Ebalog,
Another route to consider is getting a second table, one whose cost is about what you'd have to lay out for armboard and modest tonearm. Make that table your dedicated mono table for your experiment. Perhaps a Rega table with the 250 or 300 arm (if those are what you're considering)? Then pick up your modest mono cart. If you like the sound, you can sell the table/arm for not much loss (if you buy used, you might even break even!). Then you can make the investment in the armboard and 2nd arm with the full confidence of knowing that you like the sound you're going to get (unless, for some reason, the arm you choose is terribly mismatched with your table).
Enjoy the ride!
Another route to consider is getting a second table, one whose cost is about what you'd have to lay out for armboard and modest tonearm. Make that table your dedicated mono table for your experiment. Perhaps a Rega table with the 250 or 300 arm (if those are what you're considering)? Then pick up your modest mono cart. If you like the sound, you can sell the table/arm for not much loss (if you buy used, you might even break even!). Then you can make the investment in the armboard and 2nd arm with the full confidence of knowing that you like the sound you're going to get (unless, for some reason, the arm you choose is terribly mismatched with your table).
Enjoy the ride!