Firstly, if you’re looking for a review of the Safir 9, look elsewhere.
Since I sell this arm, I don’t think it’s appropriate to write a “review”, other than to hopefully convey how the Safir fits into the Kuzma hierarchy and aspirational tonearms in general.
In addition to sonic performance, Franc Kuzma added some usability and ergonomic refinements to an already user-friendly design.
We'll cover this in the second half of this post.
If this interests you, pour a fresh cup and read on ...
Sorry 12” Tonearm Fans - the Safir is a “9”
Design Hierarchy
Decades ago while sitting at the feet of Frank Schröder, I came to understand and embrace his design principles. Franc Kuzma’s work tells me that he shares this philosophy. Note: from here on out, I’ll use “Frank” in reference to Frank Schröder and “Franc” when referring to Franc Kuzma.
If you discuss tonearm design with Frank, you’ll learn that he prioritizes:
- Energy management strategy (everything in the vibration path and in both directions)
- Bearing quality (free movement with zero play)
- Wire (don’t discount wire)
Arm length considerations come last, and there is no “best” length.
Mass, Bearings and Length
A higher mass wand (if appropriate) will stabilize an otherwise suboptimal bearing and reduce residual chatter.
Using mass to “fix” a bearing is a Band-aid, but it may be a viable solution to deliver an arm at a price point.
A better solution is to implement a better bearing - freely moving, with “zero” play.
Of course, mass can assist in mitigating (filtering) energy transmission, and one may well arrive at a solution with higher mass and a quality bearing.
After optimizing the key attributes of bearing, wire and arm wand construction, you can begin to consider effective mass and then length.
It's an iterative process and you may find yourself revisiting your material selection.
Let’s assume that you arrived at an ideal length of 10”. If you try to “force” this design into a 12” wand, you may well compromise the wand’s resonant characteristics if you try to maintain the same effective mass.
Of course, you might arrive at a “better” solution with the 12” wand by extending the design and increasing the mass.
The point is to not impose a length constraint at the beginning of the design process.
The effect of geometry (tracing error) is insignificant in comparison with developing an optimized design.
As always, engineering is about the fine art of balancing conflicting parameters.
It’s speculation on my part, but I suspect that Franc chose the energy propagation attributes of sapphire for the Safir at the “expense” of its 60g mass, and that he eliminated a longer version from consideration in order to keep the mass in a "sweet spot".
People are shocked to read about the Safir’s 60 g. effective mass.
Know that resonant frequency in no way predicts how a cartridge will mate with a tonearm, let alone your turntable, shelf, stand and listening room.
Bearing quality extends the mass compatibility range of an arm, as I note in this write-up of a Van den Hul cartridge mated to a 4Point-9 (and subsequently an 11).
The “numbers” for compliance vs. mass (resonant frequency calculation) are just that: numbers.
They are a poor predictor of cartridge compatibility.
Enter the Safir ...
Vindicated?
Early on during the pandemic, I conjured up a Kuzma “mashup” - the Kuzma Hybrid. I had several reasons for doing so:
- I was receiving requests from owners of vintage turntables (Garrard 301’s and the like) who’s plinth design did not allow for the short mounting distance of the 4Point-9 and the 11” 4Point. The Hybrid addressed these turntable base designs’ shortcomings. I say “shortcomings” because I don’t think you should unnecessarily limit your customers’ options. Read the above section again if this doesn’t make sense. Options are good.
- I prefer the aesthetic of the 4Point-9’s bearing over that of the “11” and “14” with their VTA towers (there’s no accounting for taste, eh?)
- I’m an Occam’s razor advocate. All things being equal, simple is easier to engineer.
- With attention to setup (USB microscope, AnalogMagik software), VTA “on the fly” is relegated to the past. Note that Kuzma’s VTA tower is a marvelous piece of engineering, but it adds significantly to manufacturing expense. If you’re comfortable with setup, then you may find it to be redundant.
Many individuals would be better served by acquiring a good USB microscope, stand and AnalogMagik software. Contact us for suggestions and a guide to tool selection.
Do this even if you favor VTA on the fly. You’ll be glad you did.
So yes, I feel vindicated with my approach to the 4Point Hybrid, and I point to the Safir’s adoption of this simpler bearing architecture as further substantiatiation.
What does it sound like?
Think of it as the evolution of the 4Point family. I will say no more because you need to hear it to judge for yourself.
Know that the Kondo wire (while very good, out of the box) benefits from a burn-in on something like our Cable Cooker. This is true of most tonearm wire.
