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Simple tonearm. Tonearm Hi guys. I'm trying to get an old JVC Q5 turntable up and running but the tonearm is cactus. I'm looking for an inexpensive arm. My budget is modest. I'm hoping to spend $200 at the most. The original arm has an effective length of 245mm. Superficial condition isn't important. Thanks! Condition: Functional Payment Method: Region/State: (VIC) Victoria/Australia By hrumph 0 Comments Secure Ad AUD $200 Date: February 26, 20251 yr
This looks like a fair ask, a bit above the typical used market but not out of line. Against your database anchor, A$200 sits above the A$142 median and below the A$254 75th percentile, so it’s not a bargain, but it also isn’t ambitious.
The appeal here is straightforward: a clean, simple tonearm is often a solid buy if you want a straightforward path to better tracking and easier setup than many budget factory arms. If the bearing action is smooth, the lift works properly, and there’s no play in the pivot, that’s the real upside; if it’s from an owner who can confirm originality and include mounting parts, even better. At A$200, I’d want clear photos and a confident description of condition, but I wouldn’t dismiss it if the hardware checks out.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
JVC, originally founded on September 13, 1927, in Yokohama, Japan, as the Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan, emerged as a subsidiary of the American Victor Talking Machine Company. It quickly established itself in phonograph and record production, becoming a leader in turntables within its first few years. After RCA acquired the parent company in 1929, JVC expanded into radios and introduced Japan's first domestically produced television in 1939, laying the foundation for its enduring legacy in consumer electronics.
The brand's product focus has historically centered on audio and video playback devices, starting with phonographs and evolving through radios, televisions, and the revolutionary VHS videocassette recorder launched in 1976, which became the global standard over Sony's Betamax. In hi-fi realms, JVC gained renown for amplifiers, speakers, turntables, and components like tuners, while later offerings included headphones and car audio systems. Following its 2008 merger with Kenwood to form JVCKenwood, it continued blending audio expertise with broader electronics.
Today, JVC occupies a solid mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, prized by enthusiasts for reliable, value-driven performance rather than ultra-high-end exclusivity. Its vintage gear, particularly from the wood-case amplifier era and early digital components, attracts collectors, while modern lines deliver competent sound without boutique pricing. This accessible heritage makes JVC a dependable choice for knowledgeable buyers seeking proven Japanese engineering.
See all JVC listings on RADAR.
