If you need an arm, get a Schroeder - you might wait six months, but it will be worth it. I have Schroeder Model 2 on my Platine Verdier with an Allaerts MC1B (also have a Hadcock GH228 - very underrated arm- and Decca London Gold).
The Schroeder arms deserve their rave reviews. Frank Schroeder makes 3 arms - the Model 2, Model 1 and Reference. The Model 2 gives you most, but not all of the quality of the Reference at about 1/3 of the cost (in the UK about 1000GBP). The Allaerts pickups also have a cult following. Jan Allaerts only makes 70 cartridges a year. The combo has fantastic deep and wide soundstaging, a refined top end and midrange and is transparent. Sure it doesn't quite have the slam of my Decca London Gold, but what does. I listen to an eclectic mix of music. In small groups, or with piano sonatas, I feel like I'm in the front row.
rest of my kit
Verdier Control B tube pre-amp with tube PSU
Quad IIs
Avantgarde Duo Horns
Musical Fidelity, and PHY-HP i/cs
QED Genesis silver spkr cables
