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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
ericsch OP
761 posts
 
My question was prompted by the TAS review of the Technics SL-1200G in their current issue. I'm looking for a table under $3500, not vintage. I like Rega products, but I want to be able to use different cartridges and adjust VTA without using shims. I currently use an Exact 2 in my Rega.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

there are perfectly straight arms, but they're mostly used for DJ scratching.

the rest of arms as pointed prior either curved or with s-shaped tube.

brf
1,715 posts
 
Most DJ arms are "underhung" to aid in scratching, whereas straight tonearm with an offset headshell used for accurate audio replay are overhung. 
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
An S shape has the advantage of resonance reduction. The two bends add rigidity to vibration compared to a straight tube and flexural waves will be attenuated. Also a larger tube is more rigid than a small tube even if they weigh the same (tubes have good rigidity for their mass compared to a solid rod). Light weight straight tone arms have the increased risk of unwanted resonance due to standing resonance waves along the entire length.

Only advantage of straight is they are cheaper to build and can have lower mass for high compliance cartridges.
timlub
2,043 posts
 
I have had both,  shoot,  I have both now.  Overall I agree with shadorne as far as curves contributing to resonance reduction and mass for high or low compliance cartridges.... Although,  I have heat shrinked and used interior dampening on light weight straight arms,  also with good results. 
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