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Tonearm suggestion for Garrard 301 schedule ll oil bearing?

Hello. Firs Happy holidays to everybody! I have this question and I’ll appreciate any suggestions. I have Garrard 301 oil bearing turntable and I like to buy 12” tonearm. I’m thinking of Jelco TK 950 L, SME 3012 or  GrooveMaster ll titanium tonearm. Will  use Dennon 103R cartridge (at least for now). I really like GM ll with titanium tube and silver wires but there are not much reviews for this tonearm. Please advise which one will perform better from all three, or maybe suggesting for another 12” tonearm. Thank you to everyone in advance and Stay safe! 
itsotor
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
The Groovemaster is fantastic. I use them (and caveat - I sell them too). I would say the arm is quite neutral, meaning won't 'add' warmth etc.
For heavy / low compliance carts its about as good as it gets in the price range.
Btw the SME 3012 series 1 ( original 1950's) is quite a bit higher in effective mass compared to the newer 3012R. There are tons of fans for the R though.

mglik
908 posts
 
I currently use an Ortophon RS309 D 12” arm on my Woodsong 301. Believe it is the same as a Jelco.
I like it very much but are upgrading to a Triplanar SE at more than double the price. Yet to install the Triplanar but think it will be a significant change. Sounds like the Jelco is the best choice. Mine works really well. Only upgraded out of upgraditis. I got it because I knew it was good and that it was period correct for the 301.Write me if you want mine.
Xmas present?
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,810 posts
 
I've 4 Jelcos. The 12" 850L is very detailed and etched and tracks my Decca cartridges well. Bass timbre definition could be a little better with alternative headshells. The magnesium HS25 standard one is fine but bass is better on the Yamamoto HS4. However, like most carbon fiber damped the top removing the extreme detail. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,810 posts
 
I have not heard the GM2 and it’s always on my list but I have heard it described as a little detail shy in the top end.
I’ve heard the same about the Schick.
Which leaves me with the Jelco. I don't think you'll regret the 850/950 and they'll hold their value. The pink cable is fine.

fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
959 posts
 
With an appropriate plinth you can use any tonearm on the market with your Garrard and if your 301 is meticulously serviced (and even modded), the better the tonearm the better the sound. Check out my profile and system. I have not tried every arm out there but quite a few and I am a fan of the Reed 3P.
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