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Under the Radar Tonearms?

PostPosted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 6:17 am
by Shannon Parks
OK - I admit making a DIY tonearm is on my backburner at present. But there's got to be some decent tonearms available for under $200 from some unknown Japanese manufacturer. Heck, even a new manufacturer from Taiwan or China? I'd really like to put a new one in the Technics SL1200MK2 as the original is just too clunky, while the DD blows my mind.

Re: Under the Radar Tonearms?

PostPosted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:09 pm
by ecir38
The technics sl-120 came with an SME tonearm. The armboard on this table will fit on the SL1200.

Rega also makes an armboard to accept their tonearms for the for the SL1200.

If you can find a SME tonearm for cheap I made a jig to whip out some armboards pretty easy out of rosewood I can hook you up with.

Image

I have read of some that have changed the tonearm on this table with the Rega and SME but they have said that it wasn't justified since the SL1200 is already a great tonearn especially with the KAB fluid damper added to it. http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

Let me know if you find a differant tonearm that you would like to try other than the ones I have mentioned. I can make the same armboard without the sme cutout (blank)

PostPosted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:01 am
by Shannon Parks
Excellent info. I will see if I can get a SL-120 and get in touch with you. Personally, I don't see how the OEM tonearm is that great. It seems to be the compromise on the design. It's fluidity is nothing like my Thorens or even AR XB.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:06 am
by ecir38
Look out for the SL-150 too. It comes with a blank armboard and sometimes came with the SME.

See the OL1 tonearm http://www.tonearm.co.uk/dj-technics-arm.htm this may be just what you are looking for that is close to your budget.
http://www.tonearm.co.uk/tonearm.htm
http://www.tonearm.co.uk/dj_technics_armboard.htm

The good thing about the stock tonearm is it allows easy vta adjustment and has a removable headshell. Using heatshrink on the tonearm and adding the KAB fluid damper is suppose to wake this tonearm up.

Just let me know if you decide you want one of my armboards. I have will have no problem making one and sending to you in appreciation to your support here.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:18 am
by SDS-PAGE
I think you can find Rega's RB250 in good condition for under $200. I got a reburbished Rotel RP900, made by Rega with the RB250, for $260. One of NAD TTs is also made by Rega with the RB250. Those are usually reasonably priced. It's a great sounding tone arm.

Re: Under the Radar Tonearms?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:09 pm
by graham14
Hi
are the wooden armboards still available?