Tom !! - you gotta get one of those! :lol:
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Tom !! - you gotta get one of those! :lol:
Tracking error: the angular deviation from true tangential tracking of the record groove by a pivoted arm/cartridge assembly. It is dependant on the arm geometry. Longer arms have lower tracking error (at the expense of effective mass) than shorter arms.
Tracing error: the inability of the stylus to precisely trace the pattern of the record groove. It depends on the geometry of the stylus, and how closely it approximates the profile of the cutter head. Spherical styli have the greatest tracing error (as well as 'pinch' distortion), whereas 'micro ridge' types have the least.
Barry, I've always understood that 12" arms, e.g., have a lower TRACING error than, say 9" That is, they are more able to trace the ideal sweep from outer to inner grooves, thereby exhibiting lower inner/outer groove distortion. Similarly, TRACKING error is the inability for the stylus to stay in/ track the groove. This could be caused, e.g. by incorrect overhang etc.
Could be wrong here, but it looks as though your info. above completely gainsays my understanding, which is learnt rather than derived from technical knowhow. Odd, but I'd like to know.
The lower the mass of a cantilever will also reduce tracing error
Lol - great pic, but that arm's a joke, and will almost certainly sound like it! :D
12" arms? Undoubtedly technically superior to 9" ones (for reasons given), but most I've heard sound a bit laid back, despite their otherwise good points (smoothness and bass weight) compared with even the best 9-inchers.
For me, however, the latter have a zesty/dynamic 'get-up-and-go', and 'fun factor', absent in their 12" counterparts, which I need for my music listening.
Some say 10" arms offer the best compromise between both - sentiments my instincts tell me could be right - which is why at some point, sooner rather than later, I intend to test that theory :cool:
Marco.
Going to the other extreme, how about a 7” tonearm with zero offset?
https://theaudiophileman.com/rigid-f...earm-viv-labs/
I’d love to hear one of these.
There's some clever engineering going on there... Love the bubble level, for ascertaining correct VTA! Why has no-one else thought of that? :)
Marco.