12" Tonearm What Have You Heard & Recommend?

Dear John: I only say that the unipivots are not the best match, I'm not saying: ¡ Don't use it ! and I'm saying that the Ikeda is a better choice along with the Mechanic.

I don't think that this position is a " blindly " one, it is?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

WELL!!----There seems to be another real "contender" in the tonearm game!I have to assume that the Air Tangent is not available any longer(new).I'm referring specifically to air bearing/linear tracking designs.To my ears(though I love a good number of pivoting designs,and own one)the linear tracking/air bearing designs reign supreme,if you want to hear,and have it all!
If you have NOT heard a very well set up system,utilizing superb components,thoughtfully configured,and set up in a very good room,you will never know the REAL bliss of an air/linear tracker!Maintenance warts and all!I have found it hard go for one,for this reason(pumps and hoses etc)but I will not allow myself to rationalize these designs are not superior in ALL areas of meaningful performance,to their competition.Sorry!And sorry for myself,too!My friend has sold his Air Tangent,but I've heard a good amount of linear trackers,in my time and am convinced they are KING/Queen/Emperor/Pharoh,yada yada yada!
This business of lateral mass,etc, as a potential problem for lower cartridge life is not something I have seen in about ten years listening to the Air Tangent(in a friend's set-up.IT WORKS PERFECTLY!!EVERY TIME YOU CUE AN LP!!His cartridges lasted a really long time,too!

Now the Kuzma seems great,yet, and yet it IS BIG BUCKS!!

There is a very interesting new design(as I understand it) coming from --believe it or not---the "Cartridge Man"!

The looks and finish seem really high quality,as does the design implementation.Yet it is the price that should make this design a contender.Including pump, around "three grand"!
This places this well under the "big boys",in price,yet wait until you view the quality of this design!Looks like half price of the best linear designs,but build and "word on the street" performance should guarantee(at least IMO)some interest here.At least it "should" garnish an enthusiastic following.Unless we are swayed by the "CACHE" of price and a good marketing campaign.

Best!

Anybody had any experience with the Decca London International tone arm? Besides Ken Kessler? I noticed one popped up on ebay supposedly NOS (New Old Stock). May not be 12" but...

Jomoinc, yes back in my Decca days I had the Decca arm. I also had the Keith Monk's arm and the SME 312, I think it was. The Decca was clearly the best with the Deccas, although even with it mistracking was a problem. The Decca arm will not impress you with workmanship. I haven't had if for over 25 years.

VPI JMW-12 on an Aries 1 Extended. It's a very nice arm with VTA on-the-fly. Easy set-up and operation. Used it with an AT-OC9ML and Clavis da Capo. Very satisfied.