Next step up from the Sumiko FT-3

I'm shipping my Benz off to get re-tipped and am keeping the FT-3 in the meantime to see how it mates with the Hana SH I got for a replacement. The Hana is 5 grams compared to the Benz's 8.8, but I think the FT-3 should handle that.

I also noticed that my FT-3 doesn't have its elevation collar. I've been adjusting VTA by moving the entire pillar with gross adjustments.

I would not sell the FT3. pretty nice arm. I used to have both the FT3 and FT4.

For a kilo buck, you might look at what you can do with your phono stage. did not mention what you were running, but first thing would be to add some vishay foil resistors to the loading positions.

Hi @johnss!  I'm running a Lehmann Statement Black Cube.

Rega and its variants use 222mm as mount distance. This includes Origin Live, Audiomods, and Michell Tecnoarm. Jelco 250 and 750 series have different mount distance. I don’t know about the new Jelco models that were introduced recently.

From direct experience I can highly recommend the first two. I own two OL arms. I didn’t catch your budget, but I recently bought a current OL Silver mk3A -- open box, unused -- for $500. Killer arm for the money, and beyond. I also own the OL Encounter Mk3C, but it’s a bit pricier.

I can also recommend the Jelco -- I own the 750E -- but it's mount distance poses a problem for you, unless you wanna cut a new arm board and it fits your plinth.

A local buddy owns the Audiomods Classic arm. It too is quite excellent at his brand new price which was in the $650 range, but that could move with the FX rate. Before the AM he owned the Tecnoarm, which we both thought sounded like crap compared to the AM classic.

Good luck in your search.