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why is a 13" tonearm design really superior?

we just mounted the SAEC WE-8000 on my Nakamichi and I can´t really believe what kind of fantastic sound this tonearm is able to reproduce. Is it because this is a very special 13" design or because of the extraordinary headshell design? I think it is the only tonearm with such a long straight alu-pipe. Am i right? Also the lift design is unique, this lift stops at every level you like to use.
Why are todays tonearm developers not anymore going for a 13" or 14" design?
thuchan
plato
1,543 posts
 
The length of the arm in itself doesn't make it superior. There are many other factors to consider and as always, the performance is related to the characteristics of the particular cartridge it's paired with. Do some reading.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Tracking error is reduced with increasing length, but rigidity is reduced and weight increases. I use a 12" Shindo arm and love it.
thuchan OP
1,009 posts
 
Tbg, I use many 12" arms and I discovered that well built decent arms matched with the right cartridges are delivering a wonderful soundstage, also in the deep frequencies - very dynamical but also precise and detailed but not overanalytical.

When listening to the SAEC 8000 I really started to doubt my ears. Believe me I have some other items to compare with. Nevertheless this design is not only technically surprising but also in the sound quality it transports.
Therefore there must be some reason why there is no any other making a 13" design, or is there any?

when experimenting with so called old scholl arms like the FR-66s
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