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Next step up from the Sumiko FT-3

Hi all,
Subject says it all. What's a good next-step up tonearm from the Sumiko? Running a Hana SH on a VPI HW-19 Mk4. I'm comfortable with adjusting a cartridge and tonearm, though I'd rather not drill into the plinth if I don't have to.

Thank you for any idea. Budget around $1K new or used. This will be the first new/replacement tonearm I've ever installed. is it worth it?
Cheers,
s
128x128simao
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
what did you end up doing ? what did you use w FT-3
i just bought one on a broken SOTA that I will tune up....

thanks
Jim
simao's avatar
simao OP
656 posts
 
I'm shipping my Benz off to get re-tipped and am keeping the FT-3 in the meantime to see how it mates with the Hana SH I got for a replacement. The Hana is 5 grams compared to the Benz's 8.8, but I think the FT-3 should handle that.

I also noticed that my FT-3 doesn't have its elevation collar. I've been adjusting VTA by moving the entire pillar with gross adjustments.
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
GEM has the Jelco 850 series arms.  

http://www.hifigem.com/


johnss
291 posts
 
I would not sell the FT3. pretty nice arm. I used to have both the FT3 and FT4.

For a kilo buck, you might look at what you can do with your phono stage. did not mention what you were running, but first thing would be to add some vishay foil resistors to the loading positions.
simao's avatar
simao OP
656 posts
 
Hi @johnss!  I'm running a Lehmann Statement Black Cube.
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