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Questions to ask as I shop for a tonearm?

I’ll be upgrading in 6+ mos. I’m asking now because I’m still learning. I want to take plenty of time to understand the relevant technical aspects of something so complicated & what makes one person love brand X & another person dislike it.

I have a George Warren tt & a Sumiko Blackbird cart I’m waiting for to put on the stock Rega 250. I’m also waiting for Christmas to hookup a Jolida JD9 mkII.  My budget will be ~$1500. While brand & model suggestions are appreciated... I want to learn about tonearms. As always, I appreciate the knowledge you all pass on to me.
tochsii
tochsii OP
52 posts
 
sbank thanks for all the info & especially the tips on whose comments to pay attention to. 

Thanks everyone 

orpheus10
5,988 posts
 

Here's some more information;


    https://www.stereophile.com/category/tonearm-reviews?page=3
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
To mount any tonearm you need Dr.Feickert protractor with precision Pivot to Spindle ruler. I bought mine from these guys (without VAT the price was sweet).
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
I would only choose a tonearm that can be adjustable in all needed parameters.....weight of cartridge, height, overhang, azimuth.
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
@stringreen azimuth and overhang can be adjusted on the removable headshell, all tonearms (except denon) in my list (for example) have VTA on the fly.

Many tonearms does not have this options and must be avoided in my opinion, especially most of the modern tonearms, don’t forget that price range extimated to $1500 by the OP. Tonearms without removable headshell, but with azimuth on the fly, cost 3 times as much (such as Reed).
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