Why is the price of new tonearms so high

Hi Axel,
I do not want to conduct your thoughts and ways of thinking, but let me once again encourage you to carry on musing about this topic ......... the "problem" is not yet solved, but it is becoming increasingly entertaining to watch.
You are not yet on the right boat and you are still heading in the wrong direction.
However - as long as you think you are fine and you believe to be on track ....... that direction is totally fine with me.

BTW - the one single "issue" of the FR-60 tonearm series is well beyond anything you - or any other so far speculating about it on Audiogon - have ever thought about.
You know that nice little 3-part story about the two sientists searching for the all black cat in a pitch black windowless cellar without any light ......? ( don't think you will find it on Wikipedia at all.....)
God - I love physics !
Musing and watching ......
D.

Hi Axel, BTW - nice idea with the low tire pressure......
I begin to realize that this is kind of general approach with several audiophiles.
But if it works for you/them - again... fine with me.
Personally I'd rather go for the high pressure/high performance option - but I guess we are talking personal preferences and taste again.
Many prefer indeed the more comfortable way with low pressure (= well cushioned...) performance.
May too be a matter of advanced age and increased problems with intervertebral disc....
Musing and watching.
D.

D in a world without the 64 and 66s what would you use?

Perrew,
a very good question I say.
My best guess would be: ***a good CD player*** -- no arguments about 'socks' and resonances either :-)

Hi Perrew, it certainly would depend on the cartridge I want to use/listen to.
If the cartridge of choice would be any of the Lyras, Dynavectors, Koetus, Phase Tech or similar (means : medium to high compliance - most top-flight cartridges today do belong in this group) I would most certainly go for the MAX-282 or EA-10 as these would be the most versatile 12" tonearms and both are dynamically balanced and both can handle any cartridge weight.
I would go for the 12" versions whenever possible because of simple advantage in geometry (yes,... I know.... others have other favourites and do not see the big advantage in 12" vs 10" or 9").
But I see - and hear - it.
I would always go for a dynamically balanced tonearm ( the physic advantage is again obvious and beyond serious discussion (in real world applications as well as in the theoretical - again: if others have different opinions ... fine with me, I neither want to "know" nor "learn" their point of view. That is way past me.).

So - yes, it comes down to these two very similar designs.
Not because they are vintage, but because they are the most versatile and do offer the 2 key design features I know will give superior results and sound.

Cheers,
D.