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Linear tracking - a myth debunked?

An arm that is not abused, and hasn't had someone inappropriately lubricate the bearings is pretty much maintenance free. I believe most are run dry, or very close to it, since the chance of holding dust is pretty high with lubricants. Obviously I'm not talking about really cheap equipment, or early changers, and I'm ignoring automatic mechanisms.
My point was not that no pivoted arm in history has needed cleaning or maintenance, but that the chances are dramatically less likely than for linear arms.
 
Nat said:
My point was not that no pivoted arm in history has needed cleaning or maintenance, but that the chances are dramatically less likely than for linear arms.
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AAuughh!! There's the discrimination again!
If the (LT) arm is similarly mounted (4 ball bearings) and gently handled by machine logic, how is it more likely to corrupt?
 
No, its pointing out that the drive mechanism on many, if not almost all, linear tables is prone to lubricants drying up, belts decomposing or cracking, and sensors getting out of whack. You may respond that these are all acceptable parts of owning a linear, in the same way that oil and filters need to be changed on cars, but over time, it is an issue that non automatic pivoted arms don't have.
There is a lot more to linear arms than just four bearings.
 
I'll agree with that, to a point. Both my linear-tracking SL-M3 and pivot arm SL-MA1 have the need for extra maintenance beyond a manual turntable, but the fact that both are full automatic turntables plays a role, not just the type of arm.
 
Nat said:
No, its pointing out that the drive mechanism on many, if not almost all, linear tables is prone to lubricants drying up, belts decomposing or cracking, and sensors getting out of whack. You may respond that these are all acceptable parts of owning a linear, in the same way that oil and filters need to be changed on cars, but over time, it is an issue that non automatic pivoted arms don't have.
There is a lot more to linear arms than just four bearings.
Click to expand...

Do you use that same argument to denounce belt-drive tables? The replacement of belts is seemingly universally accepted here. I don't hear (see) anyone saying (posting) about the unnecessary maintenance and recommending only direct drives.
 
Jeez now do we have to pick at everyone's post? Just about all turntables will need some maintenance at some point. But for the most part turntables are pretty reliable. The level of maintenance is dependent on the make and model of a turntable, how much use, the care a user subjects it to, and just how anal you are on wanting it perfect. Some pivot tables might need more care than some LT tables and in many cases it is the opposite case, the LT will need more than a Pivot. When it needs something if you want it to work fix it.

I have two tables not working at this time, One is a pivot table, a Denon 49F or something like that, the platter rotates backwards. The other one is a Technics SP10 MkII the platter speed is racing. All my LT tables work fine, but that is for the time being next year it might be the other way around.
 
amit46 said:
The cartridge alignment and correct tracking force plays a very important role in life of the vinyls...Linear tracking turntable when its finely aligned the anti-skating force is almost nil with a tracking error within 0.3 to 0.1 degrees and where as the pivoted arm turntables (the best of best) will still give a tracking error of 2-3 degrees which is huge when playing back tough signals.
Shibata stylus was originally made for quadraphonic playback and the recording was in the range of 40-50 khz....when used on stereo vinyls the tracking abilities go above 25khz. There is an interesting article on net comparing the digital and vinyl recording frequencies....vinyls have shown far higher frequencies.
I think when we are talking of signal to noise ratio there many components in the system which will contribute to the over all output!
All components in the signal and feedback path of the phono preamplifier, preamplifier and the audio amplifier will contribute to noise. Than comes the DC offset levels starting from the first stage to the last stage.
I have made many changes to my stereo audio setup by using Vishay-Dale 1% ultra low noise resistors and high quality Wima/Vishay PET capacitors and using only Texas Instruments OPA2134P SoundPlus op-amps....and finally the power amplifier is driven by TI LME49830 ultra low distortion IC using MOSFETS at the output stage. The maximum DC offset I have in all stages in left and right channels is below 0.1mV. That gives a fantastic stereo imaging and sound stage. Also when using balanced connections the signal noise is zero!
Finally the speakers which are built at home using high quality cross-over inductors and capacitors with high end drivers gives the final sound quality. I am using excellent Air Motion Transformers tweeters, Peerless Midranges and JBL Harman Kordan woofers. Here are some images of my speaker system for Home surround and stereo playback setups........Cheers!View attachment 1058119 View attachment 1058120
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amit I love the system. Try to get the center channel tweet the same height as the front mains. I finally did this and it made a great difference.
 

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Nat said:
No, its pointing out that the drive mechanism on many, if not almost all, linear tables is prone to lubricants drying up, belts decomposing or cracking, and sensors getting out of whack. You may respond that these are all acceptable parts of owning a linear, in the same way that oil and filters need to be changed on cars, but over time, it is an issue that non automatic pivoted arms don't have.
There is a lot more to linear arms than just four bearings.
Click to expand...
To which I was going to reply:
tw1st said:
Do you use that same argument to denounce belt-drive tables? The replacement of belts is seemingly universally accepted here. I don't hear (see) anyone saying (posting) about the unnecessary maintenance and recommending only direct drives.
Click to expand...
Agreed. I've got two linear trackers they're both 80s era p-mount quartz lock Japan made tables and they both work like a charm. I purchased them at thrifts - the Sony needed a belt and some lube and cleaning - a similar era pivot arm table would have needed similar care - or maybe not. The Technics worked out of the thrift after replacing the missing stylus with a good one.
 
plugto said:
amit I love the system. Try to get the center channel tweet the same height as the front mains. I finally did this and it made a great difference.
Click to expand...
My system is set for my bedroom....so when I am listening to the system the center channel is at my ear level...the surround effect is excellent...Thanks
 
I have one of each and if forced to pick one or the other, I’d choose the pivot arm table simply bc it’s prettier and more fun to use. Linear tracking is too hands off for my taste which is the opposite of why I listen to vinyl. If I wanted hands off I’d listen to digital music.
 
jozeppy26 said:
Linear tracking is too hands off for my taste which is the opposite of why I listen to vinyl. If I wanted hands off I’d listen to digital music.
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Yet it's the opposite for me, Jozeppy. My linear tracker, with a top cartridge, does fall very slightly below my best TTs with good pivoted arms, in terms of overall performance — but it is so slight I hardly notice — whereas its performance on inner grooves cannot be matched, a crucial benefit for listeners primarily of Classical, like me.

And its automatic functions appeal strongly — just put the record on the platter and walk away. The automatic mechanism is much simpler and quieter than on a pivoted arm. The careful cleaning and handling of LPs is the same for both formats, so what is the "hands on" activity that appeals to you, Jozeppy?

Just lowering the cartridge onto the LP?
 
dosmalo said:
I'm reckoning its the headaches of alignments, null points and IGD etc
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We'll have to wait for Jozeppy to explain what he means. But the procedures you mention are a lot of fun I don't miss. My LT has the little alignment gauge that slips onto the headshell to set overhang; that, and VTA, VTF and Azimuth are all that's needed. I get to do alignments the other way when setting up TT's for friends. Being a perfectionist, I do mumble a few curses under my breath...
 
ET 2 010.jpg Believe it or not, once properly mounted, this thing is an absolute breeze to set up, operate and maintain. I know I'm done with the 'arc.'
 
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