why is a 13" tonearm design really superior?

Hi Thucan,

Hopefully someday will get around to hearing one :)

BTW, Bob Graham pointed out a while back that while a longer arm has many virtues, cartridge alignment is more critical in a 12 inch arm than a shorter arm. In simple terms, errors in aligment are amplified with a longer arm. That was why in part until recently, Bob didn't make a longer arm. OTOH, Bob has cornered the market on cartridge setup. It's too bad that he doesn't market his jig for other arms (once you've used it, there's no going back), but he doesn't want to give other arms an advantage.

Hi Moonglum,
yes Clearaudio offers a Unify in a 14" format. I never have listened to it.It is not that expensive...need to check.

Hi Myles_b-astor,
I think the market did not ask for longer arms, this is changing. So Bob responded to the market`s requirements and now is offering a good 12" Phantom. regarding antiskating you have some advantages on this longer designs too.

Best & Fun Only - Thuchan

Hi Thuchan...some interesting comments about the use of carbon fibre in this article (see the Wilson Benesch arm)

http://www.positive-feedback.com/pfbackissues/0605/gordon.tonearm.6n5.html

The author/s have tried as hard as they can to assess the properties of these tonearms. It's a good read... :o)

Hi Moonglum, thanks for the article. I do share the impressions regarding the ET 2.5. I do not know the Wilson Benesch arm but do respect the quality and musicality of Wilson Benesch products. Is it really the carbon fibre, who knows?

I like this material very much. Of course costly but light and stiff.

best & fun only - Thuchan