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What are the best vintage linear tracking turntables?

isRelative

isRelative

Show Me What You Got
Hello AK'ers,

Ever since finishing up the refurb on my Mitsubishi LT-30, I've been wondering what the contenders for the "best vintage linear tracking turntable" were. I've been doing some reading and I've found maybe:

Pioneer PL-L1000
Revox B795
Technics SL-M3

What do you guys think? LT's are such cool machines :)
 
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I wouldn't disagree with any of the choices already mentioned, but would also add:

- B&O Beogram 8002
- Aiwa LP-3000
- Pioneer PL-L1

I speak from experience as I own one of each...:D
 
A couple of other excellent performers to consider:

Akai AP-L95 (early-80’s top of the line - known as AP-L95C when supplied with a cartridge)
Sony PS-X555ES (a fabulous Biotracer)
 
Keep in mind cartridge / arm matching...

The LT's range from very low mass (eg:Revox) through to mid mass (eg:Mitsubishi), also some take relatively standard bayonet mount headshells, others have fixed 1/2" mounts or p-mounts and still others are completely proprietary (eg: B&O)

A low mass arm will require high compliance cartridges - which will limit choice in the current market as most current cartridges are mid compliance - but there are lots of vintage cartridges to choose from.

Mid mass arm will suit the current crop of TOTL MC's and many MM/MI designs - but not so great if you love the vintage high compliance designs.

No one seems to have mentioned the Technics SL15/10/7...

I am very happy with my Revox B795 still sounding great after almost 30 years.... but it does NOT sound good with mid compliance cartridges.... a Benz/Empire MC sounded very ordinary in the Revox (sounded great in the mid mass arm JVC) - but the high compliance Shures and Audio Technica are fantastic in the Revox.

bye for now

David
 
I'm certainly biased toward the Pioneer PL-L1000 and its cousin Phase Linear 8000. Owned one since new in '79. Nowadays probably hard to find one that hasn't sustained some shipping damage sometime in its past. They are sensitive to being packed right when shipping. One went on 'bay recently for over $1200 with the original box and all shipping parts.
 
dlaloum said:
No one seems to have mentioned the Technics SL15/10/7..
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I will. I hooked my SL-10 up this morning to confirm it is sounding good. I'm not sure I want to part with it now.. it is that good. At least to my ears. Definitely performs better than any suspended table I've owned with the floors I have here.
 
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hatrack71 said:
I will. I hooked my SL-10 up this morning to confirm it is sounding good. I'm not sure I want to part with it now.. it is that good. At least to my ears. Definitely performs better than any suspended table I've owned with the floors I have here.
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I will too! I absolutely love my Technics SL-7. I have a Shure V15LT with a brand new stylus on it and it sounds and performs every bit as good as when I purchased it new. It is completely stock except for the cartridge. I hated the sound of the Ortofon TM14 that it came with. The Shure V15LT took care of that situation. The sound is incredible (to me). I have trouble finding fault with the technical design and performance of this instrument. The lid latches are the only exception to the statement. Some might say it is not the prettiest thing ever created. I will never part with it as it is my reference machine. It is definitely not a tinkerer's turntable, though. I keep others around for "playing with".

Cheers,
David
 
hatrack71 said:
I will. I hooked my SL-10 up this morning to confirm it is sounding good. I'm not sure I want to part with it now.. it is that good. At least to my ears. Definitely performs better than any suspended table I've owned with the floors I have here.
Click to expand...
Likewise. My SL-10 is one of my keeper pieces. Amazing little piece of aluminum tech.
 
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