2. analog
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Are linear tracking arms better than pivoted arms?

My answer to this question is yes. Linear tracking arms trace the record exactly the way it was cut. Pivoted arms generally have two null points across the record and they are the only two points the geometry is correct. All other points on the record have a degree of error with pivoted arms. Linear tracking arms don't need anti-skating like pivoted arms do which is another plus for them.

Linear tracking arms take more skill to set up initially, but I feel they reward the owner with superior sound quality. I have owned and used a variety of pivoted arms over the years, but I feel that my ET-2 is superior sounding to all of them. You can set up a pivoted arm incorrectly and it will still play music. Linear tracking arms pretty much force you to have everything correct or else they will not play. Are they worth the fuss? I think so.
mepearson

Showing 9 responses by c1ferrari

c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Following a near 3 decade hiatus from records, I acquired via AudiogoN a VPI HW-19 MKIV with an ET-2/Benz Glider combo...I've been mesmerized by tangential arms since I first saw the beautiful Rabco ST-7, as a teenage nascent audio-enthusiast, in magazine adverts and the beguiling B&O 4002, in person...I favored the Transcriptor Vestigial for radial arms. I suppose I'm examining it from a different angle :-)

Enjoy!
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
The Thales arm reminds me of the Garrard Zero table/arm combo that I had in college.
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Thanks, D-mo...I'll check it out :-)

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
D-Mo,

I think the inestimable Jonathan Carr posted on Audio Asylum in the past.

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
I love this, Nilthepill! In class, we have been studying free body diagrams...now, if only I could introduce this as a real-life application to the mp3 generation :-)

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Dertonarm,

Thank you for mentioning Mr. Carr's contributions to AudiogoN...I'll review them. I'm fascinated by the discussion of free body diagrams and force vectors that are germane to this topic :-)

Somewhat off topic, but I'm rather curious...have you listened to analogue reel-to-reel masters (or close to them)? The sound is/has the potential to be exquisite and the experience - revelatory!

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
D-Mo,

Thanks, I've actually posted to 2/3 threads! I think Albert has his Studer A810 back in rotation and hope he gets it revved-up for my next visit!

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming...just playin' :-)

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Hi Dertonarm,

Two C-37's and all of those tapes!! OMG :-) My spouse and I just received 13 Tape Project albums last Friday...we had listened to all of them by late Sunday! We enjoyed sonic bliss weekend - lol.

I'm delighted you've experienced the physical presence and dynamic with analogue cartridge/tonearm that you previously achieved with analogue tape! I'm wondering...do you think, generally, that vinyl possesses the low frequency information that would probably be present in a great tape, i.e. an EQ'd tape used for vinyl mastering that deliberately has the low frequency energy absent? I'm thinking Direct-to-Disc recordings probably have all the musical signal present...

Thanks for your thoughts!

Vbr,
Sam
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Ralph,

Well-stated! I hope to record live, unamplified performances in differing venues with a Studer A810 at 15 ips, 1/4", 1/2 track, IEC EQ, and straight into the recorder...uncertain whether to use ATR Studio Master or RMGI SM900. Then, I could utilize these recordings to evaluate my system/room and optimize, accordingly :-)

Vbr,
Sam
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