Bearing Type
Bearing type describes how a tonearm is supported while it moves across the record and follows vertical changes. It is not the platter bearing.
A gimbal has separate pivots for horizontal and vertical movement. A unipivot balances on one point. A stabilized unipivot adds support against tipping; magnets can provide that stabilization without replacing the pivot itself.
Bearing Type — Tonearm
The bearing must allow movement while keeping the cartridge stable. Horizontal and vertical movement can use different bearing mechanisms. An air bearing does not necessarily mean linear tracking, where the arm travels in a straight line: air can also support a pivoted arm. Tube shape and bearing materials such as ceramic describe different properties.
Compare the actual design and its setup instructions. For an air bearing, check the required air supply and maintenance. Bearing type alone does not tell you which arm sounds better; construction and setup matter.
Sources
- Gimbal tonearm construction — Panasonic
- Stogi S bearing construction — Kuzma
- Phantom III magnetic stabilization — Graham Engineering
- Air Force 10 bearing mechanism — TechDAS
- Air Line setup and maintenance manual — Kuzma