I'm not trying to pick a fight, or argue, but regarding the comment that Jelco arms "were never anything special"... Hmmm. That strikes me as a little bit overly simplistic. Perhaps I’m simply being overly sensitive, since I am getting ready to install a 750L on my Garrard 401 project table, and I’m delighted with the quality of the arm.
But the comment does make me want to ask which arms are, actually, something special? Rather than simply made from exotic materials or expensive? There are certainly many arms which could be classified as being "middling" but which, when partnered well with other equipment, provide superb value and can be satisfying over the long term. Actually, I think providing satisfying performance in the mid-level price range, is where the juice is. It's easy to find high performing arms that cost a lot of money. That's not a challenge. Finding something I can afford that will provide a "high enough" level of performance and not distract me with the feeling I need to upgrade something, that's the challenge.
I, for one, am sad to see them go.
But the comment does make me want to ask which arms are, actually, something special? Rather than simply made from exotic materials or expensive? There are certainly many arms which could be classified as being "middling" but which, when partnered well with other equipment, provide superb value and can be satisfying over the long term. Actually, I think providing satisfying performance in the mid-level price range, is where the juice is. It's easy to find high performing arms that cost a lot of money. That's not a challenge. Finding something I can afford that will provide a "high enough" level of performance and not distract me with the feeling I need to upgrade something, that's the challenge.
I, for one, am sad to see them go.