Gimbal vs unipivot tonearms

Classic SME tonearms used a "knife-edge" bearing, which is definitely different from a unipivot but does allow for some "chatter".  Mijostyn mentioned this in responding to Elliot's erroneous suggestion that his older SME tonearm was a unipivot.  As I understand it, modern SME tonearms (like the IV and the V, maybe) have either done away with the knife-edge principle or have modified it to make it more stable, similar in philosophy to what Graham and Kuzma have done to stabilize the pivot bearing on tonearms that started out as unipivots.  I own a RS Labs RS-A1 tonearm that is a very crude unipivot, and 7 other tonearms that are gimbal type. Also, I used to own the British tonearm that used a mercury bath to establish electrical continuity between the arm wand and the base; I can't recall the brand name, but I am guessing Keith Monks.  With all its faults (and the danger of mercury exposure), that tonearm had a kind of airy quality that was pleasing.  So too does the RS Labs, which performs way above its very oddball design. However, I confess it is not in use at this time.

Dear @sokogear : "  they don't mention gimbal or unipivot in their Series V arm description.  ""

I think you are an analog newcomer .

This is the Agon ANALOG forum and other than the newcomers almost all are experienced hobbyst that know SME tonearm are not unipivot designs .

SME knows that's not need it to put in the tonearm description that's non unipivot design.

R.

@rauliruegas -  they could have said gimbal....

Both can be done well it is not going to make or break the table but what it more important is how the table as a whole sounds with the entire phono system cartridge, phono stage, and preamplifier, and amplifier involved on complex music. That is when you have found your correct analog rig.