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Best tonearm under $2k

I’m looking to upgrade the tonearm on my Acoustic Solid Bubinga wood TT. It came with a Rega Rb330 tonearm and although it does a pretty good job, id like to squeeze out a bit more. I just replaced the Denon 103r cart with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star cart and I don’t think I’m realizing it’s potential. I also upgraded my phono to an EAT E-glo S which I think would also benefit from an upgraded arm. My power amp is an Audion 300b Silver Night Special Edition driving Zu Soul Superfly’s. 
I’ve got one dealer steering me towards the Jelco 850s and another dealer suggesting the Sorane SA 1.2 tonearm. 
Does anyone have any listening recommendations on either of these?

Thanks,

Rick
128x128rickraymond59
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,544 posts
 
I run a Jelco arm and they are just great for the money and beautifully made. 
+ 850
rickraymond59's avatar
rickraymond59 OP
31 posts
 
@Chakster that’s strange that the table came with the Denon 103. Do these German TT manufactures know what the heck they are doing?  So I should be looking at high mass arms with the low compliance cartridge?  From what I’ve read about the Sorane, it’s been said that it has the mass of a typical 12” arm so that would be a plus. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,593 posts
 
George Merrill sells the Jelco 850S for $795. It is an excellent sounding arm with expansive 3D soundstage, cohesive frequency response, and a fine top end. And you don't have to spend $2000 to get a big improvement over the Rega. Get the Jelco 501 phono cable. Don't let the low price fool you. Economies of scale.
dodgealum
1,400 posts
 
Maybe consider an Origin Live Encounter—same mounting geometry as Rega and a big step up in performance. It will mate well with your MIMC Star.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,258 posts
 
rickraymond, that is correct you want a higher effective mass arm for cartridges with lower compliance. However, there is no typical 12" arm. The SME V-12 has an effective mass of 12 grams and the Kuzma 4 Point 11 16 grams. I am sure there are 12" arms with effective masses over 20 grams. The Sorane certainly looks like a high mass arm but numbers speak louder than looks. Never make assumptions. Assumptions are the mother of all f--- ups.

Mike
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