Are linear tracking arms better than pivoted arms?

Hi C1ferrari, it is not limited to direct-to-disc recordings. There are a lot great recording out there which can - tracked with the "right" cartridge/tonearm combination - supply the full bodied sound and physical presence one gets from the better r-t-r machines.
It is rarely achieved and there are only very few combinations of LOMC/tonearms out there which can get you that. And this is related to mechanical synergy effects mainly.
But that would be another thread ..... and for sure would raise strong and widespread antagonism.

One thing about the tape experience is how locked-in the soundstage is, and the complete lack of strain experienced with the most complex musical passages. This is something I have only seen a few times with LP systems. If you have not experienced what I am talking about, its hard to understand only in the context of vinyl playback. Those who have tape systems know what I mean.

IMO this is an area that all LP systems must strive to perfect.

"There are only audio components which do degrade the recorded sound during reproduction.
All do - the better less, the very best very little."
Well put. I thought the same for a half century until I came to realize that certain additives and equalizations (tubes and digital processing, to cite examples) had the capability of enhancing playback intelligibility.
This topic, however, deserves its own thread.

Samujohn, you are right - equalization can (and in pro audio it is a truly mandatory all-present tool) enhance playback intelligibility.
But the result is neither true to the original spirit of high fidelity, nor does it show the real thing - applied on the frequency-band as a whole it just enhances the illusion in a very special way.
I too apply equalization in the very low 2 octaves of the audio band - to adapt woofer response to the room and the respective cabinet. Here it is of the utmost importance and a mandatory for me.
From the upper bass/lower midrange upwards it because hostile territory and does degrade the sound while smoothing the response.
It is a bit curing the sonic demon's with Luzifer's help.....
Eq in audio must be applied with the utmost care - it is tempting for sure, but if applied in higher dose it can and will spoil the whole lunch.
It is very reminiscent of illegal pharmacy in the way it works.

Agreed. I also venture that tubes are prized by many because they like their gentle, well known, distortions. I often wish I had some tube amp compression in my tiny car, so I could enjoy classical music while commuting.