Why is the price of new tonearms so high

Hi Nilthepill
all the below is done with NO anti-skate force applied.

"statically balanced"
1) arm is balanced so the stylus floats above the vinyl (say 150g, re thickness) just without touching it.
2) If scaled/graded counterweight, it is now zeroed, Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) is then applied by counterweight being moved forward according to scale and/or good VTF scale.

"dynamically balanced" =
1) VTF down force loading spring (dial) is set to zero
2) arm is balanced by counter weight as above (static)
3) VTF is applied by down-force spring according to graded scale e.g. SME V, and/or confirmed by VTF measuring scale.

Lastly, not mentioned so far "mixed dynamic and static"
1) halve the VFT is applied with counterweight (static)
2) rest of VTF is added by down-force spring (dynamic)

"Dynamic balanced" is 'supposed' to involve less of the counterweight's inertia. It is 'supposed' to be more accurate when tracking up/down motions of the tone arm i.e. always applying the same force.

"Static balanced" is preferred by some since no spring, which could lead to resonances, is involved. As to the counter weight's inertia: It is actually closer to the arm's pivot = less inertia i.e. smaller lever and for that reason once again preferred by some.

All modern arms using dynamic VTF-loading-springs have them damped thoroughly, usually by lowest viscosity (very thick) silicone fluid (e.g. SME)

Hope this helps,
Axel

Hi Nil, I am sure that Raul will be glad to explain the technical background in all detail.
Especially the differences between dynamic behaviour and static.
He is deep in the process of designing a pivot tonearm himself.
Cheers,
D.

Ooops - Axel was fast.....
But so far he did only roughly describe the set-up differences, so there is still "something" from the physical side to add.........
Older tonearms did use a thick coating of extreme low viscosity grease to dampen any spring vibrations in spring loaded VTF.
Cheers,
D.

Is it the case with dynamic arms that the vertical force is closer to the turret and therefore there will be less sideways/twirling force and this force is parallel with the force on the needle?

Hi D.
did you actually read my post # 130 on the suggested use of "so long so wrong" ?
(I hope I counted # correctly...)

The spring 'grease'(yeak)/damping "something" I actually mentioned.
In fact the stuff is slightly visible squeezing a bit out behind the VTF dial on the SME-V - it's as thick as it gets, and noticeable by the VERY reluctant turning action of that dial.

Be interesting to see what Raul will have to add to it all.

Any comments?
A.