Are linear tracking arms better than pivoted arms?


My answer to this question is yes. Linear tracking arms trace the record exactly the way it was cut. Pivoted arms generally have two null points across the record and they are the only two points the geometry is correct. All other points on the record have a degree of error with pivoted arms. Linear tracking arms don't need anti-skating like pivoted arms do which is another plus for them.

Linear tracking arms take more skill to set up initially, but I feel they reward the owner with superior sound quality. I have owned and used a variety of pivoted arms over the years, but I feel that my ET-2 is superior sounding to all of them. You can set up a pivoted arm incorrectly and it will still play music. Linear tracking arms pretty much force you to have everything correct or else they will not play. Are they worth the fuss? I think so.
mepearson
Individual - yet subjective empirical... - audiophile impressions versus mechanical laws.....
The discussions has been very interesting and very informative. As just a hobbiest, I enjoy reading points are mixture of M.E. peer review and personal experiences. Not all postings are equal, nor should be followed, but it does seems that decent tonearm discussions have that more of right blend of theory, practice, execution and sound reproduction that can help readers, like me, make informed decisions on products to look into for demonstration. Thanks to thread contributors thus far and keep it going.
audiophile impressions versus mechanical laws

long term observations on cartridge durability on a linear tracker is not 'placebo' or 'audiophile impressions'. Fred did not imagine that his vdH Cartridge had no problems. i did not imagine that my vdH Colibri worked great for 5 years on my linear tracker.

heroic execution of design seems to trump expected limitations of concept in some cases.

bumble bees should not be able to fly, but they do.