[Photon46]

I am now down to one of three arms, a Rega 300 rewired, a michell technoarm, or an Origin Live Enconter MkII.

Not sure if the Grado is good for any of these.

The Grado will work fine in any of these, I had no problem with a Grado/RB300 combo. I also wouldn't worry too much about which one to buy. If you're going to buy a used one, just jump on a good deal when it arises. There's a reason so many manufacturers  ship their tables with a Rega arm, they're a great entry point into vinyl. Sure a better arm gives you more, but that doesn't mean you're going to be shortchanged if your vinyl entry arm is a RB300. Part of the joy of this hobby is learning and growing. When I was young I listened to vinyl for years with tonearms that didn't perform as well as a stock RB300 and still enjoyed thousands of hours of listening pleasure.

[Ericus Rex]

So my Jelco 370H has arrived.  Unfortunately, it was poorly packed and a loose mounting bracket and counterweight inflicted some minor cosmetic damage, but nothing too bad.

It is a very stout arm.  Far more stout than the pics would lead you to believe.  It reminds me, visually, of the Ortofon TA-110.  For what I paid ($175 + shipping) it appears to be quite an awesome buy.  It'll take me a little while to get'er up and running but I'll post my thoughts once I do.

[buckeyefanandy]

Well, I got a strange email today from a guy that I bid on a ebay Empire table, 298 model.  It is complete with an arm, and cart.  I was the fourth buyer with a bid of $199 shipped.  The previous 3 buyers reneged on the sale and got a buy it now offer.  Table is in good shape and at half of the winning bid price it is tempting. 

Any thoughts?

[neobop]

Yo Andy,
Cosmic man. That's what we used to say back in the hippie days. I haven't been around much lately. Been kinda busy. I come here and there's your pic of Trane asking, nice pic btw. 

Sounds like a fun project. Weren't you looking for an arm/cart for a Rock you already have, around 5?

Unless you're up and running with that, I'd stick to plan A.

What's your fav Trane album?

There's a jazz circle here. You'll find that very Q. Good place to answer.
neo

[buckeyefanandy]

I think I am settled on an arm.  The townshend is very nice.  The previous owner sent it back to have the bladder redone, a new motor, etc.  I am very fortunate to have such a nice table.  I expect to hold on to this for a long while.

It looks like a Encounter MKII is the answer for now.  Also considered a Michell Techno arm.

Still may grab the Empire to put in storage.

The favorite Trane album is A Love Supreme, but prefer a lot of the work he did when he was with Miles Davis.