best value current production tonearm

Another vote for the Trans-Fi Terminator!  There are a lot more of us than I thought.  Mine needs a little fiddling with the wiring loom occasionally but that is all to keep it happy.  VTA on the fly, azimuth adjustable (not on the fly) and spare tonearms less than $200.  Just make sure things are level.

Wntrmute2 is right. Make sure that things are level. A carpenter's level is essential, a Starrett machinist's level (8") is better.

That 8" Starrett level is a joy.  Comes with documentation as to accuracy and adjustment if needed in the future.  

I have a question and don't want to bother Vic. What is the range of cartridge compliance that works best with the Terminator/TP3 Pro? 
BTW I can't imagine any TT/tonearm which could be more straight forward as to setup and function. 
I hadn't had a TT for 30 years and went straight to the Trans-Fi. Won't say it's child's play but anyone with a good level could set this thing up.

Dentdog, low low low compliance works. Don't know about high.

The TransFi seems to be made for tweaking, and so may be superior to the alternatives at any price. As you know, the wand is aluminum and has a series of holes along the major axis, which decrease mass. This provision also allows you to set brass weights into those holes, and so increase the mass according to the needs of your current cartridge.

I suspect that I am using the lowest compliance cartridge available (MC). To make it work on the TransFi, I increased the mass of the wand, by adding several brass weights, total 14 grams. Also, brass weights at the pivots helps significantly (don't know if they are standard). YMMD

Good luck!