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Linear Tracking Turntables

Digiverse

Digiverse

Active Member
Hi Guys , I have come across a Sony PS-FL99 Linear Tracking Turntable and I am considering buying it and on selling my Technics SL 1400, what do you think ? I also came across a Technics SL-7 Linear Tracking Turntable with the same in mind but the Sony is my first choice. Thanks. Groovetube.
 
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Ford VS Chevy comparison, or more like, Rotary Engine VS V6 Piston.

When These Tables first hit, it was a big hoopla. Lots of "Audiophiles" said they could hear a difference. I personally did not. You are dragging a diamond across rough Vinyl with EITHER table. That small tangent application delta (change) by linear tracking made no difference to my ears. You had a better argument for Anti-Skating, IMO. Linear excitement stopped when CD's were ushered in.

My personal preference would be to pass and keep your Technics, unless you personally think you have to have a Linear. Personal preference is key. If you THINK you just have to have a linear tracking table, then you do. I passed on this. My tables are all standard swing tonearm. Even my Music Hall that was not exactly "inexpensive" is of course NOT Linear.

No matter what the members here say, it's a personal preference. To me, it's not worth the change. I'd put that money into a new cartridge and/or stylus.
 
The SL-1400 is a workhorse. Linear trackers have alot going on, so if I was buying, I would make sure everything functioned. Personally, I would keep the 1400, and live with the linear tracker for awhile to make sure this is the right move.
 
The Sony is neat but I'd say the SL-7 is the far superior unit. Why not get the SL-7 and try it out and then decide what to sell? Lots of folks run linear trackers, including high-end ones.
 
Buy the SL-7 and keep the SL-1400. I notice a difference on linear tracking. Especially on the last song nearest the center. That SL-7 is a nice looking table too.

The downfall of linear trackers is the limited selection of cartridge. Most are P-mount but there are a few exceptions in higher end models, quite a few.
 
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IF the Sony or the SL-7 are in good operating order, and you want to try something different, Not Better in terms of SQ (probably not as good overal), or just like the idea of a linear tracker, It might be fun if you can get it at a good price. I'm not a fan of linear tracking TT's, there far to complex for my taste.

I would not be getting rid of the Technics SL 1400 in either case. That is an excelent TT in good operating condition. You'd have to spend some serious coin to best it, and you still wouldn't get smooth semi automatic operation, which I really like.

The Rotary Engine VS a Piston engine is a good analogy. The Rotary engine promised so much, yet fails to deliever, while costing much more than a piston engine of the same HP. Even Mazda only uses a Rotary engine on a very few, expensive select cars. Thats why neither the Rotary engine or Linear tracking TT's have caught on IMO.
 
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If looking at a LT my first choice would be the Technics SL-7 over the Sony. Unless your hard up for money keep the SL-1400 until you determine which you prefer. Also keep in mind having a backup table is good insurance.
 
I would agree with Kermit....make sure everything is working properly on the LT.

Also, unless there is something with your 1400, why sell it?
 
The SL-7 was probably one of the best of the small-profile 'P'-mount LTs made, and a looker in the group. This was a $400 heavyweight TT when new and still good today.
 
Hi, Thanks for the relies everyone, Well the Technics is definitley a keeper I will never sell it I will back off from linear trackers for now I will get one in the near future but for now I will concentrate on getting said SL1400 set up as well as the rest of the gear then I will be ready for something like a linear tt having said that really ? the Technics sl7 is better than the Sony linear ? being second top of the line I would have thought that the Sony would be greatly superior to the Technics sl7 well there you go who would have thought ? Again, thanks. Groovetube.
 
Linear Tracking no so good?

I always find it interesting when linear tracking is downplayed, as not preforming well, not able to really compare to a "standard" arm, too complicated.

I continue to listen to my 30+ year old Transcriber, continue to be amazed by the audio it produces. As it has always been kinda rebuked by "those in the know", all I can say is you don't know what your are missing.
P2030196_DxO_zpsc65d7175.jpg
 
Aerobat said:
The Sony is neat but I'd say the SL-7 is the far superior unit. Why not get the SL-7 and try it out and then decide what to sell? Lots of folks run linear trackers, including high-end ones.
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The sl-7 will retain its value better, regardless of how it compares to the Sony. BTW, I've had several linear trackers, and the key is finding a great cartridge to complement the table. Most take p-mount...
 
Pio1980 said:
The SL-7 was probably one of the best of the small-profile 'P'-mount LTs made, and a looker in the group. This was a $400 heavyweight TT when new and still good today.
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:yes:

I have owned and enjoyed an SL7 since new in 1982...

There is no 'magic' in LT, this is just an excellent record player regardless of arm design, folks
 
I enjoy my SL-QL1 as well. There is not much eye candy like standard TT's when the record is playing, but it does the job.
 
With both a Yamaha PX-3 and a Mitsubishi LT-30 'in da house' and a 'swing arm' (see sig) for comparison, I have to say LT 'tables are nice to have. Complex? Sure. They sure do track nice and sound great. If SWMBO didn't prefer the sound of the SME and the aesthetics of the TNT it's on, I'd be happy with one of the LTs in the main system.

As for the Technics, I can't say I was ever a fan of the 'close and play' LT units with P-mount - always looked like toys to me, regardless of how they sounded. YMMV.
 
When it comes to my HK T-55C vs. the LT-30, the HK extracts a bit more detail but can't match the bass slam of the Mitzu.
 
One of the things I could never get used to was the sibilance on the inner tracks. That's why I mostly have digital running. However, LTs address the sibilance issue very well. Even my Thorens TD125/3009 Mk2 sounds like crap in comparison to a modest LT w/ a good cart when playing the inner two tracks. And yes, I mounted the arm the right distance and set up everything to a T. I guess I don't understand why LTs are ripped on so much after actually owning a few now. They are great. Unless the folks ripping on them really have no experience. It is very noticeable to me. I can't wait to get my hands on a Revox LT. Matter of fact, I'm considering dumping all my conventional tables at this point. I just can't wrap my head around their sound for too long w/o wondering why I spent so much money on them and their so called state of the art arms. But this is just my opinion and not fact by any means. My lowly SL-10 puts all my Thorens to shame. And they have SME 3009 II, Infinity Black Widow, Hadcock, and Sumiko arms mounted. Go figure. Pretty upsetting I spent so much $$ on them only to be unhappy. The LT has stayed set up in my system the longest in the past 6 years.
 
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What cart do you have in the SL-10 and how do you like that set-up?
For a 1/2" mount LT you could do worse than a Yamaha PX-2 (which I've no personal experience). The main plus with the ReVoX LinatrackTTs is their delightful ergos. Otherwise been there, done that, moved on.

hatrack71 said:
One of the things I could never get used to was the sibilance on the inner tracks. That's why I mostly have digital running. However, LTs address the sibilance issue very well. Even my Thorens TD125/3009 Mk2 sounds like crap in comparison to a LT w/ a good cart when playing the inner two tracks. And yes, I mounted the arm the right distance and set up everything to a T. I guess I don't understand why LTs are ripped on so much after actually owning a few now. They are great. Unless the folks ripping on them really have no experience. It is very noticeable to me. I can't wait to get my hands on a Revox LT. Matter of fact, I'm considering dumping all my conventional tables at this point. I just can't wrap my head around their sound for too long w/o wondering why I spent so much money on them and their so called state of the art arms. But this is just my opinion and not fact by any means. My lowly SL-10 puts all my Thorens to shame. and they have SME 3009 II, Infinity Black Widow, Hadcock, and Sumiko arms mounted. Go figure.
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