Dan ed, The Expressimo "Lifter" has a very high degree of adjustability. The height adjustment of the "pick up arm" allows you to set it so that the transition from "on vinyl" to "off vinyl" is very gentle. Yes, there is an audible "thump". But even the "thump" is of a low enough volume magnitude, where it should present no problems, even if the previous selection was played at a high level of volume. Also, I installed a small felt "button" on the upright post of the Lifter, so that when the tonearm slides along the "pick up arm" and comes to rest against the upright post, an additional measure of quieting is facilitated. And as you mentioned, it is really just an added degree of insurance for those times we fall asleep or become forgetful.
It amazes me that when spending 2-5-10-$20,000 on a turntable, that the manufacturers can't, or simply won't, provide the consumer with an effective means of stylus lift off at end of play. As Twl had mentioned, Teres in the least shuts the motor off. But, if forgotten would still allow the stylus to run in the "circle of death" for possibly up to 30 minutes (depending on the recording). At that point, the damage has already been done. Break out the stylus cleaning kit. AGAIN!
In retrospect, I think it's only fair that we all admit, CDs are convenient.
Too bad they are not made out of vinyl and can't be tracked with a tonearm.
It amazes me that when spending 2-5-10-$20,000 on a turntable, that the manufacturers can't, or simply won't, provide the consumer with an effective means of stylus lift off at end of play. As Twl had mentioned, Teres in the least shuts the motor off. But, if forgotten would still allow the stylus to run in the "circle of death" for possibly up to 30 minutes (depending on the recording). At that point, the damage has already been done. Break out the stylus cleaning kit. AGAIN!
In retrospect, I think it's only fair that we all admit, CDs are convenient.
Too bad they are not made out of vinyl and can't be tracked with a tonearm.