Premier FT3-A

About the Premier FT3-A

The Sumiko Premier FT-3 is a high-quality tonearm manufactured in Japan, featuring a straight design with stereo gimbal bearings and variable fluid damping for smooth tracking. It has an overall length of 305 mm and an effective length (pivot to stylus) of 239 mm, with an overhang of 17.3 mm and an offset angle of 23 degrees. The mounting distance from record center to pivot is 221.7 mm, and it allows a maximum backswing of 64 mm. The tonearm supports cartridge weights ranging from standard up to 8 grams, with an option for extra weights accommodating 8 to 14 grams. It is known for precise manufacturing tolerances and offers on-the-fly vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment, enhancing playback performance. The Premier FT-3 is often praised for its sound quality and build, being manufactured by Jelco in Japan to exacting standards. It is compatible with various cartridges and has been used in notable turntable setups such as the Sota Sapphire and Oracle Delphi MkIII.