Next step up from the Sumiko FT-3


Hi all,
Subject says it all. What's a good next-step up tonearm from the Sumiko? Running a Hana SH on a VPI HW-19 Mk4. I'm comfortable with adjusting a cartridge and tonearm, though I'd rather not drill into the plinth if I don't have to.

Thank you for any idea. Budget around $1K new or used. This will be the first new/replacement tonearm I've ever installed. is it worth it?
Cheers,
s
simao

Showing 1 response by spelly

Rega and its variants use 222mm as mount distance. This includes Origin Live, Audiomods, and Michell Tecnoarm. Jelco 250 and 750 series have different mount distance. I don’t know about the new Jelco models that were introduced recently.

From direct experience I can highly recommend the first two. I own two OL arms. I didn’t catch your budget, but I recently bought a current OL Silver mk3A -- open box, unused -- for $500. Killer arm for the money, and beyond. I also own the OL Encounter Mk3C, but it’s a bit pricier.

I can also recommend the Jelco -- I own the 750E -- but it's mount distance poses a problem for you, unless you wanna cut a new arm board and it fits your plinth.

A local buddy owns the Audiomods Classic arm. It too is quite excellent at his brand new price which was in the $650 range, but that could move with the FX rate. Before the AM he owned the Tecnoarm, which we both thought sounded like crap compared to the AM classic.

Good luck in your search.