Lyra or ZYX ?

Interesting reply :-). So you found the 47 labs tonearm too funny to try !

Anyway, Syntax, frankly I dont have the bandwidth to spend $5k on a tonearm. I suppose the kind of serious tonearms you are talking about are all $4k+, correct me if I am wrong. My maximum stretch budget will not exceed $2.5k, that too I am hoping I get a good price for my 3012. 47 labs is well within my budget and has got some nice user opinions. Then there are Jelcos but I am not sure if it is an upgrade over my existing arm. The point is, I do not know what to look for under $2.5k . FR64 is very well regarded I know, it could be an option. What else ?

Hi Pani,

Internet decisions can be very problematic. It is no guarantee for that kind of satisfaction one hopes for. Don't you have a chance to visit a dealer? I made a lot of dealer visits when I was interested in a product (The Internet offers enthusiastic/positive/recommended/both thumbs up comments for even the worst sounding products..).I offered them money to rent their room for a Demo and we always had a good relationship. It was a win/win situation for both.

Syntax, FR64 has an effective mass of 35g. Will it work with cartridge like ZYX and Lyra ?

Hello Pani,
yes, the FR-64s will work with them on a top level (and with a lot more, too).
When you find one, turn the VTF knob, when you hear some clics, the grease inside is in good condition (there is a spring inside). When you need some force to turn and can't hear any clics while turning, the grease inside is stiff. They are from sound quality not comparable.

The FR-64s is truly a great arm suitable for low compliance MC cartridges and.......surprisingly.......high compliance MMs.
It can be found for $1500-$2000 on the Internet.
As Syntax says......you can then "close the book" :^)