12 inch tonearms

Tbg, I don't think you read Rgordonpf's post very carefully. He offered good comments on four different arms based on personal use. He pointed out one (the VPI) was particularly useful for anyone making frequent cartridge changes because ONCE the VTF and azimuth has been set, a second arm tube allows cartridge swaps without going through as many set up steps again. I did not read any of his statements relating sound quality to ease of initial set up.

Also Dmgrant1, don't confuse Rgordonpf's comments on ease of swapping cartridges on the VPI with initial set up. The VPI is somewhat unique in that not just the arm tube is changed but the whole upper arm above the pivot point. This means once cartridge mounting, alignment, VTF, and azimuth have been set, upper arms can be exchanged with only resetting VTA by a marked dial being necessary. Initial set up on a VPI is not particularly difficult but not necessarily easier than with others.

Regardless of which arm and which length you choose, ease of set up will relate to having the appropriate tools for the task, steady hands, and a bit of patience.

Pryso, you are right. I should have directed what I said to Dmgrant1.

I once had another arm where you entirely removed the arm, counter-weight, and cartridge and could immediately replace it. It was the Keith Monks which used four mercury baths for contacts. The VPI has a much better implementation.

Just to clarify Tbg's post above- The Shindo arm is not derived from an "Ortofon spring loaded arm." It is a Shindo arm with aesthetics paying homage to Ortofon's wonderful early work.

Best,
Jonathan

Dear Frank: +++++ " Anyone who has the tools/capability to set up a 9" arm perfectly will be able to set up a 12"er just as well. " +++++

I totally agree. This is the answer and it is all about and yes the long ones are " less forgiving " but not " big deal ".

Now, on the vintage japanese tonearms that had less than ideal geometry I try it in different ways and always return to the manufacturer recomendation: overhang and pivot to spindle distance, etc, because always the quality performance is better ( the MAX 282 is an example where its different arm wands when you choose to set up by the two null points against the Micro Seiki recomendation, for me : I prefer the quality performance on the manufacturer recomendation. ), at least on what I experienced about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.