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
No gimmick as low tracking can attest add virtually no distortion due to precision dipersion an u have an arm that simulates cutting lathe for the master stamper
Hiho...An important detail about the Sony linear tracking servo is that it does not move in and out, as you suggested. It only moves in. (Unless you pick up the arm). This is because the servo only modifies the RATE of movement, which is always in. Because of this feature, bearing friction (which is very low) does not result in jerky motion. (In technical circles this is called stiction). Finally, with a servo, friction, as long as it is constant and especially doesn't change direction, is not very important. The purpose of the servo is to create a virtual frictionless bearing.
Eldartford, I was mainly referring and complaining about the Pioneer PL-L1000 servo arm that it uses a linear motor and it moves laterally BOTH directions, ie, left AND right. Almost like a air-bearing arm, hence the tendency to jerky motion on eccentric records. Pioneer is the only manufacturer I can think of that did something like this. It works great in theory but it puts a lot of demand on quality of the roller bearing. It certainly is fun to operate though. Yes, I still prefer the Sony, Yamaha, Technics, Rabco, or Goldmund approach. Thanks for the comment.
I just received a JVC QL-Y5F today and the servo controlled tonearm does work! It sound very good and very stable and no problem tracking warp record. Now, I really wonder why people don't use more of such design...
Hiho...Most people, audiophiles included, don't understand servo design, or appreciate the performance potential. Perhaps they have experienced crude servos, like early cruise control in cars, and not been impressed. Most audio manufacturers don't have people with control system expertese, and would prefer to stay with tried and true pivoting arms. Design and development of a good servo arm requires a large investment, and the small market does not justify it.

Besides, pivoting arms work well (if you can ever get them set up right).