TT, 12" Tonearm. Who tried and ended up preferring 12" arm?

We've been over this ground it seems like a thousand times, but I don't think all 3 of the Victor turntables you list have the "bi-directional servo".  The TT81 (according to hearsay) and the TT101 (according to my personal experience) are the ones to have.
On tonearm length, a 12-incher would in theory always be "better", geometrically speaking, but you need to factor in the cartridge compliance, the tonearm effective mass (which will always be greater for a 12-inch vs 9-inch version of the same tonearm design and construction), and your ability to set up the tonearm with precise accuracy, because an error in setting up a long tonearm will result in a greater final error in the geometry, compared to a similar error in setting up a 9-incher.  Further, longer tonearms might have greater problems with resonance, which will also affect SQ.  There is no good single answer to your question.

Victor UA-7082 is probably the best long arm you can buy for the lowest price ever compared to many others (if you can find a perfect sample), it’s cheaper than Schick and better than Jelco!

But the Victor TT-101 must be avoided if you don’t know a person who can repair it, it is expensive service and this turntable is full of bugs just because it’s too old and back then it was way ahead of its time. Not recommended for amateurs.

Look for Denon DP-80, Luxman PD-441 or 444, and Technics SP-10 mkII. They are fine!

Chakster, the TT101 is not above criticism, but your statement that it’s “too old” is ridiculous, especially coming from you, and especially since the alternatives you name are about the same vintage. Each of those other TTs you name has its own Achilles heel as far as repairs are concerned.

And the op didn’t ask about vintage DDs.  

Elliot.
Congratulations!
I have the EXACT same setup and I can tell you there was also an optional lift off dust cover made specifically for that plinth.
I know this as mine came with it!
You may get lucky and find one or as you say, have one custom made, likely $175 or just over.

It is a fantastic combo and I have tried various vintage mm carts on it and all are a breeze to setup with the on the fly vta .

Don’t forget it’s 100vac so you WILL need a step down transformer for USA 120vac mains, again plenty on eBay.

That 7082 arm is the business for sure!
Have fun!

P.s. feel free to pm me if you have any questions on this setup.

He agreed. TT81 TT with the UA-7082 arm, wide plinth with a spare board waiting for a 9" arm (for a new mono cartridge), and importantly wide dust cover! .... $1,280. delivered with tax.

From Japan, confirmed working, no returns, wish me luck. I looked at his eBay store, a HUGE seller, 98% positive, I decided to take the risk.

This will hold me until I turn 75 in a few years when I probably will go for something new. Famous last words, right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-CL-P2-TT-81-UA-7082-set-AC100V-Free-Shipping-d506/264532995172 
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ARM LENGTH

Denon specs for UA-7082 arm: effective length 282mm = 11-1/8". the shorter 7045 arm effective length is 245mm = 9-5/8" (If I get the matching Denon arm for mono). After researching more, I am actually happy with the 11-1/8" rather than full 12" regarding mass, compliance, overall size of TT. It's a move up from existing effective 232mm 9-1/8" arc.

SPRINGY Floors

If I had saved my SME 3009, I could have popped it in the back board for mono. I restored it years ago with help and parts from SME. I got rid of it and the Thorens TD124 because my floors are springy, and the Thorens' magnificent bearing couldn't deal with vertical vibration well. The speed control of the Thorens was cool, but it must be said, as temperature varied speed control was Needed!

TT is now in better location, but no dancing at that end of the room please. House was built in 1951, I think the lumber was not properly dried due to excessive building spree after the war. I could brace underneath from the crawl space, now I just 'Walk away Renee' carefully.

Anyway, I will re-think suspension for this unit.

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MONO CARTRIDGE ADVICE? (need strong signal).

I have my McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp with several phono inputs, happily two MM, and I love the sound of it's phono stage. (I wasn't a fan of prior McIntosh SS C28 phono preamp). So, two arms in is easy.

I also love the sound of it's FM tuner, and as I often mention, McIntosh MODE switch is a great help refining my speakers brilliance and presence controls, refining anti-skate ... And, it has MONO Mode for Mono LP's. Many tube preamps do not exceed 6 tubes, this sucker has 17.

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Need Strong Cartridge Signal

The preamp has hum that starts just above my max listening volume, so I need to get a mono cartridge with high enough output, Shure 97xe gives 4.0mV now. so I wouldn't go below 4.0mV for the new Mono cartridge.

I'm gonna take the preamp to McIntosh in the spring when I visit my photo friend who lives 15 minutes from their headquarters in Binghamton, NY. They are very helpful. Last spring I pre-arranged, dropped both my SS pair (2250 amp, C28 preamp) off before lunch thursday, they had them ready to go the following Monday afternoon. Sold them to get the new tube pair, Cayin A88T (mk1 for 16 ohm tap) and the mx110z.

btw, I just changed the Cayin's 6550 tubes for KT88's. I was happy with the 6550's but I prefer the KT88's.