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Manual, Full auto, or just auto return your preference.

RichTassoni

RichTassoni

Active Member
I know manual is supposed to be the best turntable but could never deal with one having to watch over it to pick up the tone arm at the end of play. I have to have auto return at least I know I can walk away from it.
 
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RichTassoni said:
I know manual is supposed to be the best turntable but could never deal with one having to watch over it to pick up the tone arm at the end of play. I have to have auto return at least I know I can walk away from it.
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No need for all the gadgetry needed to return the arm, semi auto where the arm lifts and the table shuts off at end of play only need incorporate the cueing mechanism. Best of both worlds, manual/auto.
 
Semi auto at least. I was done with full manuals a looooong time ago. Those I have in use right now are fully auto.
 
I've got several of each type. But my favorite to play background music is an auto table. My Dual 721, Realistic Linear tracker, Pioneer PL500 are easy to use.
 
I prefer semi-auto, but have no issues with a manual table, which is why I am running an SL-1800 these days. When I sit down to listen, I listen. I don't fall asleep(the rather high volume tends to preclude that!), and I rarely get up until a side is over. Since I'm going to turn the record over, or put a new one on, manual operation isn't any kind of burden, at least for me...
 
I've got all three. I've got a Sansui SR-929 - which is fully manual. I've got a pair of Marantz 6300 tables - which are auto-lift tables. And I've got a pair of Technics SL-MA1 tables - fully automatic.

My preference? It's no contest: the Technics tables are my favorite. Drop the vinyl on the platter and press play.
 
I have a full manual, a semi-auto and a full auto record changer. I love the full manual when I'm alone and have some time to sit back and relax and really want to listen, the semi is for when I am reading a book or writing and don't want to pay full attention to the player and the full auto changer is for Christmas or a party where I throw six thrift store albums on it and crack open the booze!


Manual: Music Hall MMF-5
Semi: Sony PS-X5
Full Auto: Some crap that looks like an old-timey radio. :)
 
I'd been using a full auto Technics linear tracker for a while and when I decided to move that deck to my office for vinyl ripping duty, I nearly pulled the trigger on a new totally manual TT to replace it in the listening area (was debating U-Turn Orbit, Project Debut Carbon DC or Music Hall 2.2) , but after putting my manual ATLP120 back into service for a couple of weeks, came to terms with the fact that automatic turntables work best with my listening habits and lifestyle, so I now have a second Technics linear tracker for workhorse duty. What I love about the Technics "close and play" decks is that I can alternate between 12" LPs, 7" singles and not have to do a damn thing, listen while cooking dinner and not have to rush to lift the needle, no worries about falling asleep during playing a side.
 
Yup I've had semi auto for so long, I had 1 manual I told myself never again thers probably some great fully auto out there but semi auto is best of both worlds .
 
I also have all three, most are manual. The fully auto really is fully auto including the ability to move the arm forward or backward to search tracks with a pivoting arm, a bit rare as they're more known for their linear trackers.

Mitsubishi DP-EC8
DSC02014.JPG

The arm control mechanism isn't in contact with the arm during play for better performance.
 
Grenadeslio said:
I also have all three, most are manual. The fully auto really is fully auto including the ability to move the arm forward or backward to search tracks with a pivoting arm, a bit rare as they're more known for their linear trackers.

Mitsubishi DP-EC8
View attachment 1176548

The arm control mechanism isn't in contact with the arm during play for better performance.
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Nice looking table
 
RichTassoni said:
I know manual is supposed to be the best turntable but could never deal with one having to watch over it to pick up the tone arm at the end of play. I have to have auto return at least I know I can walk away from it.
Click to expand...

Walking away from a turntable while it is playing is kind of a waste of precious vinyl and diamond. The joy of vinyl is being immersed in its sound. If you're going to do other things while listening to music, CD is a better option.
 
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