Tonearm without off-set


Hi All

Just wanting to know if a straight 12 inch arm without off-set is a good idea.

Yes, the alignment is not as good as an off-set arm, but there's the advantage of having no anti-skate problems, and also probably less stress on the cantilever.

Any feedback from current users of non off-set arm would be fantastic, or any opinions you may want to share on this topic.

I have to make a decision which way to go, as the arm manufacturer can make both versions.
william62

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

You'd be better served by doing the opposite: retain the correct offset but consider deleting the antiskate mechanism.

1. The sonic benefits of highly accurate alignment are huge. Search this forum for "Mint" or "MintLP" protractor for a wealth of information and testimonials across a wide range of tonearms and cartridges. You'd be shortchanging yourself not to have the best possible alignment, which won't be feasible without a properly angled headshell.

2. The skating force on a 12 inch arm will be very low, so you'll need little if any antiskating. Many people play without it on shorter tonearms, despite larger offset angles, and your arm will need less (though it's somewhat cartridge dependent). Some, including me, have removed our antiskating mechanisms altogether, to good effect.

3. Unless you apply antiskating there's no more stress on the cantilever/suspension with an offset than without. Since you'll probably play with virtually zero antiskating, this shouldn't be a concern.

So:
- have the correct offset built into your new tonearm;
- consider asking the manufacturer to forget the antiskating mechanism altogether, or at least to make it easily removeable;
- procure a Mint protractor (or a Wally, if you can get one).

My $.02 (inflation adjusted of course).