Discuss The Viv Lab Rigid Arm

Pindac, Speaking for myself only, and possibly for some others, I do not view this discussion as a debate where there could ever be a true "winner".  I champion the idea of an underhung tonearm as a novel idea that deserves some thought and attention. I have never heard a Viv Float, so I have no strong convictions about the performance of that particular product, but I have heard an RS Labs RS-A1 tonearm, because I own one.  The fact that it does so many things directly against convention (besides the fact it's underhung) and yet still sounds very good first started me thinking whether we should question some of our tonearm gospels.  And I am still at that point.

@lewm , I am at Vail skiing so, pardon the delay. There are standard answers to ink plot tests but as anything with humans there is a bell curve distribution of answers. Most regular folks are going to think the Viv arm sounds fine. Those of us at the higher end of the bell curve are going to think it sounds like sh-t. When given the test all I could say was "it looks like and ink blot." Shows you how imaginative I am. 

Distortion is like fog the heavier it gets the more impossible it is see / hear. Systems with really clear vision put distortion on Viv-id display. 

@lewm I am open minded on this subject.

The Thread has been a prompt, and as result, I have the opportunity coming to encounter a version of Underhung Geometry.

I have no intention on commenting on Underhung or 9" vs 12" Wands until the upcoming experiences are complete. As all demonstration will be using the same fundamental Tonearm Design on the same TT, the the same Brand / Model Cart' with almost identical usage hours.

This type of demonstration is not too common and will be the first time I have been able to have a comparison that has set up conditions so closely matched. 

All tube system (SET best) and a Viv tonearm and sound like all the intoxicating distortions that "audiophiles" have adopted over the years will be enhanced to new super pleasing levels.    Not surprising is it?

It’s really impossible to have a calm friendly open minded discussion  of anything remotely controversial on this Forum. Particularly since so few of us have hands on familiarity with the subject device. I vote to quit trying.