Physical Design Enhancements
Lazy Designers - a Mini Rant
Franc and Frank are the opposite of lazy, but I need to rant a bit about those designers who consider their tonearm design's shortcomings to be problems of cartridge manufacturers, instead of addressing them.
You know who you are.
I don't have to point out designers who trivialize the importance of azimuth adjustment. In most cases, they come from the land of warm beer.
What surprises me is those who consciously eliminate zenith (offset angle) adjustment by implementing cartridge mounting holes instead of slots. Fortunately, these designers are in the minority, but their reasoning for eliminating this puzzles me.
These designers refuse to accept the fact that most highly regarded cartridges are not manufactured to theoretical perfection.
I'm reminded of the parent who complains to the music store because the guitar wasn't delivered in tune.
In contrast, the usability of Kuzma arms are a perfect balance of simplicity and precision.
When well-respected cartridge lines like Lyra, My Sonic Lab, Kuzma and others specify an acceptable variance of +/- 2 degrees, how are you going to address this with a "fixed" tonearm design?
If you’re interested in further reading, check this link to Jonathan Carr’s manufacturer’s response to a review of the Lyra Etna cartridge (opens in new window).
These manufacturers are at the mercy of their OEM suppliers of cantilever/stylus assemblies (typically Ogura and Namiki) and the only way to address this is with a tonearm capable of compensating for this. End of story.
Feel free to contact me if you' like a walk-through on the effects of zenith error, and how the AnalogMagik software can help you optimize this. You'll need access to Excel software to view the analysis.
Usability - VTA Range
I tip my hat to Franc for addressing this minor VTA adjustment range issue and addressing it.
With the 4Point-9, you can run into difficulty with cartridges requiring a downward tilted arm wand (from headshell to bearing).
This occurs with cartridges whose SRA is approximately 94 degrees when the cartridge mounting surface is horizontal.
A 2 degree SRA change requires lowering the VTA by about 8.5mm on a 9" tonearm.
I cover this in this blog post, and it was a key reason I issued my cartridge shim set (with one of them being a 1.5 degree angled shim).
Franc redesigned the bearing “skirt” on the Safir. While it was never a major concern, it is no longer a minor one now.
Tool Access
This is a convenience improvement.
With the 4Point-9, you needed to use a flashlight to locate the VTA adjustment screw which in the space between the bearing pillar and the round, outer bearing section of the arm.
The Safir’s arm wand has a sleeve that guides your 1.5mm hex key to the adjustment screw. Very nice!
Note the location of the labeled elements in the photo, with the azimuth adjustment screw adjacent to the VTA screw.
Both adjustments use the same size hex keys as the the 4Points.
The VTA and azimuth lock screws are now accessible from the right side, and they both use a 2.5mm hex key for consistency.
The VTA lock screw is in the same place (on the Deluxe Mounting Collar, shared by all 4Points), and the azimuth lock screw is on the side of the arm wand - housed in the black, bearing cap.
Arm Wand "Stability" and Installation:
This is another convenience feature - a “nice to have” one.
The round bearing pillar of all three 4Points has been replaced by a rectangular one, which mates with the female section of the arm wand.
This accomplishes two things:
- It makes it a bit more difficult to install the arm wand. You need to orient the two parts before installing. It's not a big deal, but it is different if you're used to a 4Point.
- It constrains the arm so the bearing points don't “jump” out of the bearing cups once you install the arm.
The “difficulty” in point #1 is responsible for the advantage of #2.
Users frequently ask me about this. They’re uncertain whether they’ve dislodged the bearing spikes from the cups while handling the arm - especially when adjusting the counterweight.
While it was never major issue, is no longer even a minor concern.
Cueing “Safety”
This is a big deal, when you consider the class of cartridges likely to be used with a Safir.
When oriented as shown here, the arm rest will prevent the arm from cueing down "outside" of the LP's lead-in groove.
This may seem trivial, but I had a customer with a Döhmann turntable who cued his Lyra Etna SL (mounted to different arm) so that it landed outside the edge of the platter.
It landed between the rotating platter and the small space separating it from the turntable base.
While the platter was spinning!
How his cantilever survived is beyond me.
Franc redesigned the arm rest so you can orient the "parked" position as shown in this photo.
With a bit of trial and error, you can align the position so you well never cue your stylus outside the lead-in groove of the LP.
How cool is that ???
Use Note - 4Points and Safir
This question comes up from time to time.
With many cartridge combinations on the 4Points, the arm will float "up" when lifted considerably above record playing level.
This is normal and due to the geometry of the counterweight. There is nothing wrong with your tonearm and this not a "matching" problem with your cartridge being too light.
The Safir shares this characteristic.
Sit back, and enjoy the music.