Origin Live Tonearms

It may be a generational thing but I've heard older friends of mine say that they believe tonearms sound better with the anti-skate off. Also, I've read where certain tonearm makers have claimed that a 12 inch tonearm is long enough not to need anti skate. Of course, I've always used anti skate and understand the principles and what it accomplishes. There seems to be a lot of differing opinions on this topic alone.

@goofyfoot you inquired " I'm assuming you get paid for this? "

I have never been remunerated for time or expenditure, the reward is plentiful enough, being involved with the skilled and creative types learning from them and witnessing their conceptions become realised. 

I have for numerous years (30ish), built a social networking with likeminded individuals around my interest in HiFi equipment used to enable a Recorded Music Replay.

I chose not to be lone listener in a room many years past.

I am totally satisfied with the miles travelled and experiences encountered and the influences that have had a substantial impact on how I have built a system.

Some experiences have been so fulfilling, my system has as a result, Commission Designed /Built devices, that are proving extremely good choices.

Not much in use is Branded Goods or remains true to a Brands Model that was once offered as part of a Catalogue Item..

My observations on 12" vs 9" and anti-skating.

A well-fettled slate 401 with 9 and 12" Jelco TK850 tonearms.

The 9" has a slightly more incisive bass and tempo. Almost a CD quality to its delivery across all frequencies. Best for rock and electronic. The 12" goes a little deeper, has better dimensionality, naturalness, sweetness, air and space, with finer highs. Best for jazz and voice.

I do not use anti-skate on the 12" except when there’s a warp or dimple. It simply sounds better with it off. Note that I use London-Decca cartridges with no cantilever which likely impacts how AS impacts playback.

@noromance you have a nice analogue rig. Your comment on not using anti skate on your 12" tonearm because it sounds better is what I typically hear from others. I personally believe that tonearm science is very much an art where the slightest little adjustments have a noticeable affect. I recently just finished making adjustments to my Thorens TP16 Mk1 and it's tracking better than before however it's still just a utilitarian tonearm. The most noticeable issues that I've been having are slight pitch/tonal fluctuations, especially regarding solo piano, i.e. Glenn Gould Beethoven Sonatas Speakers Corner/Columbia. These groove are tricky and I don't think the TP16 is up to the task. So while it's a mono dedicated table, I think the cost of the OL Encounter is justified. I wish I could hear those London/DECCA cartridges.

NOT MUCH FOCUS HERE ON THE ACTUAL TOPIC....ORIGIN LIVE TONEARMS