Best Used $1,200 Table Arm Combo?

Probably not what you had in mind, but In the past year I purchased a Technics SP10 MKII for $215 and SME 3012 Series II for $415 (both from eBay). Spent around $40 on birch ply to build a plinth. Mounted a Denon DL103R ($200) and I run it through a Denon AU-320 transformer ($85 from Doc Bottlehead's stash) and Hagerman Cornet (purchased on Audgiogon for around $300.) While I have never used a high-end belt drive, the Technics replaced a Thorens TD-124 which in turn replaced a AR belt drive (mid 80's version); each was a step-up from what it replaced, and I am very happy where I am now with my bargain basement phono set up. The Technics has to be the best bargain around. They still go pretty cheap because they made so many of them (most for broadcasting and studios,) but if they were made today they would probably have to charge at least $3,000.

If you plan to use MM or a high compliance MC, I think the often overlooked SME III arms are great bargains. They don't (yet) attract the collectors who have bid up the price of the earlier SME's.

If you look around and are patient, you can sometimes find killer deals. A few years back, i purchased a Sota Star Sapphire ( vacuum platter ) with an ET II air bearing linear tracking arm with damping, Sota Reflex clamp, an external surge tank, an upgraded Wisa pump, the ET set-up jig, etc... for $750. Everything was in beautiful condition and i drove from Chicago to Ohio to pick it up.

Yes, this is a pretty involved set-up beyond what most people want to get involved with. Having said that, it was a phenomenal deal for someone that doesn't mind "tweaking" their rig, which i don't.

For something similar but not as "tweaky" or "pretty" and measurably less money, you can probably find a Maplenoll Athena. These utilize an air bearing platter ( NOT vacuum platter ) along with an early version of the ET air bearing linear tracking arm. Yes, it looks kind of "garage built", but it works VERY well for the money that one would pay for them on the current used market. These can typically be had for about half of what you want to spend.

The money that you save can be put towards a good quality cartridge, a vacuum record cleaning machine and some good quality sleeves to protect your records once they are cleaned. Sean
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I bought a VPIMK3 with a Morch UP-4 Arm for $1,150.00
and have never looked back.The sound quality is outstanding and as budget permits I can upgrade with Aries Platter,SDS,and outer ring clamp.

A VPI HW19 MK III or IV. Definately and you'd have $300 or so left over in your budget.

The HW19 is a GREAT turntable. It performs WAY above what it costs on the used market. Like buying a $2,500 turntable for $1000. Too good to pass up.

Paul Green

if you want bass slam, you want a Scout.

There was one a couple of days ago with a Spacearm for 1475.00, but it's gone now.

In your price range you can always get a VPI Scout. Not a bad table for the $$.

Oz

Ozzy 62, I see a couple space decks but with no arm? looks like you would be in the 2000.00 range if they did have it, so its a bit out of the 1200.00 range. thanks

Spacedeck or Well Tempered

There is a used Spacedeck/Spacearm on the "Gon right now. You won't be sorry.

Oz