Quote Originally Posted by Pat D
One of the older magazines (I don't know which one anymore) found that because of the hysteresis in the feedback mechanism, tables with linear tracking tonearms were not in fact more accurate in alignment than a properly set up conventional tonearm.

There's nothing wrong with the better direct drive turntables compared to belt drive tables, so I would consider it a non-issue. With good TT's, the chief difference is in the tonearms.
I used to work in an audio shop that sold Eminent Technologies and Air Tangent Tonearms. So I think I'm somewhat experienced enough to make a comparison of their performance.

People who own expensive Pivotal tonearms have always told me that there isn't any benefit to the linear tracking systems. Compared to a Sony, B&O, or a Technics, they are correct. Those linear trackers are far inferior to the refinements of many available pivotal tonearms. However, compared to something that has the same amount of engineering and refinement, and the advantage goes to the linear trackers.

Consder this:. The original masters from which LPs are pressed have an image which is cut using linear tracking stylus. The angle at which the masters are cut does not have tracking angles from a pivital arm. It is linear. All pivotal arms will attempt to mnimize this compromise during playback utilizing the wides arc possible. Through engineering and manufacturing, the pivotal arm has been extensively refined and minimize but not eliminated. Some of them are truly engineering masterpieces and deserve their pricetags..

However, in theory, a true linear tracking arm will follow the groove in precisely the same manner as the original machine which made the original master. Virtually replicating the same tracking path as the day it was first made.

What made the expensive linear trackers so good is that they utilzed air bearings. The stylus/tonearm assembly was completely isolated by a cushion of air from the mechanical influences of the arm and deck mechanisms. In addition, there is virtually no bearing friction and resistence and is therefore free to follow the grooves of the pressed LP regardless if its perfectly circular or misalginment from center. In addition, the floating portion of the arm has such low mass, that cartridge compliance is more effective in keeping the stylus in the groove rather than balancing the inertia of the tonearm. A linear tracker once calibrated will stay in the groove with correct stylus angles from beginning to end. Vertical Tracking angles can also be adjusted both for and aft very easily by raising or lowering the tonearm assembly in relation to the record surface. Easily accomplished on a linear setup.

One other thing a pivotal arm cannot do, the MG-1 offers an optional Tonearm. You can premount different carrtidges to different tonearms and prebalance the setup. With it you can easily and quickly switch cartridges by taking off the end cap, unplugging the arm, and sliding it off. Then slide the new one on with your new cartridge, replace the endcap, plug it in. Since the new arm has already been previously mounted and balanced, its already to play. Great for if you like one cartridge for classical music and another for Rock-n-roll. Its also a great way to do A-B comparisons of cartridges to see if there really is an audible difference.

For $600 you can have a linear tracking arm that beats the socks off tonearms costing much more. For example, compare that to an equivalent priced Rega tonarm. Most rega owners will find Rega's insufficient in their OEM form and will rewire and use aftermarket counter weights.. In addition, Rega does not believe in Vertical Tracking angle adjustements and does not provde the means to adjust VTA. Owners have to spend for an additional aftermarket mounting kit to get VTA adjustability. The audible differences in VTA adjustments is dramatic. On an MG-1 - with a steady hand, you can adjust the VTA on the fly. The sound differences are real. Changes in VTA are audible even with just minute changes. Its just that you can't make before/after comparisons on a pivotal arm because VTA adjustments require partial disassembly of the tonearm. Regas are one of the most highly sought after and respected tonearms in the audiophile culture.

The MG-1 is a giant killer. The fact that the other owners of the more expensive arms keep poo-pooing the MG-1 seems to be confirmation of my assessment.

All of the MG-1 owners with whom I've communicated have all been impressed with the MG-1 tonearm. Most of them mounted their arms and cartridges on decks much more impressive than my own.