2. analog
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Why hasnt a turntable manufacturer produced a table with automatic tonearm return/shutoff?

I'm listening to my old Technics 1700 turntable, which has the tonearm return/ shutoff mechanism. It's one of the reasons I don't upgrade. The idea that you have to get up to retrieve the cartridge and turn off the machine makes little sense when the technology has been there for years. I know the issue of the mechanism introducing sound into the table, but it seems to me that the mechanism can be isolated and kept off until the record ends. What gives?

kavakat1
larsman's avatar
larsman
2,556 posts
 

@analog_tiffer - Ah! I see what you mean. I had a Dual 1019 in the 80's until I let it go when CD's came in and alas, I had no turntable at all during the 90's.... 

reubent
7,117 posts
 

@richardbrand 

I sometimes wish I had something that just raised the arm from the run-out groove.

There are numerous manufacturers of add-on tonearm lifter, such as "Little Fwend", etc. Just google "Tonearm Lifter" for a choices.

acousticrat34
6 posts
 

The Teac TN-5BB lifts the tonearm and shuts off the motor. It is their top of the line $1,999 turntable. I have one and really enjoy the sound and the semi-automatic operation. The removable headshell, SAEC knife-edge bearing tonearm, balanced output option, and heavy acrylic platter are all thoughtful features that make it their premier turntable. Currently running it with Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC star cartridge and Schiit Skoll F (balanced phono preamp). Highly recommended. I have lost cartridges (or at least the stylus) from forgetting to check before turning in for the night.

lewm
13,842 posts
 

Do you mean to say you’ve ended a listening session for the evening and just gone to bed with TT running and stylus in runout groove? Amp and preamp powered up as well?

pryso
1,992 posts
 

Lew, I had a Dual 1009 (changer) with my first stereo system, then an AR-XA in my second system.  I've owned more than twenty tables since then and ALL have been manual, except a SL-7 for a bedroom system.  So maybe you are on to something.  ;^)

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