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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
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

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. 


lewm
12,870 posts
 
Nandric, I was just recently examining the shape of my FR64S.  Would you say it is more "J"-shaped than "S"-shaped?  That's what I concluded, J.  An S-shaped tonearm generally has two curves in it; the FR64S has one bend.  Either way, we know Raul hates it. He hates it with an intensity that seems inappropriate for an inanimate object.  I, for example, only hate certain politicians.  And yet, they pass for human.

How do you set the lateral weight?  I just have mine in close to the pivot.
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rauliruegas
13,012 posts
 
Dear @lewm : You are rigth, it's a J shapped design. Now, FR designed that lateral weigth balance mainly to compensate a non-perfectly leveled TT.  Normally in the FR design that lateral weigth is not used if the TT is rigth on level. FR explained in its manual.

Other tonearms designs use a lateral balance for different issue. 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

Dear Lew, If there was something wrong with lateral balance or

shape by FR-64 Raul would of course mention this many times

instead of ''damping problem''.  I made a considerable profit on

his recommended MM carts because those increased in price

as result. So I expected the opposite regarding the FR-64 because

I am still looking for the perfect sample. Alas this never happened.

You must be better in mathematics than I because everybody is

better in mathematics. But regarding the shape which I guess has

something to do with geometry (?) I am like this Serbian hunter

and chakster: ''still a goat !'' (aka S shape). I hope your FR-64 is

not mounted on one of your own made plinths? The only way I

know to adjust the lateral weight is to lift the front side for about

10-15 cm and then move the weight in the opposite direction in

which the arm moves ''on its own''. Till you get the arm in equilibrium.

If whatever moves ''on its own'' then there must be some ''will''

present. Why not by inanimate objects? How do some(?)

particles know where the other are (grin)?

lewm
12,870 posts
 
Thank you for that input, Raul.
And thanks for your response too, Nandric.
I don't have the FR64S owners manual.  So I assumed that the lateral weight had to stay mounted on its post; I therefore have shoved it up against the pivot as far as it will go, on the assumption that my turntable is level AND that even in the extreme position, the lateral weight is doing something greater than zero to compensate for the J-shape, assuming that is a good thing to do.
I too wonder whether Raul's opinion of the FR64S has damaged its value, but since I am enjoying mine, I really don't care very much.  I would not want to be one of those who recently paid a premium for the FR66S, however, where the asking prices are up around $6-7,000.  But this is no reason for Raul not to express his honest opinion, his right to which I do defend. Nor do I doubt Raul's sincerity.
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