Linear Tracking 1200
- Thread starter SLM3Tech
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Stanton681EEES
Addicted Member
Just curious, Why in the hell would anyone wanna do that, when the stock arm with upgraded wires and cables is killer. Don't buy into the BS about those arms. As it's plain and simple, just BS.
nu2toobs
Can you here that?
I'm sure some would argue with that, but I'm not one of them.
thedelihaus
Nocturnal transmissions
My SL-1710 has the stock arm and I like it, but my sl-120 and sl-110 are SME 3009 equipped. And I have an ADC arm and a Sony PUA arm and Ome other "mystery" arm I plan on experimenting with.
I like the stock arm on the MK II just fine, and would like to KAB it.
But also eager to tweak with other arms, it being so damn easy to do.
A linear to me would be a nightmare to retrofit to the 1200. I'd think just to stick to the factory issued limears from technics, no?
By the way, the best TTs I've heard so far are a Mitsubishi one and I think it was a Yammie or a technics- can't recall.
I like the stock arm on the MK II just fine, and would like to KAB it.
But also eager to tweak with other arms, it being so damn easy to do.
A linear to me would be a nightmare to retrofit to the 1200. I'd think just to stick to the factory issued limears from technics, no?
By the way, the best TTs I've heard so far are a Mitsubishi one and I think it was a Yammie or a technics- can't recall.
I like the way you think.
But, just to answer the question. I have a Technics SL-M3 as well as the 1200's. I love this deck, motor specs, according to documention are equal to or better than that of a 1200. It's eye candy and the linear tracking arm does have audible improvements over a pivoted arm. For instance, I noted on more than one occasion that the inner grooves sounded "clearer" or better yet, there was a sameness of "sound" from the beginning to the end of the record. Keep in mind I do have an upgraded Technics tonearm and I am also using a KAB fluid damper, which is fantastic, and I also eliminated the tonearm PCB.Linear trackers are all about eliminating "the arc of error" which all fixed pivoted arms have, with maybe the exception of the tonearm on the Garrard Zero 100, which was designed to reduce the same. Technics linear tracking tonearms still pivot, though, which means it is still pulled out of absolute linearity as it travels across the record, even if not very much. Also, the arm mechanisms are electromechanical and it is possible to see and measure the audibility of the motor engaging to move the tonearm. For everyday listening... the noise is so low it is a non-issue. However, for the archivist/transcriptionist, this is not a best case scenario especially considering the excellent performance of a pivoted arm with no motor noise.
So... I thought to myself... self... what if you were to put an air bearing linear tracking arm on the SL-1200MK2!?! Besides the satisfaction of pissing off those snippy audiophiles who measure the quality of a system by dollars spent, there would be the benefit of an impossibly accurate and dependable drive system with the inclusion of the benefits one gains from a silent air bearing tonearm. Take for instance the Eminent Technology arm (and the like). They are linear trackers without a lateral pivot point. There is no motor. With the forced air, the slightest pull of a record groove is enough to move the arm. Check out some youtube vids. Pretty awesome. All one would need is a different armboard and there are plenty of those around, or they can be made.
I decided against going with an Origin Live or an SME M2-9; however, I don't think they suck. With the OL, I would have just lost too much convenience. The SME M2-9 is expensive. If I was going to spend that much, I'd just spend a bit more for the SME 309. And if I'm going that crazy with it... the linear tracker started to make more sense. And, to be honest, when I got there, it was like... "...do you know how many albums you could buy with that kind of money..." LOL!! So, I was just wonder if any one had just gone on and did it.
We're all insane; it's just a matter of how insane.
HI, Why do you feel so strongly about this? I won't argue with you because I think you would put out a contract on me. I think you are dead wrong.
Sparky
I have no intention of swapping out the tonearm on my SL-1200MK5 as it's an excellent performer, especially with the Cardas rewire and KAB dampener. However, if I were going to try a different tonearm, I certainly wouldn't waste time and money on another pivoted tonearm. An air-bearing linear tracker would definitely be the way to go. Eliminating skating force and the alignment compromises (of a pivoted tonearm) makes it a winner IMO.
Ed in Tx
Super Member
There ya go! Exactly. No "BS" about it.
Stanton681EEES
Addicted Member
I'm sure some would argue with that, but I'm not one of them.
Please explain as to what they would argue about, since you brought it up.
i actually have an ET2 air bearing linear tonearm and im higly considering getting a 1200 to mount it on lol
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Most linear arms I have seen would be tricky to mount on one. Clearances mainly. I would get a SP-10 or SP-15 which would have more room to mount one. A Souther on a SP-10 would be nice. I am not that impressed by most linear arms out there. If you have things aligned right on the stock arm and a fine cartridge, you have virtually no inner groove distortion.
virak
Save the vinyl!
speedy.steve, member of The Art of Sound forum has a Terminator tonearm mounted on his SL-1210Mk2 (he tried first with a DIY Ladegaard arm). Plenty of pics in the "analogue art" section. There's pics of the arm mounted on an Origin Live armboard (with some sort of adapter, I think), and on a custom armboard. Looks goooooooooood!
Last edited:
Can you send me a link in a PM? I would love to see how he's got that setup! I'm not sure of what the rules are about posting links to other forums in this space.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Please tell us more about this! Some 1200 owners might want to experiment with it. I am interested in it for the sake of Technical Art! :tresbon:
virak
Save the vinyl!
Geeez... if the price is anywhere near reasonable, I have to try this.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Nicely done! Very well executed. Bet it also sounds great. Looks factory done. Thanks for posting that. :tresbon:
