primary "disadvantage" to the Arm Wing is that there's no real estate under the headshell to "protect" your cartridge. In the left-rear, it's a great second arm solution for a Kuzma or Jelco compatible tonearm.
Arm Holder (pivoting armboard) - you know how we feel about pivoting armboards.
Wood Plinth - the wood plinth employs a traditional, matching wood armboard - a removable, rectangular piece about 1/2" thick. We prefer the first two options two reasons:
- If you want to mount a 2nd arm in the future, you're limited to a pivoting armboard and we much prefer the Balcony and Arm Wing to this mounting method.
- It is not substantially joined to the chassis in any way, and is a resonant mounting surface. You're paying good money to eliminate resonances, only to re-introduce them.
Examples
Photos below show some of the options and armboards (click to expand). Click the photo at the top of the page to link to Kuzma's site. RAL (custom) colors have an additional lead time of 6-8 weeks.
Std. Silver (dual wing)
Arm Wing + Balcony
Std Black - (single wing)
RAL (single wing)
RAL (single wing)
Custom RAL (dual wing)
Black (3 Pivoting)
Custom Pine
Custom Walnut
Arm Balcony
Stabi R with Schröder CB Arm
