Gimbal vs unipivot tonearms

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:-)

@mijostyn-    I've never had a problem getting excellent Bass with my chosen carts.

       Always have tried to match them correctly (compliance/effective mass, within reason), which, I realize, some think is bunk.

        In my mind: a high compliance cart, in some of the newer, higher mass arms, would create other problems.    ie: exaggerated cone motion, when trying to ride record warp, possibly: early compliance collapse and excessive stylus wear?

        Anyway: I've always been a Pipe Organ-phile, Bass lover and got acquainted with the sound of, "live", way before ever owning a system (Elementary School music classes, etc).      Well- there was the turntable and Elvis 45's, at around the age of 12, but...

       Two of my all-time favorite vinyls are the Crystal Clear, Direct to Disc, of Virgil Fox (The Fox Touch, Vol I) and MFSL, Dark Side of the Moon.

        Toccata and Fugue in D minor and the heartbeats (not to mention the rest of that disc), both are mesmerizing, when reproduced correctly.

                             Thanks for the suggestion, though!