Curved and Straight Tonearms

The J and S shape tonearms (need to) use the so called ''lateral

balance'' weight in order to get equal pressure on both horizontal

bearings. The J kind is difficult to balance while the S can be

balanced by lifting up the front side of the TT and then moving the

later weight till the arm reach equilibrium postion. From this it  

follows (?) that stright tonearms can't be in equilibrium position

because one side of the bearings  get more pressure than the

other.

helomech, The Germans have this curious opinion: ''if theory and

practice coincide than both are probably false''. I own the  FR-64

designed by Ikeda san but also Ikeda 345 . Both have the same

'S' shape but the later is without the lateral weight. So, it seems,

Ikeda was not convinced about  (theoretical ?) advantage of this

''lateral weight'' by his previous arm.  

Your own ''bias'' is obvious because you used the expression

''the slightest weight bias''  with intention to belittle the issue(grin).

I would say ''it depends''  , among other, from the weight of

the headshell as well the cart. I own ''some'' which are above 30 g.