WANTED a budget tonearm for my turntable

[786]

Hello, looking for a budget tonearm for my turntable. I would prefer one of the following:

- Audiomods or Origin Live versions of the Rega modified tonearms

- Rega Rb250 original or MOTH version

- Rega Rb300 or similar

My budget is up to £220 for the modified versions, and up to £100 depending on which Rega versions. Please message me with any offers,

Many thanks :)

[RobbieGong]

Hello, looking for a budget tonearm for my turntable. I would prefer one of the following:

- Audiomods or Origin Live versions of the Rega modified tonearms

- Rega Rb250 original or MOTH version

- Rega Rb300 or similar

My budget is up to £220 for the modified versions, and up to £100 depending on which Rega versions. Please message me with any offers,

Many thanks :)

One of these would be a good buy IMO, new and free delivery too http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rega-RB202-tonearm-New-Excellent-sounding-RB250-RB251-replacement-model-DECO-/221889641114?hash=item33a9a73a9a:g:1c4AAMXQBwlRQg3 P

[Bigman80]

There's a mission 774OG On eBay at the minute. Forget the rega variations And go for this. Best decision I ever made. I had a 202 rewired with Cardas. I rewired the mission with Superflex and it blows the rega away. [emoji106]

[RobbieGong]

There's a mission 774OG On eBay at the minute. Forget the rega variations And go for this. Best decision I ever made. I had a 202 rewired with Cardas. I rewired the mission with Superflex and it blows the rega away. [emoji106]

I think he's right you know Shaid. Never heard a 774 but only read how much of an audiophile bargain and how good they are. you'll find the 774 is highly regarded if you're not stuck on Rega that is ;)

[Monty]

Might this be of interest?

It is in great condition, but will need a mounting nut, I used it without on my Kuzma Stabi S.


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/paulperry86/Picture%20770_zps2utfmmxe.jpg

[786]

Hello Paul, which model is that arm and also I would need a mounting nut? Thanks for the suggestion.

Thanks also to the other members for their suggestions, but I am kind of wed to the idea of a Rega or mod version for my deck so keen to find a decent version of the models I have listed.

[Ali Tait]

Fair enough, but the Mission blows any Rega arm I've heard out of the water IMHO.

[shane]

Wot 'e said! Went from an RB300 (20 years) to a Formula IV (five years) to a 774. The 774 knocks the others into a cocked hat! Should have done it 30 years earlier.

[Ali Tait]

Yep. Made the Technoarm I was using sound broken by comparison.

[Bigman80]

It's up to you as its your money so go for what you desire. [emoji106]

We'll be here when you decide to upgrade to the mission [emoji6]

[Ali Tait]

LOL.

[786]

lol ...you guys really know the journey....I am tempted, i have put it onto my watch list....fair enough!! Have any of you tried it with an old Xerxes TT?

[Bigman80]

I haven't but I see no reason why it won't be a success. If you want to hear one before you decide, maybe there is a member near you with a mission arm ?

[walpurgis]

Fair enough, but the Mission blows any Rega arm I've heard out of the water IMHO.

I went from a Linn Ittok to a Mission 774 on my Garrard 401, because after using the Ittok for a few years, I bought a 774 out of curiosity. It was 'no contest'! The Ittok went and the Mission stayed. Later, when I was using a Techie, I also bought a Rega RB250 and RB300 and 'upgraded' them with various fancy add on bits and rewiring. A waste of time really, they didn't approach the 774. Each time I took the Regas off and bunged the 774 back on the sound just opened up and sweetened, the music came back as it should and I breathed a sigh of relief!!

A note. If you're using a Rega turntable or have a TT dedicated to Rega arms, mounting a 774 requires modification. I can't say how the Mission would sound on a Rega TT, as that's a combo I've not tried.

[alcarmichael]

Might this be of interest?

It is in great condition, but will need a mounting nut, I used it without on my Kuzma Stabi S.


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/paulperry86/Picture%20770_zps2utfmmxe.jpg

Is this the 774?

[Ali Tait]

No, looks like a Rega arm.

[walpurgis]

This is a Mission 774 ---- Mine! :)


http://i68.tinypic.com/2hs3vgk.jpg

[Ali Tait]

Notice you have an arm lovk there Geoff, what did you use?

[walpurgis]

Notice you have an arm lovk there Geoff, what did you use?

I think you meant arm rest. It's an old one off a BSR turntable I believe. I mounted it on the height adjustable base from an unwanted dustbug and bonded it in place with good double sided tape.

I reckon the cheap Techie items on eBay for under a fiver may be adaptable. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Technics-Genuine-Turntable-Tonearm-Rest-SFPRT17201K-Fits-SL1200-SL1210-More-/370760194452?hash=item5653079994:g:hgUAAOxyNW9SKI2 D

[Bigman80]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/8648f7d5a7661a050e0c39e42dcb1255.jpg

Let's all post pics of our arms until he really wants one lmao [emoji23]

[Bigman80]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160226/2992ef342fbb386ae017eaff7d6a6b10.jpg

Mmmmmmm sexy !! Lol

[shane]

Not easy to photograph a black arm on a black turntable under a black lid with an iPhone, but here's mine:

http://www.thepippin.plus.com/Misc/774.JPG

[Bigman80]

Not easy to photograph a black arm on a black turntable under a black lid with an iPhone, but here's mine:

http://www.thepippin.plus.com/Misc/774.JPG


ahhh beautiful....is that a Acutex 412 ?

[786]

ok, what is the price of one of these Mission arms?

[alcarmichael]

Haha. He's succumbed to your peer pressure. I'm interested in one now as well! :doh:

[walpurgis]

Haha. He's succumbed to your peer pressure. I'm interested in one now as well! :doh:

I guess you'll all have to rush. I've been extolling the virtues of the 774 for a while and maybe my input has been noticed and is bumping prices up. Starting prices seem to be around £200. If you go for one make sure the soft counterweight insert is intact (it is repairable though) and try to get the two bias weights and three damping paddles they originally came with. One of each will do though, if you know what you're doing.

There's a nice looking example on eBay right now. :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lovely-Mission-774-Tonearm-Fits-in-SME-or-most-other-arm-cut-outs-Boxed-/262307040717?hash=item3d12b7cdcd:g:MRYAAOSwezVWzyn G

Do not confuse this arm with the 774LC or 774SM, which are completely different.

[786]

Considering the galloping progress of that listing, seems the Mission PR team may have convinced more people than just little ol' me :)

[shane]

The last four on EBay went for £355, £180, £250 and £299 (most recent last).

[shane]

ahhh beautiful....is that a Acutex 412 ?

Not quite, it's a 312 III STR. I bought it as a stopgap until I can afford to have my beloved Denon 304 rebuilt, but it doesn't give much away to the Denon which, for £35, is pretty bloody amazing. Recommended at the time by Ali, for which I'm eternally grateful!

[struth]

The sme 3009's seem to be making serious cash now too

[walpurgis]

The sme 3009's seem to be making serious cash now too

Yes. I've noticed that Grant. They seem to have doubled in asking price in the last few months.

[walpurgis]

Not quite, it's a 312 III STR. I bought it as a stopgap until I can afford to have my beloved Denon 304 rebuilt, but it doesn't give much away to the Denon which, for £35, is pretty bloody amazing. Recommended at the time by Ali, for which I'm eternally grateful!

Shane. Do you like the DL-304 enough to spend hundreds on it for a rebuild? I'd suggest putting the money towards a better MC.

Don't get me wrong. It's a very nice sounding MC, but having owned these, I found them somewhat unsatisfying ultimately. The 304 is very refined and detailed, but the real drama and impact of the music just did not quite seem to be there. I sensed that the sound could have been a bit more full bodied. It reminded me very much of the Transfiguration Aria actually (another that was not kept). The DL-103 and 103R for instance, although not being as polished, are far more involving with a bolder presentation in my experience.

A new cantilever and tip on your 304 will likely cost you £300 or more and if it doesn't measure up to your expectations, you won't sell it on for anything like that. A Goldring Eroica LX for the same money or ZYX R50 Bloom H for a bit more would put a big smile on your face.

