I think if you are mainly playing mono re-issues, a Helikon Mono may be the way to go (if you have the funds.) Their sophisticated stylus may be a better match for modern cutting heads. If you are like me and have a bunch of old mono lps and 45's, an older design is probably the way to go. The Denon DL-102 is a good low cost option--if you have a substantial tonearm (it requires a good deal of mass.) I was happy with mine, but then I got a good deal on an SPU mono which I like quite a bit more. The SPU is more dynamic and more coherent, but I could happily live with the Denon. Other options are the Grado monos and the mono stylus for the Ortofon MM cartridges. I also have a GE VRII and a silicon damped arm, but I haven't mounted it yet. I figure this may just be the ticket for those beat-up 45's that I might not want to play with the rather dear SPU.