Hi Steve,
Well, like the tapered spindle that Gary (prematurely) suggested was to tag along with the titanium platter, the all-titanium armwand is still in the prototype/developmental stage. Too soon to promise anything, including availabilty and price. But it does promise to propel the Elite far above it's present level (again), and also beyond other arms with carbon fiber tubes. However, be prepared: due to the same reasons the platter is costly, so will the all-titanium armwand if/when it becomes a product. Not price gounging, I promise, but the reality of working with such an exotic material.
(In fact, and speaking of pricing, the current Yen/Dollar exchange, coupled with the export price of the titanium platter, and if the usual margins dealers need to stay in business and not just pass things along at cost, SHOULD place the titanium platter much closer to $20k... Before anyone cries "Foul..!" again, just think of businesses you might be in and remember that it is what it costs to function and produce, whether it's a widget, a service or audio gear. And if manufacturers, distributors and dealers are to remain in business, and not just supply things at cost to audiophile friends, how else does the business model work? Just think of those unnecessary diamonds and other baubles that cost so much. Do we REALLY need an exotic Swiss watch to tell time, or is it quality, material expenses and pride of ownership? Same with sports cars - no one needs one, but what fun - and there they are!
OK, end of the editorial for this issue of the magazine, but believe me, folks, if you really KNEW what effort goes on behind the scene to design, manufacture and QC these things, not to mention after-sales service and support, you most likely would not want to do it. Before I got into the business myself, I had NO idea, and thought it was just going to be all fun. I've met some very nice people along the way (professional and customers) so that's the fun part, but the work and sweat is the late-night hours and other stuff to make it all happen. Lots of work and up-front expense for ANY quality manufacturer.
Long answer to your question, Steve, but I just wanted to forewarn you about the likely cost and why it won't be a cheapo knock-off item. Can it be done at a lower price? Well, if it were aluminum, sure - How about wood?, no sweat - And what of carbon-fiber? - definitely (not nearly as expensive or difficult to produce as some would have you to believe) - but when you get into exotic metals such as a one-piece titanium design - more rigid than any other option, by the way - the rules all change...