Has anyone compared the various Rega variants?
1) Michell Technoarm
2) Origin Live modded rb250
3) Audio Origami modded rb250
1) Michell Technoarm
2) Origin Live modded rb250
3) Audio Origami modded rb250
Tonearm conclusions keep coming up Rega ???????
It seems as I decide to spend around a $1000.00 or so not much more, new or used, but nothing vintage, everything basically comes up Rega, and of course it's off shoots, Michell and Origin. If that's the case, is a modded OEM 250 the best bet, or the OL Silver or OL 250, Michell Techno arm. What else am I missing, VPI 9(which you never see used) but have seen them new for $800 new,or SME 309 or the like, anything else ? I have an older Audioquest now, I see a lot of Jelcos around right now, and I even still see Graham Robins new.
This is going to go on a VPI HW-19 for now, but also for a future turntable upgrade such as another VPI, Sota, etc...
This is going to go on a VPI HW-19 for now, but also for a future turntable upgrade such as another VPI, Sota, etc...
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Thanks for the info so far. But does anybody buy VPI JMW 9 arms outright and install them on other brand tables, as I never see that ? I know the "9" will fit the HW-19, but not sure of what else it will fit to be used at a later date on another brand table. I have read for instance because of dimensions and other reasons the VPI arms won't fit many of the Sota and a few other armboards. |
I've used both the RB300 w/full Origin Live mods as well as the Origin Live Silver MKll on my VPI HW-19 MK lV table with Clear Audio Virtuoso Wood cart and like the Silver much better. A used one could be had for around $700. According to Origin Live a moded RB250 is better than a moded RB300. I don't know how it stacks up to the Silver. BTW, before they were discontinued, Vpi was selling some HW-19 tables with moded Rega arms. If you do decide to go with a Rega type arm on a HW-19 table, I highly recommend VPI's VTA adjustment collar. Origin Live also makes a similar collar if VPI's is no longer available. Good luck |
I recently upgraded to one of these ClearAudio Satisfy arms and am much happier with it than my Rega, which was a Cardas re-wired (Brit Audio) with an Origin Live structural mod (aka heavyweight with new stub). The ClearAudio is a Rega drop in mount. (I do not know the seller) If you do go with a Rega, get the VTAF for it. One of the issues with the Rega IMHO is the mounting. The VTAF solves this(though at a cost$). Also, though I haven't used one, I think the Michel counterweight is superior to the others that simply fasten using a set screw. Those are a pain to set tracking force, and I believe the Michel, and possibly others have a "dial-in" mechanism. |