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Linear Tracker ...I was wondering

Is there a not too expensive (less than $¹⁰⁰⁰) and good linear tracking tonearm that I could mount on my SL1200MK5? 


jagjag
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
5,008 posts
 
*L*  I have one of those old Rabco ST-4's that I got for nil decades ago.
Complete with the 'split' dust cover(s)....;)...and it was New. In the box.
I keep it as a reminder of how 'ingenious' lengths one could go to with the concept, as it did work....not very well, but it did....*L*

Also have a SL-8 that needs some TLC and some 'SortaOTA' revamping, but it's light-seconds 'better' than the ST-4....easily..

Have a 9/10 Garrard Z-100 that I found in a Goodwill for 20$. *G*

A Teac P-J51 unit that's something the spouse can deal with...she's not good with 'cueing', but knows to destat before play. ;)...
Not 'elegant', but serviceable for the day to day....another 9/10...

Will eventually get around to setting up a more 'phile table/tangent arm/cart, but no rush....*S*
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Chakster
That Technics MC pmount cart would likely cost more than my SL-10 did , IF one could find one that is!

205 mk4 MM cost even more than 301 MC
dorkwad
548 posts
 
miyostyn,

I was able to get a better overall design in the Pete Riggle Woody arm which is so well thought out it has 3 OTF adjustments, uses NO tools to mount, has wonderful pictures and directions for use and optimization of the various parameters, looks good, and sounds extremely fine.  Does it sound better than the Trans-Fi?  MAYBE.  I had a notion of going to 2 arms on my massive Lenco rebuild with a beautiful 10-layered 100 lb. plinth that has a 24" X 20" top and is 7" H.  The Woody is easier to use.  The Trans-Fi sounds very fine also and utilizes an aquarium motor that is pretty quiet compared to the Maplenoll's LOUD motor I had to house in a separate closet 50 ft. away from my dedicated room in the basement.
There is a lot to admire in the design of the TF arm.  It has a very industrial look, which is cool and looks like the actual cutting lathe records are made on.  I liked that part.  I just liked the Woody better overall when I decided having 2 arms, 2 cartridges, etc. is just too much.

Bob

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Got a scissors?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Terry9, I won't even look at an air bearing arm because of the problem of too much horizontal mass. The horizontal axis has to be driven and the arm has to have a passive horizontal bearing. Then you deal with tonearm effective mass like any other tone arm. Yamaha had the right idea but I think for the best motor isolation and reliability a belt drive would be best. It is however a tricky proposition. I believe a rack and pinion design would do it, the pinion being driven by the belt. Motion is so slow noise should not be a problem. The motor then has t have some type of servo control that predicts where the tonearm has to go. I envision a laser reading the groove just in front of the stylus. A groove is like the grand canyon next to CD pits. Should be easy to do. Unfortunately, small companies lack the technical horsepower to design this. It would be up to one of the big guys like Sony, Yamaha or JVC and they are not interested in such a small market. 
I encourage every straight line tracker owner to closely observe their cantilever tracking the record. If you see the cantilever drift side to side even just a little you have a problem. 
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