Ken, why don't you go listen to some variety of TTs? It's really not that hard. After you hear a particular TT(s), all this DD/BD and "performance" BS becomes meaningless. If you do not want to modify or spend a lot of time adjusting your TT, then a Rega 25 will work just fine. It's a very nice sounding TT without modifications or hassle, REALLY. If you wanna go for a little extra, then add a heavyweight. It is a super-simple mod.
As for the RB arms. E. Phonos complaints with the rega arms are on thread comparing it to an SME V ($3k), and were limited to the lack of VTA and a relatively imprecise anti-skate mechanism. I also find these problemsa little annoying. But Regas are not "world class" arms. Did I miss something? Were they meant to be? As for the arms ruining cartridges, there seems to be little evidence for that (E. Phono neglected to add any) and more evidence that is they don't. I haven't heard of anyone using the best, expensive MCs on a Rega, but there seems to be a total lack of complaints about the arm damaging the carts more often used on the RBs. I'll be sure to let you know if my arm bends my cantilever in a couple hundred hours, though.
