2. analog
  3. 1218601166

Sota/Shelter 501mkII - Tonearm Suggestions?

I have a Sota Star/Sapphire table with a Shelter 501mkII cartridge. The tonearm is a Sumiko FT-3. I have about $1500 that I can spend on a new tonearm, and I don't mind buying used.

Of course, I would like the tonearm to sound great, but I would also like something that has a reasonably easy VTA setup.

Can you recommend a tonearm that will match up well with the Sota table and the Shelter 501mkII, that is in my price range?

My other associated equipment is:
XLO Reference Phono Cable
Musical Fidelity XPS-3 Phono Stage
B&W 802D Speakers
Classe CA-M400 MonoblocK amps
dmccombs
bikeman
8 posts
 
You should consider an Origin Live Encounter.
dmccombs OP
112 posts
 
Thanks for the comments so far. I appreciate the input.

Which do folks think are better, a SME 309, or an Origin Live Encounter?

My cartridge is the Shelter 501mkII, with a compliance of 9cu. It looks like I need an arm with an effective mass of 12g or more?

Thanks,
Darrell
rccc
216 posts
 
The 309 is a great fit with the sota and works nicely with the shelter also.
misternice's avatar
misternice
339 posts
 
the arm,it has taken my sapphire,to a new level,better than the zeta i had on there,cheers
sirspeedy
738 posts
 
Without a doubt,a used Graham 2.2!!...A fabulous arm,and a steal on the used market.

good luck
More to discover