Manitunc,
It looks like you've had quite a few turntables and arms to play with so your observations should carry more weight.
I too had a Townshend MK-III Rock and also thought the front headshell damping was superior. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. You're killing vibrations right at the headshell and additionally you're providing a very stable platform for the cartridge... so that the stylus, cantilever and motor assembly can work to their best potential (rather than losing energy by dragging the arm where the cantilever wants to go).
I like my Michell TT's, but maybe I'll try to pick up another Townshend sometime.
Happy Listening!
It looks like you've had quite a few turntables and arms to play with so your observations should carry more weight.
I too had a Townshend MK-III Rock and also thought the front headshell damping was superior. It makes perfect sense if you think about it. You're killing vibrations right at the headshell and additionally you're providing a very stable platform for the cartridge... so that the stylus, cantilever and motor assembly can work to their best potential (rather than losing energy by dragging the arm where the cantilever wants to go).
I like my Michell TT's, but maybe I'll try to pick up another Townshend sometime.
Happy Listening!