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12" Tonearm What Have You Heard & Recommend?

OK, SME just came out with their 312S 12" beauty. It is a three series.... at $2200. Anybody had an opportunity to hear this yet? What about anything else you have experienced in the past classic or "Legend" status? I am looking for candidates for my Garrard 301 project with a custom plinth with a high fun per dollar ratio. Possibly with a London Decca super gold....What cha' got there tonemaster?
jomoinc
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rauliruegas
12,893 posts
 
Dear Genesis168: The Ikeda tonearm is an evolution over the FR-66, you have to try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
fatdaddy
5 posts
 
Actually the 312 has been available for some time, just not imported to the U.S. (but has been available as a special order item, according to the distributor). I ended up getting a Scheu Tacco for my Garrard 401; not a 12", but (IMO) a better choice for my project.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
I’ll second the Scheu Classic II. It sounds excellent and is a very inexpensive arm.
yagbol2
66 posts
 
I agree with Raul. The Ikeda is so much better than the FR66x. Though the FR can be considered a classic but so much improvements has been achieved in what, 20 years? Maybe the JMW12.5, 12.6. Clearaudio has a 12" and 14" version of the Unify. Simple design, inexpensive and it does the job
patrickamory
193 posts
 
Agree with Bigbucks and Raul on the Ikeda IT-407. A wonderful, wonderful arm.

It has displaced the Graham 2.2 Deluxe, two vintage 9" Ortofons and an Origin Live in my system.

Patrick
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