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Curved and Straight Tonearms

Over the last 40 years I have owned 3 turntables. An entry level Dual from the '70's, a Denon DP-52F (which I still use in my office system) and a Rega P3-24 which I currently use in my main system. All of these turntables have had straight tonearms. I am planning on upgrading my Rega in the near future. Having started my research, I have noticed that some well reviewed turntables have curved 'arms. My question: What are the advantages/disadvantages of each, sonic or otherwise? Thanks for any input. 
ericsch
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,464 posts
 
It looks like the OP is looking for a table that comes with an arm included. I doubt he is looking at a vintage separate arm!
brf
1,715 posts
 
S shaped arms allow for a greater pivot point distance than a straight arm - so less tracking error....
The pivot to stylus distance determines the degree of tracking error, and since the pivot to stylus distance is a straight line, different shapes of tonearms with the same pivot to stylus distance will trace the same arc.

The greatest advantage to a S or J shaped tonearm is it ability to be designed with a detachable headshell as the offset angle is built into the arm design
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@yogiboy 
I doubt he is looking at a vintage separate arm!

I mean if someone would like to compare S vs. J on the same arm the Audio Craft and related stuff with removable artubes is a good option to understand which shape is the best for the owner. 

I have 2 "S" shaped tonearms and 4 "J" shaped tonearms and i can't say which one is better based just on the armtube design. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,464 posts
 
@chakster
Gotcha!
 IMO,cartridge and arm matching is often overlooked when evaluating the performance of an arm! Do you agree?
ericsch OP
750 posts
 
My question was prompted by the TAS review of the Technics SL-1200G in their current issue. I'm looking for a table under $3500, not vintage. I like Rega products, but I want to be able to use different cartridges and adjust VTA without using shims. I currently use an Exact 2 in my Rega.

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