• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Picked up a Linear Tracking TT yesterday

Big Tuna

Big Tuna

Too Much Power!
Yup, after listening to my brother's Technics Linear Tracking TT he has, I gravitated towards wanting one. I picked up a Pioneer PL-L series at a great price, and I must say I was really impressed at the sonic performance of the Linear design. I still do like the old fashioned curved tonearm style, but this PL-L Machine is really nice! :yes:

Any other fans of the Linear Tracking Design out there?
 
Register to hide this ad
I am not, because they don't meet my needs. If sound quality is the only thing, if you can keep the air pump for the air bearing arms away from your gear, or if one cartridge at light weight is fine, they're fine. I need a pivoted arm on the one table I have room for 5 days of the week, and need headshells as an option. No disrespect, linear arms are fine, they don't work for all needs. I have specialist needs which must be catered for. If you love linear arms, use them and enjoy them. I must change styli and carts and need a 12" tonearm for my work at home and my listening for pleasure. On the weekends, I have more room and options, and have several tables and arms (one is even an air bearing linear arm, which I love for sound quality reasons alone).
 
I had a Technics linear tracker ( the sort with the arm in the lid) it was very nice, great got the kids to use as there was no chance of damaging a record.

But sound wise i found it a bit dull......it got sold.....nuff said.
 
Bunch of party poopers!

I'll chime in....yeah, I love mine. And there ain't no catch either, and I'm not just posting here to rain on your parade Big Tuna. I really like it. A lot. A whole lot.

I run a Mitsubishi LT-30 in one of my systems, and have an LT-20 as well. The 30 replaced a series of much more sought after names such as a Linn Axis, Systemdek, big ol' Pioneer DD, and even a nearly-new $1400 Marantz/Clearaudio deck. It's sound is noticeably superior to all of them with a well matched cart- in this case a Shure V-15vmr. Of the tables I've had, the Mitsubishi LT-30 and VPI Classic are in one group, and everything else is somewhere down the page. Its fun to use, too.

A friend of mine had a PL-L1000- it's a nice table. Which one did you get?
 
I used to have the PL-L1000's twin, the Phase Linear 8000 II. I picked it up on Craigslist. It needed some repairs that I thought were over my head, so I auctioned it off. I have a Technics SL-7 that I use primarily for recording to digital. It does a nice job for that. I just put a new cartridge on it, so I guess it's going to stay forever.
 
Just which "Pioneer PL-L series" did you get?
It would be nice to learn that there is another PL-L1 owner on AK; the PL-L1 Club has about the smallest membership, and Club discussions get kind of repetitive and boring! :D
 
i would love to even see a PL-L1
i have a PL L1000
i think it's a swansong machine
i do have a stanton for 78 and 45 that is a little easier to cue up and has pitch
i bought it [stanton t80] mainly as a record cleaning machine though
 
Already been asked, model number, what cartridge and any pics possible?

Currently running Shure M91ED w/Jico SAS on mine and still breaking in on the HK is a Grado Red+ on a F1+.
 
Revox LT owner myself. I use it everyday side by a side a Non LT table and enjoy them both Equally well. However changing a cart or stylus or making repairs can be an ordeal as I found out awhile back. Hopefully I will get many years of service before I have to do that again. I use the LT more lately and find it extremely convenient and easy to use.
Sonically they both sound very close with one running a grado and one running a M97Xe until I get another Jico SAS for a V15 IV. I suspect I will lean more towards the non LT once that cart is back in the running. Decisions Decisions :D Thats why I like this stuff.
 
Congrats on your find! I picked up one yesterday and have been using it. I did some reading on the technology end, and it is an interesting concept. The table is a Lab-2200, RS. I was using a Phillips 212 and the linear does sound a bit better and it is a little lighter in weight. I love them both and will be using the linear a while longer.:thmbsp:
 
Big LT fan here, I run an L1000 and a LT-30. I also had a half-dozen or so Technics LTs which I refurbed, used, and sold off. They're nice, and super-convenient, but the arm drives do make some noise that makes it into the cart.
 
Arkay said:
Just which "Pioneer PL-L series" did you get?
It would be nice to learn that there is another PL-L1 owner on AK; the PL-L1 Club has about the smallest membership, and Club discussions get kind of repetitive and boring! :D
Click to expand...

How 'bout some turntable porn pics of that PL-L1 Arkay? :drool:
 
Indeed, would love to see that one in pictures. How about a nice photo thread of high end linear tracking turntables and tonearms as a reference thread.
 
Huge linear fan here - been using a Yamaha PX-2 for nearly 10 years now. Unbeatable combination of sound, (needle) safety, convenience, ease of setup and feedback resistance. I keep telling myself I need a VPI but somehow I still haven't pulled the trigger.

Jblnut
 
Thank you for your replies, fellas. I don't have any pics of it yet, but it's a PL-L50 DD with a AT-DR400E Cart. when this thing is on, I hear no noise or feedback from the arm drive. It is the quietest TT I've ever heard, and I'm hearing stronger-tighter bass and cleaner-clearer top end from this thing versus my KD-3070 Kenny with Grado MG series cart.
 
Big Tuna said:
Thank you for your replies, fellas. I don't have any pics of it yet, but it's a PL-L50 DD with a AT-DR400E Cart. when this thing is on, I hear no noise or feedback from the arm drive. It is the quietest TT I've ever heard, and I'm hearing stronger-tighter bass and cleaner-clearer top end from this thing versus my KD-3070 Kenny with Grado MG series cart.
Click to expand...

You don't see many of those around. Is it programmable? Looks nice from what I can find about it.
 
Yes. I got my introduction to linear tracking turntables with a (don't laugh) JC Penney MCS2230 all in one stereo system. Prior to that, I'd never seen a linear tracking table.

Almost ten years later, I was pressured into buying a Sony PS-LX520 linear tracker for $2, which was probably about $5 too much! It looked really sad and needed a lot of help to run properly once again. Yet the sound quality was amazing.

I do like the sound quality, ease of use and fully automatic/repeating operation. These days I still have the Penney's stereo, PS-LX520 and a few Technics LT tables that have followed me home at very cheap prices. That said, I'm not giving up on my more conventional turntables--there is definitely a time and place for those as well!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom