Sony ps-fl99 better than fl77 ?

[TrevorBarten]

I would assume it's 1 step up the ladder but the fl 77 has a biotracer arm while the fl99 does not. Have any of you compared these 2 ?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I would assume it's 1 step up the ladder but the fl 77 has a biotracer arm while the fl99 does not. Have any of you compared these 2 ?

Biotracer arm was superior when brand new. But if it has problems, nearly impossible to repair or get repaired. The simpler of the two is the better option as these models have aged. And be mindful of Sony grease (it's up there with Garrard and BSR for getting gummed up at best, or concrete at worst, it causeth much gnashing of teeth and automatic mechanism woes).

 

[TrevorBarten]

Biotracer arm was superior when brand new. But if it has problems, nearly impossible to repair or get repaired. The simpler of the two is the better option as these models have aged. And be mindful of Sony grease (it's up there with Garrard and BSR for getting gummed up at best, or concrete at worst, it causeth much gnashing of teeth and automatic mechanism woes).

I mean yeah that's a given but if I was looking for something that's easy to service with the best quality as abalance I wouldn't be looking at sony equipment from the 80s . I just find it weird that they used an arguably worse arm on the higher end modell. Any idea why? I would assume it had to do with the more expensive computer inside the fl 99 but idk for sure.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

I mean yeah that's a given but if I was looking for something that's easy to service with the best quality as abalance I wouldn't be looking at sony equipment from the 80s . I just find it weird that they used an arguably worse arm on the higher end modell. Any idea why? I would assume it had to do with the more expensive computer inside the fl 99 but idk for sure.

There's very few Sony turntables I ever have had any desire to own. Due to their being too complex, and not designed with serviceability in mind. Their lubrication is as bad to deal with as any Garrard or any BSR changer. For me, simplicity, reliability, and ease of service/maintenance is key. I also tend to prefer manual turntables as a rule. Technics for me has been the best daily driver for my needs in a manual DD.

 

[TrevorBarten]

There's very few Sony turntables I ever have had any desire to own. Due to their being too complex, and not designed with serviceability in mind. Their lubrication is as bad to deal with as any Garrard or any BSR changer. For me, simplicity, reliability, and ease of service/maintenance is key. I also tend to prefer manual turntables as a rule. Technics for me has been the best daily driver for my needs in a manual DD.

I do like how easily serviceable the technics dd tables are and like you said they are super reliable aswell, however I do believe there was a good reason for the intriquite and complex systems of the 80s totl turntables not just from sony but also denon, sharp and even technics. But at the end of the day the main thing for this hobby is what you enjoy because with the correct cart and arm anything and everything can sound amazing

 

[Rey1]

I have a PS-FL7. Never had an issue with grease, just had to replace the small arm belt. It's built pretty good. I also have a PS-X50 that I did have to re-grease. It was pretty easy.