Personal turntable/cartridge evolution

Sorry all for derailing this thread....I should add my comments on my TT/arm evolution (if I can remember!)!

Started with a Garrard (in the early 70's so I don't recall the model) and Shure 3
Then went on to...
dual 1219
Phillips 212
Thorens 125 (great)
then the Linn for many , many years and with all the significant upgrades (lingo was the best)
and now the VPI Aries with 10.5 arm (see my system)

Best of all?? I think...VPI-Linn?
Best arm? Not sure
Best cartridge....Decca Gold...1978-79!!!!!!!!!!

1971 Garrard 44M / Shure M91ED
1973 Pioneer PL12D / Shure M91ED
1974 Transcriptors Saturn / Vestigal tonearm / Shure V15-III
1975 Trascriptors Glass Skeleton / Vestigal arm / Denon DL103D
1977 Linn Sondek / Transcriptors Vestigal arm / Denon DL103D
1980 > present Luxman PD441 / Vestigal arm (Rega RB600 after 2002) / Denon DL103D
1982 > 1985 VPI HW19 / Mission 774 arm / Denon DL103D
also Accuphase moving coil & Monster Alpha 1 & Koetsu Rosewood
1985 > 2002 Pink Triangle / Helius Orion arm / Denon DL103D
1992 > 2002 B&O 8000 / B&O MC1
2005 > present Luxman PD444 / Rega RB1000 / Denon DL103D

So today, I still have my 1979 Luxman PD441 on one system and the Luxman PD444 on another.

Phil

Table update

Got a 2nd arm for the Scheu DL2, the Cartridge Man's Conductor linear air-bearing tonearm. Paired this with the Audio Technica AT33PTG mc cart.

The arm is my first foray into linear tracking arms, but knowing their potential and having read the reviews in 6moons and TNT, I had high expections. I am happy to report that so far, I've not been disappointed.

Time I updated mine. Sold the TNT Mk. II with its SDS conditioner/controller. My first re-plinthed Lenco (L78) has been replaced by a two-armed monster Lenco (replinthed L75 by Jean Nantais) with both JMW 10.5 and SME IIIs arms fitted.

The Lencos -- especialy the new one -- totally blew away the TNT/SDS combo.

The JMW arm now has a Decca Super Gold Mk VII cart -- best sound I've ever had.

The SME IIIs arm has three armtubes with vintage Ortofon, Sonus, and ADC cartridges.

Around 1974 on a student's budget: belt driven Pioneer with Shure MM , I can't possibly recall the model designations anymore.
Around 1981 on some of my first earned wages: Technics SL-QL1 linear tracking direct drive with T4P plug-in Ortofon TMC 200 (MC); I wanted something as easy to handle as a cd-player there.
Around 1985: Micro BL 91 with SME 3009 R and Clearaudio Delta Improved (MC)
Mid-nineties: Clearaudio Victory H (MC) to replace the Delta.
2002: Well Tempered Reference with Reference Arm, Clearaudio Victory H remained in place.
2006: Transfiguration Spirit III to replace the Clearaudio.