KENWOOD KD8030 TURNTABLE - NEW ARM?

[malg]

I bought my Kenwood KD8030 Quartz PLL Direct Drive turntable approx 20 years ago in Germany. I love it dearly, and won't part with it, and I am absolutely shameless in admitting that it is as much for it's looks as anything else. More recently, I have acquired a pair of Sennheisser HD650s along with a Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear headphone amp, and the difference it has made to my vinyl listening is breathtaking. This has got me to thinking if a new arm on my Kenwood KD8030 would improve matters further? As I have said, I won't consider replacing the turntable, but the arm is 20 years old, and I'm thinking a replacement would improve matters further. Anyone out there able to help with advice on which, if any, replacement arm would improve matters?

Once again, thanks for any advice offered.

 

[Anonymous]

Malg,

Did you find a suitable arm? Would you consider selling me the orginal arm off the KD8030?

Thanks for your consideration, Jim

 

[malg]

Jim,

Apologies that this has taken so long, but I've been away. I took my turntable in for a service, and was told that the arm cannot be replaced. Bit sad, but it must just be that Kenwood made them that way! I'm going to have a serious look at updating the turntable at some point. There is a Clearaudio Performance for sale on Ebay that is seriously tempting me. Unfortunately, I can't get to listen to it before I buy, so I'm just going off reviews, and before everyone has a dig at me - I know this is bad form. The turntable is the last remnant of my hi-fi set up I put together 20 odd years ago. Everything else has gone. I wouldn't say that I've caught the upgrading bug, as I didn't replace anything for 20 years, so if I do go for the Clearaudio, I think I'll have it for another 20 years.

If I do get the Clearaudio, I'll take the arm off the KD8030 if you are still interested.