About half the well-informed audio enthusiasts I know say it's hard to do better than an SME 3009 for under a grand; the other half say a Rega RB300 is far superior to the SME. So I'd say you'd do fine with either a new-old 3009 or a RB 250 or 300. Another option is a Rega modified by the U.K. company Origin Live, which product has received high praise in the audio press. A brand new RB 250 with the Origin Live structural mods costs about 160 Sterling, roughly, I think US$250 plus shipping, etc. I use a TD-125 mk II with a Grace 707, but it's a low mass arm which is not ideal for higher-compliance, MC cartridges. Finally, you might call Flat Earth Audio about repairing your 3009; it may or may not be cost effective. Hope this helps. Regards, Joel.
Best arm for Thorens td 125
What arm is best for an old Thorens td 125 turntable? At the moment it's equipped with a SME 3009 arm, but the bearings are rather loose. Since funds are tight, I rather fancy a Rega 300 or 250, but are they suitable? Any other suggestions? The vartidge at present is an Ortofon MC 15 Super II, pretty new, so I like to keep it...
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