[Bigman80]

Not quite, it's a 312 III STR. I bought it as a stopgap until I can afford to have my beloved Denon 304 rebuilt, but it doesn't give much away to the Denon which, for £35, is pretty bloody amazing. Recommended at the time by Ali, for which I'm eternally grateful!

Lovely indeed. Got a 410e on mine and it's beautiful!!

[Bigman80]

if we all but mission arms and then keep banging the drum surely we all profit ????? Lmao

[struth]

Yes. I've noticed that Grant. They seem to have doubled in asking price in the last few months.

yes theyve been changing hands in the 300 bracket now.. probably as the missions have got more expensive. Personally I like a removable head now, due to health reasons.

[walpurgis]

if we all but mission arms and then keep banging the drum surely we all profit ????? Lmao

But only if you part with one.

[struth]

But only if you part with one.

they are rubbish anyways. folk will realise and flog them cheap soon....then I will strike ;)

[shane]

Shane. Do you like the DL-304 enough to spend hundreds on it for a rebuild? I'd suggest putting the money towards a better MC.

it's precisely because I'm not sure that the 304 is still in its box 2 years after its suspension collapsed. I love it's delicacy and transparency, but it does lack a little in the slam department. I've noticed that knackered 304s are being sold in the bay for rebuild and fetching around £100, which isn't far off the price of a new 104. Now, you're going to tell me that the 774 is a low-mass arm and as such is totally unsuitable for the 104, but it isn't. The 774 is a low-mass arm tube bolted to one of the most rigid and best designed pillar/bearing assemblies in the business. A length of 8mm medium wall-thickness stainless tube with a slightly more massive head shell would turn it into a medium to high mass arm to be reckoned with. Just need to find one of those additional counterweight mass-rings.

[Bigman80]

they are rubbish anyways. folk will realise and flog them cheap soon....then I will strike ;)

Lmao. When I bought the mission a 3009 was £250. This week they are on for £500 ??? That's not a bad increase to be fair.

[Bigman80]

it's precisely because I'm not sure that the 304 is still in its box 2 years after its suspension collapsed. I love it's delicacy and transparency, but it does lack a little in the slam department. I've noticed that knackered 304s are being sold in the bay for rebuild and fetching around £100, which isn't far off the price of a new 104. Now, you're going to tell me that the 774 is a low-mass arm and as such is totally unsuitable for the 104, but it isn't. The 774 is a low-mass arm tube bolted to one of the most rigid and best designed pillar/bearing assemblies in the business. A length of 8mm medium wall-thickness stainless tube with a slightly more massive head shell would turn it into a medium to high mass arm to be reckoned with. Just need to find one of those additional counterweight mass-rings.

Someone said they may make a run of spare parts ????? [emoji6] (Walpurgis)

[walpurgis]

it's precisely because I'm not sure that the 304 is still in its box 2 years after its suspension collapsed. I love it's delicacy and transparency, but it does lack a little in the slam department. I've noticed that knackered 304s are being sold in the bay for rebuild and fetching around £100, which isn't far off the price of a new 104. Now, you're going to tell me that the 774 is a low-mass arm and as such is totally unsuitable for the 104, but it isn't. The 774 is a low-mass arm tube bolted to one of the most rigid and best designed pillar/bearing assemblies in the business. A length of 8mm medium wall-thickness stainless tube with a slightly more massive head shell would turn it into a medium to high mass arm to be reckoned with. Just need to find one of those additional counterweight mass-rings.

Every standard 1/2" mount cartridge will work in the 774. Low compliance to high. I use both and vary the damping accordingly. A heavier arm tube could be useful, but is not really necessary. You are unlikely to need the (rare) counterweight mass ring, unless you use something heavy like a Mk.IV Decca or Ortofon S15T. A lighter counterweight could be handy though. My ZYXs are very light and don't balance out unless I add mass at the headshell. I suppose a heavier tube would achieve the same, but it would be unsuited to high compliance carts.

[786]

Gents, the Mission sounds nice, but here is the classic dilemma of price/performance/budget/that should really go towards the mortgage... it is headed out of my reach. I am still looking for the Rega arms or modified versions, it would keep it simple and within my budget....unless someone is going to offer me one inside my budget.

