Tonearms

[DSJR]

I love the Zeta, BUT NOT ON AN STD..................... This deck is a lighter build than the top model Systemdek's and Logic DM101, let alone the heavier built Aristons, TD125's and LP12's IMO.

Use a less "critical-n-fussy" arm (I think the straight-tube Jelco would be perfect and still similar to the model they made in the early eighties IIRC).

[John]

A rewire to a Zeta makes a huge difference but no idea what it be like on this deck so Dave is probarly right

[Rare Bird]

Well the last STD '305' i had was a silver finish with Electronic display (D) this had SME 'IIIS' fitted, i dislike that arm with a passion.

As for other arm. Jap stuff no way

I'm spending no more than £150.00 second hand as it's not my main source, it's just to fill a fettish but i'm still a fussy swine.

Helius 'Orion' is too heavy & too pricey.
'Zeta' the same, most 'Zeta' have iffy bearings anyway as do the Mission 774'SM' (Built by GB Tools the same)
Alphason 'HR100S' is nice but again can have iffy bearings..The 'Xenon' & 'Opal' are nice alternative, i think these had ceramic bearings..Linn cut out would not be a problem. Even though it's criminal even having the thought of a Linn idea anywhere


I love the Mission '774 Original but the aluminium casting is a lot to be desired!

I do love the Mayware 'F4' aswell but as Guy says they are low mass uni's & limited to cartridge even though some of my fave carts suit Low mass arms! (I missed one on e-bay last night)

So the last two low mass designs are possible..

I'm just getting people to awaken my elephantine memory a bit (I'm getting old)

Here's two pics i posted on Vinyl engine of my old Mayware i fully restored, rewired & fitted sonus parts to..

[Rare Bird]

btw:
there's a Original Mission '774' mounted on a Linda Ronstadt 'LP12' E-bay way tried convincing him the 'LP12' would about fetch the same without the arm but he wasnt having it!

[DSJR]

The 774 was roughly finished and not all of them had good bearings. Later ones improved the finish but the wiring to amp will need to be replaced because it's too stiff for suspended decks. Not a problem to do today.

SME III's are fine with high compliance cartridges and with a V15 III SAS or Ortofon Concord "Wand" you'll get a great vintage sound to suit your musical tastes IMO

[Rare Bird]

The 774 was roughly finished and not all of them had good bearings. Later ones improved the finish but the wiring to amp will need to be replaced because it's too stiff for suspended decks. Not a problem to do today.

Aye the wiring was shit, stole it's ground from one of the cartridge tag grounds...The handy thing about this arm was the removable/adjustable wands which makes cartridge mount & azimuth a doggle to set up.Real shame this arm was better presented as it was a great sounding arm...

[Beobloke]

I can also highly recommend the Audio Technica AT-1130 - a very under-rated arm IMHO. I used one for years on my 301 until upgrading to the HR-100S but I still have it.

[Rare Bird]

I can also highly recommend the Audio Technica AT-1130 - a very under-rated arm IMHO.

Thanks Adam but no thanks it's Japanese...Yes please to the HR100 tho..

[Beobloke]

Thanks Adam but no thanks it's Japanese

Ah, OK. Is this a bad thing then? I never realised...............

[Themis]

The day Andre finds out that ELP are (actually) Japanese, it will be Armageddon day...