Gimbal vs unipivot tonearms

You would think that 3D printing would be less expensive as there is very little labor involved. I think the other physical properties of the material they are using would be most important such a density, stiffness, resonance properties, etc. Anything can be damaged by heat if you crank up the temp enough. At any rate using a gimbal set up is a step in the right direction even if it is a plain Jane design. Tri-Planar, Schroder , Reed and Kuzma have all come up with beautiful and novel bearing topography. 

Rega is IMHO best bang for the buck 

      I've been using a Magnepan Unitrac I, since 1981.

      A very low effective mass unipivot, that I've always used with fairly high-compliance carts.  (ie: two Denon 103d's, Dynavector 17D3, Soundsmith Aida)

       It's my opinion: Physics would dictate, with a lower compliance cart, the stiffer suspension would tend to cause vibration migration, up the lightweight arm tube and resultant chatter in the unipivot.

                                           The thought makes my teeth hurt.

        Can't help but wonder, how many may have tried that and blamed the design?

Mijo, As I recall, the early 3D tonearms from VPI were warping at temperatures where a $4K tonearm, or any tonearm, should not warp.  Like temps reached during shipment or on a very warm day in a non-air conditioned environment.  But they did fix the problem, so far as I know.

@lewm , that is pretty bad. Hopefully, they replaced all of them. It is all right to make a mistake. It is what you do about it that counts. 

sokogear, I agree, Rega arms are a great value. Origin Live arms are better but a lot more expensive when you get up to the good ones in their line. At the bottom I do not think they are any better than the Regas.

@rodman99999 , I think you are right. If you have a unipivot it is best to stick to highly compliant cartridges. I also think you would be amazed at the improvement in your bass if you got yourself a new arm. If you are after better sound it always helps if you can identify problems with easy fixes:-)