12 inch tonearms

Thank you for the informative responses. The deal is this: I have an Avid Diva, which can accomodate 2 arms. Already have a 9 inch Origin Encounter.

Since this is all about having fun, I thought about adding a 12 inch arm and started doing a little research. Certainly not as much info out there on 12 inch versus 9 inch.

Looks like the jist of it is that 12 inch would be theoretically better due to less tracking error, but is harder to implement in reality than a 9 inch.

But it seems there are some contenders:

Moerch 12 inch
VPI 12.7
Sme 319
Clearaudio 12 inch
Nottingham 12 inch

At least these are the ones I have found to date. The Moerch site is certainly very detailed with their arm info.

But I can't seem to find reviews of the 12 inch arms.

any comments from 12 inch arm users out there?

Thank you.

Thom, Makes good sense to me- easier to keep the cartridge in line at 9 inches than 12. Mostly the quest is based on curiosity and variety.

Does this mean that most of the nine inch arms can't do it as well as 9 inch or that, under the Schroeder theory, most simply choose to make 9 inch arms?

Raul, I am using a Micro-Benz Ruby 3 cartridge.

Berlinta's post is most informative. Don't think I would have the capability to get a 12 inch properly set up. I guess there are those who can.

Raul, Thanks for the heads up. This has been fun- especially learning about the Schroeder arms. That would be my top choice, but out of my fincancial league at the moment!

I am curious to know of any opinions regarding the less expensive choices.

This has really opened my eyes to all of the possibilities. Sounds like maybe the VPI is the easiest one to set up and start with?