Tonearm Cartridge Alignment

[MR.MAGOO]

Found this surfing the web, user claims it keeps the cartridge aligned with the record groove for better sound. I thought having the needle placed in the groove was important but having the whole cartridge pivot is?

 

[Mikado463]

Any pivoting tonearm is a compromise so is that contraption something that mimics a linear tracking arm ?

 

[TLS Guy]

Any pivoting tonearm is a compromise so is that contraption something that mimics a linear tracking arm ?

It is an attempt at a linear tracking arm, but the geometry looks incorrect on that turntable to me, as it looks to be awash in tracking error.

 

[lovinthehd]

I've seen mostly the type that pivot the whole arm, but seem to remember a headshell pivot or two as well. Seems the mechanics often come with more problems than they solve, tho.

 

[TLS Guy]

I've seen mostly the type that pivot the whole arm, but seem to remember a headshell pivot or two as well. Seems the mechanics often come with more problems than they solve, tho.

You are correct. These contraptions increase pivot friction to cause more problems than any tracking error.

In a properly set up arm with correct geometry set with correct overhang will have insignificant tracking error distortion.