You really should consider the Ikeda IT407 (12 inch arm). Pricing is real world compared to many other top quality tonearms (was $2150, but now price is $2400).
To me, it has the best quality fit and finish of any arm I've ever examined, including SME, which is often used as a benchmark in this area. Plus its design is very 'finished' looking, as opposed to lots of other arms that look like garage-shop kits. Personally, I like the interchangeable headshell feature, although many dislike this.
No only does it perform faultlessly on the PV, but it looks fantastic on the table. When Lamm was demonstrating a Final labs 'Parthenon' TT at the 2005 CES in LV, he used an IT407. Seems like Ikedas are a well kept secret since there is no US importer (at least not one I can find). I got mine through '2juki' here at A'goN (or alternatively off his Ebay store).
To me, it has the best quality fit and finish of any arm I've ever examined, including SME, which is often used as a benchmark in this area. Plus its design is very 'finished' looking, as opposed to lots of other arms that look like garage-shop kits. Personally, I like the interchangeable headshell feature, although many dislike this.
No only does it perform faultlessly on the PV, but it looks fantastic on the table. When Lamm was demonstrating a Final labs 'Parthenon' TT at the 2005 CES in LV, he used an IT407. Seems like Ikedas are a well kept secret since there is no US importer (at least not one I can find). I got mine through '2juki' here at A'goN (or alternatively off his Ebay store).
