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Trans-fi Terminator T3PRO opinions please...

I am starting to think of trying a T3PRO tonearm, and would appreciate comments from you who encountered it. I am really happy with my current analog setup, but have never tried a linear tonearm...some of my concerns are the noise the pump potentially makes - what type of pump do you use in USA (Vic can only supply 220V) and is the tonearm tricky to setup and maintain in 'perfect setup'? Is it very 'tweaky' (I do like tweaking to a certain extent)? Do you think the VTA digital display is worthwhile? Which cable option did you opt for (I am thinking the cart-RCA silver wiring)?

If you own it - which tonearms have you compared it to?

Any special setup/tweak advise with regards to this tonearm?

Many thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts on T3PRO and have a GREAT one!
go4vinyl
dgarretson
2,594 posts
 
PS. I wouldn't bother with the digital caliper. The VTA tower calibrations are sufficient to obtain precise repeatable adjustments. And with this arm your ear will tell you EVERYTHING.
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
Can't say enough good things about this tonearm. It is a little tricky adjusting it as mentioned but we'll worth it!
wntrmute2's avatar
wntrmute2
188 posts
 
To add to my hurried response yesterday. Placing a record on the platter requires a bit of fineness as the arm structure remains over the platter. Not difficult, but you do need to exercise some caution. An air pump in another room is needed as I've never been able to sonically isolate one in the room. only a very small hole is needed to pass the airline tubing so that is easily accomplished. I have my pump plugged into a remotely powered power strip that also turns on two more strips that my gear is plugged int. One switch controls three strips, one of which is in another room. I sprung for the digital VTA readout but rarely use it. This is not a truly set it and forget it arm but the tweaks are simple and not a pain. Initial set-up is a little challenging but so are most arms. The sounds coming off the record speak for themselves. They just explode off in a way most pivoted arms seem to lack until you spend many times more. What have you got to lose? The used market will get you most of your money back I'm sure.
sgunther
187 posts
 
I concur with everything said previously. Much better than the fully modified RB 300 I used before. Also replaced Michelle gyro TT with Vic's Salvation TT. FWIW the best bargain in audio
garybx
9 posts
 
I'm also on the verge of getting a Terminator.

Does Vic only ship them with the latest/greatest headshell (Tomahawk)? Or is there a "standard" headshell and an optional higher quality headshell?

Is it practical to use multiple headshells and easily swap them out? Would that, for all practical purposes, necessitate using the Molex termination? Aside from that one possible need, I would assume that the RCA termination would be preferable (due to being a more direct connection).
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