Comparison of sonic qualities of some tonearms


I’m relatively new to the world of vinyl, listening seriously for probably only 2 years.  Of course, many big picture items (e.g. turntable, phono stage, cartridges) are discussed extensively on this forum, but I haven’t seen much discussion comparing different tonearms.  I would be interested to hear about different people’s experiences with different tonearms, mentioning the audible advantages and disadvantages of each tonearm, realizing that there is no perfect sound, although from what I read about others’ experiences, SAT tonearms may come closest, albeit at a very high price.  

drbond

No Harm Done, two individuals confirming that the Olden Tech' Tools, in their geriatric years, still can make a good impression to how it contributes to producing the sound that has a unique impact for being a stimulus to ones Amygdala and Limbic System.

 

Of course everyone knows that you neeed to set up the tonearms properly with respect to VTA, etc

But few have adjustability as one of their top criteria. 

 

As for adjustability, for some body wanting a simplistic method to adjust Pillar Height.

A new card deck has Cards with a almost consistent dimension of 0.2mm per card.

Using the deck or proportion of deck set upon a LP and under the arm wand close to the Pillar, enables very controlled incremental changes to the pillar height and VTA/SRA. 

The Azimuth adjustment is more complex to control, depending on Headshell Type, to achieve the 90 degrees to the Groove will take on different processes.

The Zenith adjustment, setting the Styli parallel to the Groove is the one most overlooked.

Manufacturers of Styli that set the gem on to the Cantilever are not too up to speed with their quality control on setting the gem. 

I don't know who has the perfect Zenith and who does not, I will know I could improve on this area as a discipline. 

Some measurement device is needed, for a reasonable cost, so one can adjust for zenith.  I do believe Wally Tools is devising such a device but don't know for sure. I cannot even imagine how such a device could be designed so the average vinylista could learn how to use it.