• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Technics SP10 Tonearm recommendations

visman

visman

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
So I just bought a very nice Technics SP10 with original plinth and dust cover from AK member Snow - all three pieces are on their way from Alaska (in original boxes no less).

So now I need a tonearm - use will be primarily for playing vinyl during events - so nothing too sensitive to movement (no little weights on strings - like SME 3009).

So any suggestions for a nice tonearm?
 
Register to hide this ad
I use a Jelco SA-750E (the 10" version) with my SP15, and am very happy with it. No fiddly bits, and it has built in silicon damping. There are also 9" and 12" versions, but the 10" is a perfect fit on my Technics plinth.
 
Jelco is a good choice - I'm using a Jelco-made Sumiko FT-3 with my SP15 (~9" wand, silicone damping) - which is essentially the predecessor to the SA-750E. Works a treat. Another arm you should consider (but, unfortunately, has fiddly weight on string) is an AudioMods arm. No way to get around the antiskate weight, but it's head and shoulders above the Sumiko (and, I assume, the Jelco).

-D
 
Jelco SA750 is great, and would be my first go-to tonearm too, were I in your (wonderful) shoes.
I'd also be on the lookout for a vintage broadcast Grace - preferably the 12' versions (for bragging rights :) ), but the 9' are just as good.
another great choice is the Ortofon AS212, which is an amazing if unsung (hence - undervalued) tonearm, which is both simple in built and in use, robust, while offering some of the lowest friction bearings ever made.
 
Thanks Mister Pig - any specific arms from those companies?

One additional must have for the application is a lift/lower lever (can't use the headshell).
 
visman said:
Thanks Mister Pig - any specific arms from those companies?

One additional must have for the application is a lift/lower lever (can't use the headshell).
Click to expand...

It depends on how much you have to spend, and what compliance of cartridges you want to run. I personally think this particular Grace would be fun to own.

th


But the most popular Grace is probably the 707, but its meant to be used with higher compliance cartridges. So most MM cartridges would probably fit the bill, as a general rule. Some of the Audio Technica arms are higher mass, as are some of the Audiocraft. If you have a range of cartridges you are interested in that could help narrow the arm selection. Or if you have the arm chosen, it will define what kinds of cartridges you can use.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
visman said:
I would like to go with either my Shure V15 - V or V15-VST for a cartridge.
Click to expand...

A Grace 707 would be good, so would an Infinity Black Widow, An ADC LMF1, a Project 9CC or 9CC EVO. Those are lower mass arms that come to mind that are appropriate to use with a higher compliance cartridge like those Shure.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
Last edited:
If I didn't go SME 3009 S2 Improved or III for the Shure, I'd go Infinity Black Widow or get the Grace 707. I like all the above arms for low mass choices.
 
Keep in mind most new carts manufactured today are not going to be high compliance. If you don't want any strings and you just want a good standard arm the old Audio Technica AT arms are old radio station and DJ arms often used with the Technics SP tables in commercial use.
 
So these showed up today (thanks Snow) - better get a Tonearm soon.

Tomorrows project is to see what's inside!

image.jpeg
 
This has been a good week and I have managed to capture two of the recommended arms: a Jelco SA-750L and a Grace G-707. Also a member shared a very nice picture of his SP10 with the SME3009 - which has me considering it as an outside possibility. This is primarily because my wife will need to transport and use the table to spin records at a local gallery and will want to pick single LP tracks - I think this might be a pain with the 3009.

Anyway now I have narrowed down my options to these three - which would you pick for this table?





image.jpeg
 
I like my Jelco 750-L a lot. There was a thread recently where a Thorens 124 owner compared the Jelco 750 to the SME 3009 and declared the Jelco superior by a fairly wide margin.

I'm less familiar with the Grace. If you have both, set them up and let us know.
 
I am leaning towards the Jelco purely on account of it being 12" ... But he Grace does get a lot of love.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom