what are some of best tonearms you own or experience with.

I’ve been using the Sumiko MMT (very odd that NO ONE has mentioned this arm: it has a mythic reputation) for 35 years. Never felt the need to switch: still going strong. And the current Jelco model, at $550 or so, is a bargain. Sounds as good as arms costing 5 x’s as much or more. 

It’s compatible with a wide range of cartridges, except for Grado (the infamous “Grado Bounce” [aa scary as it sounds: use your imagination]). 

I’ve been using it with Koetsu cartridges. First the (original) black, then the Rosewood Signature, and finally the sublime Onyx.

 I would invest in the arm you already have, send it to Tri and have him upgrade the arm wand and wiring....then ruthless detailed setup

I had a Mission 774 which was amazing with the matching 773 cartridge and other lightweight moving coils; I had a Hadcock /Coral 777 combination and then a Zeta Sumiko Blue Point Special which was superb and even better. I now have a Pink Triangle arm with a Koetsu Jade Platinum Diamond cantilever cartridge- unbelievable. For some reason I always remember arm and cartridge together as can be seen above.

sme 3012R

An oldy but never surpassed:  Syrinx PU-2 or PU-3.