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Trans-Fi Terminator Tonearm: 2019 Update

In reading a few related posts on linear tracking tonearm, in general,  and Trans-Fi Terminator , in particular, I thought I would give a brief update of the Terminator.

I purchased the arm directly from Andrey in Moscow two months ago. From what I understand, Andrey has taken over production after Vic's retirement. What I received is the most up-to-date version of the arm with the carbon fibre wand and brass counterweights, the direct wire leads from cartridge to  phono amp, and a new brass manifold ( not evident from the main web-site). Both the wand and the new manifold are Andrey's contribution to the continued refinement of the Terminator.

Also,  please visit this site: https://darklanternforowen.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/terminator-tonearm-new-arm-mount/. This gentlemen from NZ has developed a new arm mount for the Terminator which advanced the arm's sonics even further. It was reading through the the development of this new arm mount that convinced me to order the Terminator after much prior research. I did not purchase the arm mount from NZ as it would not readily fit my Verdier La Platine, instead Andrey made a custom arm mount. It is in essence a two point support mount rather than a single point support rod that is commonly used. 

My previous arm was a SME V of 1990's vintage mounted with a ZYX airy. The Terminator is several notch above the SME V. All the accolades given to the Terminator seem justified. My main point in writing is that the new developments by Andrey, i.e. the carbon fibre wand and the newest brass manifold, seem to improve upon the Terminator even more ( see link above ). This is the news that I wanted to share with existing Terminator owners. I asked Andrey to start a blog on all the new stuff that is happening with the arm, but it seems that he is busy making 'things'!




ledoux1238
ledoux1238 OP
280 posts
 
Here's Vic's lightening fast response:



" Hi Albert 

Interesting with the surge tank cascade. I have had several people fallow this path & report back positive results.

Here is my test for air-flow:

Position the stylus above a stationary record. Turn the volume up. Drop the stylus gently on the record. When it touches the record, can you hear the air flowing through the manifold? If you can, the pressure is too high.

Cheers

Vic"

I'll try out his test and report back.

terry9
2,333 posts
 
I find that the air pressure changes the sound. Higher is a bit brighter and livelier. I prefer about 25 mm of mercury, or 0.5 psi for most records.

Also, a long line of air hose is equivalent to another air tank. My pump is nearly 50’ of 1/2" air hose from the Terminator. About 2 litres.
ledoux1238 OP
280 posts
 
Hi Terry, where are you putting the pressure gauge ? 0.5psi right before air enters the manifold?

It seems a gauge is really required for me now. I’ll look into you recommendation. 
 
Regarding long run of horse acting as surge tank. I spoke to a friend and he seem to think that the ideal situation is to use stiffer tubing material than plastic, more like copper, and coiling the copper tube radiator style. Not sure if purely running long plastic tubes would create an effective surge tank ? 

@spiritofmusicI tried Vic’s air pressure test, and I am fine for now. There doesn’t seem to be air pressure coming from the manifold at my present level. Though with a gauge I will be able to give a more precise.
terry9
2,333 posts
 
At the output of the surge tank, before the plastic hose. That's half inch hose, pretty thick stuff. Anyway, don't see why rigid is better - it seems to me that rigid would accurately send all the pulse information directly to the tonearm - when that information is exactly what we are trying to smother - it is smoothing that is needed.
dgarretson
2,598 posts
 
Concerning pressure gauges and valves. My Terminator rig is in storage, but I recall that optimal results were obtained with a Weiss pressure gauge in combination with a high quality brass needle valve. You need simple brass automotive fittings and nipples to make the connections. A good brass needle valve is less turbulent than a plastic aquarium valve. To obtain the most accurate display of operating pressure at the tonearm manifold, place the valve between the gauge and the manifold. With the valve closed, the gauge displays maximum pressure available from the pump. As the valve is opened, the gauge displays a drop in pressure from the pump that is equal to the pressure at the manifold. Try it, you’ll like it.
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