No difference for the cartridge. Straight or S shaped - the arm connects the pivot point to the cartridge. The length of the arm or distance of cartridge to pivot point is a bigger factor. The S shape may have an advantage in slightly reduced LF vibration - the bends at 1/5 and 2/3 of length will reduce low frequency vibration along the entire length - a kind of filter if you will.
tonearms, straight and curvy
Even today, there seems to be no consensus as to what's best. For instance, many Japanese manufacturers still seem to favor that curve. Some even have a kind of double curve. (No idea if there's a technical terminology for this...)
I've read about the different geometries (Lofgren, etc.); do different ones of these work better with straight vs. curvy?
I've read about the different geometries (Lofgren, etc.); do different ones of these work better with straight vs. curvy?