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

Showing 2 responses by ketchup

Mepearson,

What ever happened here? Are you still around? On March 15, 2010 you said that you began listening to the Fidelity Research FR64s and you would update the thread when you were sure that you had everything dialed in. What was the outcome? I would love to know what you heard.
The conclusion to this thread is at the link below. Thank you, Raul, for sending me the link:

The pivoted arm experiment is over

Mepearson chose the ET-2.