Tonearm Suggestions For Technics Sp15 Under 5k

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. 

Check out SME!
https://sme.co.uk/audio/arms/

@dover Excellent.

IMO, there are a LOT of table / arm combos for less than $5000 NEW, much less on the used market.

@chakster Your suggestions are performance / quality mismatches. On that particular table, a better Jelco arm would be most satisfactory and perform up to, and likely beyond the capabilities of the table.

@bpoletti the OP actually asked for tonearm under 5k, not a turntable, but you’re all talking about turntables now. Technics Sp-15 or SP-20 are not bad at all, the SP-10mkII is much better.

Reed and Sp-10mkII is a perfect combination
Vicor UA-7045 and SP-15 or SP-20 is a perfect combination

I think tonearm and cartridge is much more important than a difference between Technics Direct Drive models, they are all stable and very good.

Victor UA-7045 is much better than Jelco, especially for high compliance cartridges. Don’t forget that UA-7045 was top Victor’s arm for TT-101 turntable. I would like to add that Victor cartridges are oustanding too compared to any modern cars MM or MC.

People always advice Jelco because they know nothing about Victor or most of the vintage tonearms. "A better Jelco arm" is a myth, bacause it’s not better arm at all. It’s just an affordable good modern tonearm, Jeclo making arm for Ortofon as well.

Another beautiful modern tonearm is Thomas Schick "12 for low compliance cartridges, affordable price, why everyone should stick with that Jelco ???

Our Don Griffith compared UA-7045 to Lustre GST-801, everyone can find his posts on audiogon. Victor 7045 or 7082 are the most underrated tonearms ever, very cheap to buy, pure gems! Easy to adjust, brilliant, ellegant, top quality, i’m not sure you have ever touched it, because once you do you can understand how good it is. I’m not trying to say it will compete with 5 000 Euro Reed tonearm, but compared to Jelco the Victor is amazing.