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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
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,099 posts
 
One thing about the tape experience is how locked-in the soundstage is, and the complete lack of strain experienced with the most complex musical passages. This is something I have only seen a few times with LP systems. If you have not experienced what I am talking about, its hard to understand only in the context of vinyl playback. Those who have tape systems know what I mean.

IMO this is an area that all LP systems must strive to perfect.
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
"There are only audio components which do degrade the recorded sound during reproduction.
All do - the better less, the very best very little."
Well put. I thought the same for a half century until I came to realize that certain additives and equalizations (tubes and digital processing, to cite examples) had the capability of enhancing playback intelligibility.
This topic, however, deserves its own thread.
dertonarm
1,042 posts
 
Samujohn, you are right - equalization can (and in pro audio it is a truly mandatory all-present tool) enhance playback intelligibility.
But the result is neither true to the original spirit of high fidelity, nor does it show the real thing - applied on the frequency-band as a whole it just enhances the illusion in a very special way.
I too apply equalization in the very low 2 octaves of the audio band - to adapt woofer response to the room and the respective cabinet. Here it is of the utmost importance and a mandatory for me.
From the upper bass/lower midrange upwards it because hostile territory and does degrade the sound while smoothing the response.
It is a bit curing the sonic demon's with Luzifer's help.....
Eq in audio must be applied with the utmost care - it is tempting for sure, but if applied in higher dose it can and will spoil the whole lunch.
It is very reminiscent of illegal pharmacy in the way it works.
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
Agreed. I also venture that tubes are prized by many because they like their gentle, well known, distortions. I often wish I had some tube amp compression in my tiny car, so I could enjoy classical music while commuting.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
03-16-10: Samujohn
Agreed. I also venture that tubes are prized by many because they like their gentle, well known, distortions.
Just wait until Atmasphere gets a load of that line!
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