GROUP TEST

摘要

In a record playing system the turntable itself provides the essential platform for spinning precious vinyl discs. And, of course, one's cartridge plays a dominant role in determining the sound of an analogue front end. Oh, and let's not forget how crucial the phono stage is in a vinyl playback chain too. Shifty little bl ighters Central to the performance of a record player, however, is the arm. This should provide an inert platform for the cartridge, allowing the stylus to track the minute modulations of a record's groove unimpeded - and without adding colorations to hinder fidelity. But all arms impart a degree of tonal character to the sound of a record player. As the Editor wrote the last time we undertook a group test of arms: 'the little beggars bend, ripple, twist and even expand and contract' [HFN June '10]. No wonder they're called tonearms!