[RobbieGong]

One of these would be a good buy IMO, new and free delivery too http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rega-RB202-tonearm-New-Excellent-sounding-RB250-RB251-replacement-model-DECO-/221889641114?hash=item33a9a73a9a:g:1c4AAMXQBwlRQg3 P

If that's the case Kai, we respect your wishes. Sticking with the original brief then. As above which Rega quote as an evolution of what you are after. Brand new, £198 delivered - looks the ticket to me.

[Bigman80]

Gents, the Mission sounds nice, but here is the classic dilemma of price/performance/budget/that should really go towards the mortgage... it is headed out of my reach. I am still looking for the Rega arms or modified versions, it would keep it simple and within my budget....unless someone is going to offer me one inside my budget.

Fair enough matey. It all comes down to budget eventually [emoji3][emoji383][emoji383][emoji383][emoji383][emoji383]

[walpurgis]

Gents, the Mission sounds nice, but here is the classic dilemma of price/performance/budget/that should really go towards the mortgage... it is headed out of my reach. I am still looking for the Rega arms or modified versions, it would keep it simple and within my budget....unless someone is going to offer me one inside my budget.

Consider the Linn LV-V then. It's a decent all rounder, well suited to most modern cartridges and it won't break the bank. The detachable headshell is useful and can be upgraded.

[Bigman80]

There is a SME 3009 on www.hi-fiforsale.com for £200. You should have a look at that too.

[Bigman80]

Or .co.uk. Can't remember.

[Bigman80]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TONEARM-HELIUS-AUREUS-MK2-Silver-Wired-/191814882166?hash=item2ca90ed376:g:XagAAOSwG-1W0eMq

[walpurgis]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TONEARM-HELIUS-AUREUS-MK2-Silver-Wired-/191814882166?hash=item2ca90ed376:g:XagAAOSwG-1W0eMq

You can't grumble at that price. Some people don't seem to like the Aureus, but it's fine as a good quality, basic, decent arm of lowish mass (better than an LV-X). I've got the original and fairly similar Helius arm, the first model. That's OK too.

[Bigman80]

At that price its hard to complain. i have heard one of these and it was as good as the rega i had.

[Bigman80]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADC-LFM-1-Carbon-Fibre-Vintage-Turntable-Tonearm-Good-Working-condition-Cable-/331789505485?hash=item4d403213cd:g:BYUAAOSwuAVW0dT n

another decent arm

[walpurgis]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADC-LFM-1-Carbon-Fibre-Vintage-Turntable-Tonearm-Good-Working-condition-Cable-/331789505485?hash=item4d403213cd:g:BYUAAOSwuAVW0dT n

another decent arm

But very low mass and only suitable for use with high compliance carts. I'm one of the minority of people who could make use of it, as my ADC carts would work well in it.

[walpurgis]

At that price its hard to complain. i have heard one of these and it was as good as the rega i had.

It's better than a Rega. An old bit of plank, a couple of woodscrews and some chewing gum is better than a Rega!! :eek:

[Bigman80]

It's better than a Rega. An old bit of plank, a couple of woodscrews and some chewing gum is better than a Rega!! :eek:

LMAO... harsh but fair

[RichB]

It's better than a Rega. An old bit of plank, a couple of woodscrews and some chewing gum is better than a Rega!! :eek:

Just say what you think now Geoff.

[shane]

Off-the-wall suggestion:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262307180336

[mad-moon]

Linn basik with cartridge:-

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?130930-Some-Vinyl-Bits

[walpurgis]

Off-the-wall suggestion:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/262307180336

It won't be happy with many modern carts or MCs.

[walpurgis]

Linn basik with cartridge:-

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?130930-Some-Vinyl-Bits

Overpriced. The arm is worth around £100 and the cartridge is horrible. :D

[Bigman80]

Agreed. Linn basik isn't a great arm by all accounts. There is a guy who sells rewired and recondition RB250's online. Very good reviews. I think it thebritishaudiocompany.com. I'll try and find a link

[Bigman80]

http://www.thebetteraudiocompany.co.uk/rewired_tonearms.html

I you're looking rega you may as well go this way