Origin live Silver or VPI JMW-9 Signature

Drminky does bring up a good point that you should consider. That is, what are you likely to do in the future regarding cartridges? And, very important, what table are you using?

If you don't intend in venturing beyond, say a $1K cartridge investment, then I would think that arm based on the Rega design is probably just as good as the JMW-9. At the same time please consider that a cartridge in the range of the Denon 103R will perform extremely well on an arm of a little higher range, and that higher quality arm will open a larger door of opportunity regarding cartridge choice.

Moerch is good choice, but IMO I'd look for a Graham 2.2 to get the more user friendly VTA/VTF adjustments. A used 2.2 can usually be had for not much more than the Moerch. Another option is the Basis Vector. This is an excellant tracking arm and can handle a multitude of cartridges firmly. Not much in the way of easy VTA/VTF but no worse than the OL or JMW-9 you've been considering. You'll have a hard time finding a cartridge that the Vector can't handle, but mounting can be a bit tricky depending on the table you're using.

To sum up, what table are you using, what cartridge might you consider after the 103R, and what is your budget?

That sounds like a good idea as long as you can swing the extra budget.

Last spring I was able to hear a new Teres model that was built entirely from birch ply and hardwood. It sounded very nice. Not as detailed and dynamic as a cocobolo model, but still very nice. I wish I could remember if the armboard was made from ply or solid birch. I'm guessing there was some ply in there as well.

I bet an armboard of ply and hard maple would do pretty well. You've probably already thought of this but try to get the good baltic birch that's made with many tight layers. That should help with the dampening and I rarely find voids in it.

Aluminum could work well and I'd also suggest brass.

Good luck!

Dan

Hi Bill,

Yes, I'm familiar with the Basis VTA option. I once had the pleasure of a first hand demo from A.J. in his shop. That is one very well engineered and implemented device! It had better be for $800. :) I completely agree with you regarding the stability of the Vector. I once owned the Model 1 and a 2.2. I preferred the Vector over the 2.2 in most cases, but there was also a great synergy with the 2500 table I was using at the time. The VTF adjustment is no different than the OL, or the Triplanar as well. One thing I did like was that the Vector's weight has that double "O" ring that made for a little easier adjustments.

Z', are you considering the SME V?