@mulveling is a connoisseur of high end cartridges. I suggest that you consider his opinions carefully.
I agree with others about the tonearm, and suggest another possibility, the Trans-Fi Terminator air bearing tonearm. IMO it's better than anything that costs less than the price of a car, and costs under $1500 direct from the manufacturer. I have two of them, one on a $10K conventional turntable, and another on a DIY air bearing special.
The only real function of a tonearm is to hold the cartridge in precise relation to the record. It follows that the tonearm must be highly adjustable and hold its settings. The Trans-Fi does that better than most. And of course, it's an air bearing (actually, air bearing horizontal and knife-edge vertical).
Good luck!
I agree with others about the tonearm, and suggest another possibility, the Trans-Fi Terminator air bearing tonearm. IMO it's better than anything that costs less than the price of a car, and costs under $1500 direct from the manufacturer. I have two of them, one on a $10K conventional turntable, and another on a DIY air bearing special.
The only real function of a tonearm is to hold the cartridge in precise relation to the record. It follows that the tonearm must be highly adjustable and hold its settings. The Trans-Fi does that better than most. And of course, it's an air bearing (actually, air bearing horizontal and knife-edge vertical).
Good luck!