Paul,
I agree with lewm, there is no reason to discard the arm. Rewire if necessary but if the bearings are good I would use it. I used the 3012 because I had it. It worked fine, just not the best choice. The 997 would be better, because it is better.
My modest vintage hifi is in a nice cabinet in my living room. The broadcast 927 was just too big and industrial looking. I had considered trying a smaller EMT, but I don’t think anything would be like the 927.
The biggest thing with my 927 was taking the motor apart and cleaning and lubing. The motor was a little noisy when I first got the turntable. After it was restored it was very quite.
I didn’t even need to repaint mine. The enamel paint was so thick it would take a hammer swing to mar it. It was soiled, as was the entire turntable. The platter bearing is huge, and was perfect. My bearing was oil based, but I have heard that some are also grease fitted. (Like Garrard).
I also had the glass platter. Some are fitted with persplex.
The only other turntable that has impressed me so much was the Rockport Sirius III, which a client of mine owns. I wish I could have heard them side by side.
I also had the broadcast frame. My frame was spring loaded, so you could jump and the turntable wouldn’t move. The frame is designed to sit into a console which if you have the room I would recommend.
The TSD cartridge makes sense. EMT and Ortofon has many high mass choices. I also used my Decca Red which worked well.
If you have space, this is a no compromise turntable.
I wasn't planning on selling mine. A fellow agon member asked to hear it. Afterward, what he offered me on the spot was about three and a half times what I had into it. So, reluctantly I sold it.
As I said, I miss it everyday. Eckart has some incredible turntables, but if his system were mine, I would sell them all and keep the EMT.
Norman