Raul, Thom and others,
The concept of cartridge/tonearm matching has always intrigued me. What intrigues me is that this seems to preclude discussions of absolute best or better tonearm as a separate component.
I understand that a cartridge and tonearm need to be properly matched in weight and compliance to produce a specific range of resonance frequency.
However, that aside, what is it that drives desireable combinations. I suspect it is a matter of sonic and mechanical synergy.
1)For example, sonic synergy
Imagine a very bright, strident, analytical cartridge. I suspect this would be considered a good combo with a warmer,slightly slow, musical tonearm.
To me neither of these components would seem "neutral" on their own in this scenario. But what if there really are "neutral" arms and more neutral cartridges. Then it would be appropriate to rate tonearms and cartridges separately.
2) Mechanical synergy
I suspect some cartridges emit more vibration than others based on their construction, and certain tonearms dampen more vibration than others. I would think the better cartridge, all else bein equaln would be the one to emit less vibration. Since this may be difficult to control, I would think it is more straightforward designing a tonearm that was capable of dampening various types of vibrational energy. In this regard the tonearm that isbetter at damping is a better tonearm.
Of course specific tonearm design and cartridge designs have their inherent superiority over others.
Anyway, my point is that there probably is some justification in judging the merits of a tonearm separate from the combination.
