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Makeshift tonearm for under $800

I am currently using a SME 3012 S2 with my Verdier. While it is a recommended combination by JC Verdier himself, I find the combo a bit too "dark" for my tastes. Speaking to some of the other Verdier owners it was confirmed that SME-Verdier is a smooth performer but lacks excitement.

Individually I like both of them a lot, very musical equipments indeed, but I am looking for some more life and excitement in the music. So I have decided to sell the SME tonearm.

I want to some serious research before finalizing my next tonearm. In the mean time I need a makeshift arrangement, a relatively low cost tonearm. I may use it as my second tonearm or may sell it once I have decided my next tonearm upgrade.

Even though a makeshift I would still like to have a tonearm which is quick and lively with natural tones. Preferably a medium mass tonearm which can take most modern cartridges. Budget is about $800.
The options are:

1. Jelco SA-750D/E
2. Rega RB-700 (with upgraded Cardas tonearm cable)
3. Scheu Classic (unipivot)

I would request, please add some reasoning around your recommendation so that I can get some idea about each tonearms capabilities.
pani
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
For 'about $800' you will never get the FR-64 S . But for this kind of money you may get the Micro 505 or the Lustre 801 which are both excelent tonearms.
mosin
410 posts
 
The Jelco is competent enough that Ortofon used the company to build their current line of tonearms. Historically, many makers have used Jeloc as their OEM vendor. This includes Koetsu, Grado, Linn and others. Plus, I believe you can get a decent return on the arm when you sell it. It sounds pretty good, too.
geoch's avatar
geoch
354 posts
 
Add to them the Audioquest PT9.
Problem is : All very veiled & dark sounding!
The power of Mosin's TT is such that even my finger on his armboard can sound good too.
About taking your money back when you want to upgrade, I agree, but I would never advise about buying a VPI TT either, even if it carries this same advantage also. What people buys is not allways good stuff. Perhaps a good investment has little in common with our hobby.
If you want to bring some life in your set-up thing about replacing the Zyx RS30 at least with a VDH gold LW (priced at $1175 here).
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
Hi Geoch, Well if one wants to use the expression 'investment'
for our objects of desire you are wrong. I invested in shares and
'some' carts, tonearms, TT's , etc. and lost 50% on shares and made 50% profit on
my carts. According to Lew by selling some of those I can
even afford Netrebko (aka Anna). But beforhand and based
on my own experience this outcome should be the other way
round. That's why people invented the expression 'one can
never know'. Looking from this perspective our hobby may
be even called 'rational'.
geoch's avatar
geoch
354 posts
 
You are so right my friend. I'm still schoked with the amount of money I've take when I've had sold a remaining stock of rare tubes, FM tuners and accessories like Stillpoints, Aktyna, Rollerblocks, ART, Boston etc. Who can imagine that.
But it seems impossible to take the third! of the price that I've paid for my Pluto 9A Prestige tonearm(4000euro) or even the seventh!!! (aka 4K euro) for my Symphonic Line RG6 TT.
But rationalistic I'm only with my advices and never to my self in this life in which the passion has the motive power.
Thank you for remind me this.
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