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Kurt, It seems the arm of choice is either a SME 3009 for 12" records or a 3012 for use with up to 16" records. This is a very good arm that is mildly affordable. The 3009 can be purchased on ebay for 200-300 and the 3012 for a bit more. The only drawback to these arms is that the Vertical tracking Angle (VTA) isn't easily adjusted. It uses a set screw to hold the arm in place, to adjust, you have to loosen the set screw and raise or lower the arm by hand. If you transcribe a lot of different types of discs this can be a major pain. And after a while, the arm tube can become dimpled, making repeat or finite adjustments nearly impossible. Personally I prefer the Technics EPA-250 arm for most records, as this arm has a removable headshell, removable arm tube, and a very easily adjustable VTA. In fact the VTA action is so smooth. you can actually adjust it while playing a record. To low and the low end gets a bit wooly, to high and the top end gets too bright. I have been toying around with the idea of manufacturing a similar type setup for use with the SME arms. The arm would mount to a base that has a large adjustable ring to raise and lower the arm. Unfortunately the machining process would be very complex and the cost would be high, 300-500.00 per unit. Dave Meyers Overkill audio inc. -----Original Message----- From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kurt Nauck Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2003 12:02 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [ARSCLIST] Tonearms I sent this email, and it never showed up in my mailbox. Therefore I am sending it again. If you get it twice, my apologies! What is the preferred SME tonearm for playing 78s? What about 16" ETs? Are there other arms made by other manufacturers as good? Kurt & Diane Nauck c/o Nauck's Vintage Records 22004 Sherrod Ln. Spring, TX 77389 Website: www.78rpm.com E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Phone: (281) 288-7826 Fax: (425) 930-6862