Linear tracking turntables, whatever happened?


Curious as to the demise and downfall of the seemingly short lived linear tracking TT.
Just from a geometry point of view I would have thought a linear arm should be superior to one with a fixed pivot that sweeps through an arc.
Obviously there is much more to it than that, sort of the reason for this thread.
I am genuinely interested in trying one out for myself as well.
128x128uberwaltz
Well to cut a long story short I acquired a Technics Sl10 this morning in fully functional order at a price I don’t think anybody could have walked away from.
Well I could not at any rate.
However it has no cartridge.

So any suggestions for a good p mount cart that is not going to break my bank.
Ones costing twice as much as the TT are out!
Let’s just say sub $100.
A quick look on eBay reveals many options but I have not much idea on good or so so.

I did read that the Shure m92e was supposed to be a decent performer?
So any real world suggestions welcomed!
The VPI ring clamp is not usable with the ET2 on my TNT6.

I would a take a chance on this if looking for a sub-$100 p mount. Part of the Azden cartridge line. The Azden YM-P50VL that I own is an excellent cartridge. In some ways I prefer it to my favorite P-mount the Acutex 420STR. This one is the same as the Azden YM-20E (elliptical stylus). New after market styli are available. For $50 and seemingly in good shape, seems like a no-brainer to me. Good luck.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Retro-Empire-390-LT-P-Mount-T4P-Phono-Cartridge-With-Stylus-Used/20257...


@frogman 

Exactly the type of real world knowledge was looking for.
I did actually see that one on ebay as I have a regular empire cart 
Question for you Trans-Fi and ET 2 users- what kind of cartridges have you found best in terms of compliance? I have been using fairly high compliance cartridges since i got the Kuzma Airline years ago (Lyra, then Airtight) and using this stopgap Monster Genesis, which is medium compliance, its behavior seems better suited to the horizontal play of my arm. Thoughts?
BTW, uberwaltz- i use a center clamp/weight- the Kuzma table came with a pretty hefty screw down clamp, and i've been using the Stillpoints weight pretty much since it was introduced. Obviously, different set up than the Trans-Fi. 

Hi Whart et al

Just as a FYI - The ET2 tonearm thread contains Yellow Sticky's of the more important information like what types of carts and compliance to use. Anyone interested can go to any Audiogon search field and type in

ET2 Yellow Sticky

A list of subjects comes up to choose from.

The cartridge compliance information you are asking about has been covered on the the thread but it is long thread, and the Audiogon format can be hard to navigate. I just posted a new Yellow Sticky there on Cartridge Guidelines.

Click HERE to view.

For the ET2 tonearm there is no limit on cartridge compliance, as long as long as it is supported by the proper Armwand and I beam Leaf Spring Combo. Per the attached link. 
  
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Hi uberwaltz - just a followup on your weights and clamps question. IMO what one is using depends first on the turntable design, and then if the tonearm supports it. Per Frogmans VPI clamp example.

Re; Center Weights

i.e. La Platine's magnetic bearing can support 8 kilograms if someone desired. But I would not think of adding this much weight to my Jean Nantais Lenco or Technics SP10 mechanical bearings.
  
I am also in the camp of making sure the LP is not "slippy" but allowing it to breathe. Also the only LPs I own that I can recall that are not visually flat when spinning ......are newer bought ones.  

After all these years and multiple center weights, I do still use an HRS analog disk. I like it. I also have some Michell/England clamps around as well. Working like the VPI ones without the need for a threaded spindle.
Cheers