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Servo Controlled Arm

I've purchased a JVC QL-Y3F Turntable )bought originaly in 1983) with servo controlled arm. As I've been reading about tonearms and compliance it has made me curious why the servo controlled arm didn't catch on. I have a Denon DL160 cartridge and it hasn’t even considered skipping. Now that I've listened for a considerable length of time I'm curious what other people have to say.
Sincerely,
128x128drewmb1
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I do understand those points, but it is still constantly hunting for the correct groove position based on reaction to what has already occurred. I just don't understand the "why do it at all". Perhaps there are others, but the only reason I can think of is that the designers have made the assumption that no conventional arm can track as well as this feedback control servo mechanism.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Whats worse an arm that can adjust its positioning if needed or an arm that is off and doesnt possess the ability or awareness to correct itself
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
What arm would that be? I don't know of any arm that doesn't self correct based on stylus position in the groove. Granted, some may do it better than others.

If I want to go down stream in a kayak, do I handle the paddle myself? Or do I through a line to two friends, one on either side of the river, and have them steer my kayak for me?
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Dan_ed...If groove spacing changes abruptly there will be a momentary change in tracking angle WITHIN THE SPEC RANGE OF 0.5 DEGREES. (Remember, the arm pivots). A properly designed servo does not overshoot or hunt. Digital servos make it particularly easy to implement the necessary algorithms, which may be difficult or impossible to do with analog components.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Again, why do it at all? I would file this under "gimmick". That's all I'm saying.
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