Tonearm Choice:SME or Rega?

The Rega RB300 is actually supported by bearings on both sides.That being said there is spring in the weight adjustment side that does vibrate.However,I remember Jean Nantais of Lenco idler fame giving the Rega RB300 the thumbs up as the real deal.He always rewired his arms though.One with an original tungsten weight is the one to go for.The Lenco idler wheel and Garrard 301 are probably very suited to this arm.

I have used most of the SME arms and use to be a dealer and also used the Rega. All are good but have different applications. If I wanted an SME I would get a used 309, they often appear used in your price range and will handle a wide range of cartridges. The new SMEs , forget the number, begin at $995 and look good. If I got a Rega I would get a VTA adjustor to begin with, they are a pain without it. VPI makes a good one [dealer disclaimer] and Riggle makes a very good one I have thought about for my Jelco 750. This arm is also one you might consider as the detachable headshell means you can tune the mass to a considerable degree. They are $500 without arm cable, a real bargain. You can adjust the VTA on them, the Riggle lets you do it while playing.

Stan, did you see that Jelco has a 12" arm available for around $600.00? That one really intrigues me, does anyone out there have any experience with this yet?

It looks good but wouldn't fit the tables I am using. Also after using the 12" VPI, which is a very good arm, I am not sure if I really want the added hassle of a 12". But the Jelco should be a real bargain; they have made arms for other companies that sold for top dollar and the 750 series looks just as good. The made the Koetsu arm and the Grado arm for example and I think Raven offers the arms as a option on their tables. If not them then another of the expensive German tables.

My 2 cents:

Instead of fixating on the inexpensive Denon (with it's special requirements) look for a tonearm that will work with a wide range of cartridges in your price range.