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Linear tracking vs. Pivoted tracking tone arms.

After searching all 735 existing analog "threads" I only found one short discussion regarding Linear tracking arms vs. tangential tracking arms. I have been a vinyl collector for over 32 years, and beleive that pure analog is still the "gold standard". In 1984 I purchased a Sony PS-X555ES linear tracking, biotracer, turntable. It is a fully automatic table with direct drive. This table has served me well, with no mechanical or set up issues. It is still in my system today. There are no adjustments other than balancing the tonearm to a netural position, then dialing in your tracking force. Two years ago I installed a Denon DL 160 moving coil cartridge, and am very pleased with its quality. I am considering retirement for the Sony and replacement with a Michell Gyro SE with Rega pivoted arm. Linear tracking arms are not availiable. This is a belt drive, full manual table. I understand that the master LP lacquer is cut on a lathe with the linear method. Should vinyl be replayed in the same manner for optimal sound? I would really like to hear from some hard core audiophile vinyl types on this one. By the way, my system consists of the followinig: Conrad-Johnson PV10B all tube pre-amp with tube phono stage. This is split into a C-J Primer 11 tube amp and C-J MF2250 FET amp, bi-amped into a pair of KEF Reference series 3-2 speakers. The Premier 11 feeds the mids and highs and the MF2250 feeds the bass section. All cables and interconnects are Monster Cables finest. Thanks in advance for any advice.
lbo
dover
2,243 posts
 
Davide - I dont see your point with 2 vs 3 body physics. "Radial" arms have split vertical and horizontal bearings and remain 3 body in your hypothesis unless you are using a unipivot.
dover
2,243 posts
 
Ketchup - I dont just slap arms on decks, I ran an Oracle/Zeta/Koetsu Black for a couple of years prior to the SOTA ET2. In my experience you can optimise high frequency extension on an Oracle by setting the height such that the suspension is quite lossy ( highish ). At this point the movement of the ET2 arm unbalances the deck.
In other words to run an ET2 you would have to stiffen the suspension which is suboptimal for high frequency extension. Yes I had the under chassis counterbalance weight.
r_j_m
12 posts
 
I have a Technics SL-m3.  It's got a T4p cartridge on it.  Technics EPC-P100C MK4

Preamp: Conrad Johnson 
Amplifier(s): 2 Dbx BX-1. 

Loudspeakers:   Infinity IRS Betas. 

Accuphase CD player.  

I've had my turntable for years. It's got ridiculously good specs.  So good I don't believe them.   What I do believe is what I hear.  I know there are better tables out there but I can't say I've heard better.  I can't directly compare.   I only know that I've yet to be so impressed by a turntable a high end turntable where I think "time to get a new turntable".   I just don't like that my table is a Pmount.   It's limiting as far as cartridges go.   I have to have what I have retipped or rebuilt.  

lewm
13,030 posts
 
RJM, There are adapters to convert a P-mount tonearm to use non-Pmount cartridges.  Usually, they are inexpensive.  Check with Sound Smith for a good one.  eBay for a cheap one.
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