Tonearm Suggestions For Technics Sp15 Under 5k

Thanks

Sony PUA-7 is nice one, probably the best Sony tonearm, i have no idea who designed them, but as you can see my PUA-7 is on the right turntable. With a closer look it's easy to see the armlift, the arms without the armlift are not the PUA-7. The PS-X range of Sony decks may have tonearms which share design-attributes with the PUA-7 but none of them is the one. Released after the PUA-1600L and PUA-1600S, the july 1978 standalone PUA-7 is an extremely rare unit in the history of Sony Corporation.  

However, you will not be abple to mount PUA-7 or PUA1600S on SP15, you need an arms with much longer pivot to spindle distance! If you're looking for SONY make sure it's long version of these models. It must be PUA-9 if you want the best SONY tonearm (because PUA-7 is too short for SP15). 

It is not worth spending $5k on this turntable. For that money I would recommend buying a better turntable and spend less on the arm.
On this forum alone you could buy a refurbished Garrard 301, PBN Groovemaster or VPI Super Scoutmaster Reference, any of which would leave the SP15 for dust. There are many other options. Yes I've heard the SP15 - anything from a Rega P6 up would show the SP15 up to be lacking transparency and grainy. 

@dover id like to have a very good direct drive turntable with 78rpm in my system. Sp15 works well and is audiophile

Maybe withing 5k budget new Technics SL1200G is a better choice to play 33/45 or 78, but not the belt or idler drive turntables! If you don’t have Sp15 yet, the SP-10mkII would be much better. I just sold my SP-10mkII in mint- condition few days ago to local friend for $2600 including mega rare Micro Seiki CU-500 copper mat (2.7kg alone), this mat alone cost as much as the SP-10mkII (unfortunately can’t use it on my Luxman PD-444, the mat is too heavy for them). I don’t think any top idler or belt drive can beat an SP-10mkII which can be found for $1200-1400 in perfect condition. Add Victor UA-7045 tonearm and you’re done.

P.S. I also think that my pair of fully upgraded SL1200mkII must go, before it’s too late. When new SL1200GR will be on the used market the value of the old Technics should be dropped down, those new GR models are reasonably priced even new (under $2k).

@vinny55 
No worries. I had a Platine Verdier for 78's - but it got left for dead by both my Garrard 301 & an ancient Pioneer Broadcast Idler. The 301 has easy to use pitch control which is vital for 78's.