2. analog
  3. 130230-6882

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
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,093 posts
 
Dear @ericsch : I'm not an expert oon your Rega model but I know that exist an after market source where you can buy the VTA mechanism dedicated for your Rega tonearm.

Regards and enjoy the Music Not Distortions,
R.
hiho
451 posts
 
What brf and Lewm said is correct. 
bagwell368
13 posts
 
S arms are usually higher mass, often used with MC cartridges

"straight" arms with offset headshells which are not removable pretty much defines all the many good/great tone arms I've heard or owned.

For no tracking error, and no inner groove distortion, great mids and highs, very little wear to LP's - but with bass lacking weight get a Souther/Clearaudio and be done with it.
Post removed 
m-db's avatar
m-db
985 posts
 
When using the Fozgometer I find the ability to adjust azimuth on the fly with the vernier adjustment on my Well Tempered Classic arm very convenient opposed to the crudely limited head-shell adjustment of my S shaped Technics arm.
More to discover