Is there a consensus on linear tracking TT's?

[weegee]

I'm not experienced enough to give a thoughtful opinion, so don't snap my head off and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about....I've already done that
But I've always been under the impression that linears were a neat idea which didn't live up to the real world needs. In other words, they're great if you want to spend a lot of time fiddling with the deck.

I never used one. Are they a pain to use as far as needing adjustments? I thought they played like any other TT.

 

[Pio1980]

I never used one. Are they a pain to use as far as needing adjustments? I thought they played like any other TT.

Most were plug and play simple, the HK ST series could be "fussy" , they and the Pioneer LTs must be perfectly laterally level to function properly.

 

[weegee]

I have had many come across my workbench. I don't think they are more or less reliable than any other turntable. They do sound very good even the cheaper models. I have been surprised with the quality of the sound on all. The problem with Linear trackers was they just didn't appeal to people based on aesthetics. All you did was push buttons and people like to get in and personal with their equipment. Linears lacked that and paid the price in low sales volume. I have 2 Mitsubishi's right now. An LT-5V and another cheaper model which I can't remember off hand. Both work perfectly and needed only replacement belts to work flawlessly. Alas there is no market for a good Linear Tracker now days.

Although I have never used a linear, auto is OK or me. But I can see what you mean...lots of engineers here! I guess I'm an odd ball, I don't like fiddling with my equipment, I just like using it.