SL1200GAE New Tonearm

 Cannot see how it can get much better and I have heard some great tonearms.

As I have mentioned, the stock arm is as good or better than many 'high end audio' arms. It could be playing bass better though and could be a bit more neutral (the arm tube talks back to the cartridge a bit).

@pryso FWIW, Atma-Sphere was established 42 years ago as of August of this year.

Ralph, congratulations for that.  I knew it was some time ago you established Atma-Sphere, but at my age narrowing down specifics for time is not always easy.  

I will only add that nearly 30 years ago I owned a pair of your MA-1 amps, 100 wpc as I recall.  Within their limitations they were one of the most musically enjoyable components I ever had.  Unfortunately because of the power requirements for my speakers and their impedance curve it was not a good match for complex, dynamic music.  Otherwise the amps themselves were amazing and your support was exceptional.  I remain impressed to this day.

Now back to tonearms. ;^)

@atmasphere 

 Atma-Sphere was established 42 years ago as of August of this year.

Damn, i was born in the same year :) 

I agree that the stock arm on the GAE is outstanding.  I have not compared it with a Triplanar, but have an SME on another TT, and a VPI 3D w/dual pivot on another and compared to them it is easier to set up and sounds as good as or better than the others all things considered.  In terms of headshells, I use the Zupreme and more recently have found the Yamamoto HS-4S carbon to be even better.  Actually a lot better.  Both have azimuth adjustment and weigh a reasonable 12 g or so.  My favorite of several cartridges is an Ortofon Windfeld and my preferred phono preamp is a Conrad-Johnson TEA2MAX with a Bob's SUT.

Reed is out of Lithuania. I was born there. Interesting...