Top 5 Tonearms Newer or Vintage Under 2500 That Will Beat anything above/below 2.5k?


From all your tonearm experiences trials errors comparisons etc is there a Top 5 tonearm list that are known for their musical superlatives in all music ranges and genres? including finer detail nuances feeling, 3d sound but also deep bass and midbass, basspunch. Airy highs. And importantly long hours listening without fatigue.
The criteria also to be met are easy setups for all angles vta vfa azimuth anti skating etc 
The Tonearm must also the ability to use more than just one or two cartridge compatibility.

Probable Turntables to be Used: Garrard 301/401, Lenco, Linn, Thorens 124, Technics 1100 1200 10 or 15. 

Heres the list i compiled of ToneArms to pick from.
Feel free to mention others.

  • Tw Raven, D Talea, Graham 2.2/phantom, Moerch, Origin Live, Vpi, 
  • AudioMods

  • Clear Audio, Stax, Rega, Technics 500/1000, Sumiko, Alphason, Black Widow, One unipivot, Saec, Clear Audio, Basis Vector, Triplanar

  • Origin Silver, Rega 9, Linn Ittok, Project, Technics 500/1000,
  •  Alphason, Audio Technica, Dynavector 507

    Grace, Mission, Grado, Ortofon, EMT, Thorens Tp,
  • ESL, Sme 3012, Sme 3009, Sme V, IV,

  • Schroeder, Kuzma, Eminent, Ikeda, Breuer, 
    Stax, Kenwood 007 arm, Sonys top Arm, Artemis
vinny55

Showing 2 responses by tkr

The SME V has VTA adjustment, and I can`t agree with @fleschler that it´s difficult to adjust. 
@nandric : I wasn`t looking for a prize. : )

@fleschler
: VTA adjustment on the SME V is actually easier than you think. You described the process quite correctly, but the adjustment screw does not have to be removed until you have the VTA just right. The adjustment screw is positioned in such a way that it doesn´t impede normal use of the arm.

In addition to the SME V´s clamping bolts, the arm post is held in place by two spring- loaded clamps. This means that even with loosened clamping bolts, the arm post will stay in place.