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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
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
We oldsters were so lucky to have dynakit, KLH and so on to give us a taste of what the rich had with McIntosh,Bozak,Marantz........
We also got lucky with stereo as a standard, with tons of recordings already available (on tape) in the format prior to the development of stereo records. Stereo on a five or seven channel home theater setup sounds confused and less than inspiring. I watch DVD concerts on occasion, but generally finish with the CD copy in my audio room. We need to convert a Steve Jobs to quality audio recording. Perhaps we could send Dave Wilson.
But then again, I am preaching to the choir.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
03-18-10: Dertonarm
Dear Darkmoebius, in teh early 1930ies you could order from H.H.Scott a "Quaranta". If you did so - and included all possible features including your own recording device with cutting lathe... - it would have cost you US$5000+ in the early 1930ies.
Yowsa, that's a few mill in today's dollars!
There were always options to spend real big money on audio. You could get AEG/Telefunken/Siemens or ERPI WE Mirrorphonic to built and set-up a cinema-like audio set-up in your private home.
Bet that cost a few nickels, back in the day.
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
1960's favorite system. AR turntable w/ Sure $100, Dyna SCA 35 $100, AR4X speakers $100
That $300 today would need a zero added. Today's $3000 system would have much higher resolution.
High end, say K-horns, Mac 275, Marantz 7C, Thorens 124, Grado arm, would cost what, $2500, or in todays terms, $25,000.
The rest of the system would be good value for money today, but who would swap their current turntable for a TD 124? So you turntable/arm/cart guys have made the most progress.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
The rest of the system would be good value for money today, but who would swap their current turntable for a TD 124?

actually; the basic guts of a 40+ year old Thorens or Garrard idler, or a 30-40 year old direct drive EMT, Technics, Sony or Pioneer....with a modern arm, improved plinth, and LOMC cartridge can compete on the highest level of tt performance.

my Garrard 301 and Technics SP-10 Mk3 are really wonderful tt's in every way.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
..or Garrard idler, or a 30-40 year old direct drive EMT, Technics, Sony or Pioneer....with a modern arm, improved plinth, and LOMC cartridge can compete on the highest level of tt performance..

Sounds for an upgrade for electronics which can show the difference.
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