• 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

What are the best vintage linear tracking turntables?

The top integrated LT from this period may have been the Pioneer PL -L1, the PL-L1000 was the more affordable downscaled version.
The Mitsubishi LT-30 combined the relative simplicity of the planar motor Technics LTs with a near studio grade robust build. The arm pillar itself is not fun to service. The usual adjustments are simple and easy, unlike the Pioneer or especially the Linatrack Revox, which as previously stated can be a RPITA to deal with. You properly mount one cartridge with an easily replaced stylus insert, or a TP-4 compliant adapter+ cartridge adapter (some adapters are more All-P mount friendly than others), and swear to leave it that way forever.
 
Last edited:
I have a Sansui P-L75 , which allows to select tracts to be played. It helps when recording. I like it, its mint!;)
 
I'm a big Technics fan . I have owned 3 different models. I will say , I never knew there was so many different brands of Linear tracking tables .
 
zebra03 said:
I'm a big Technics fan . I have owned 3 different models. I will say , I never knew there was so many different brands of Linear tracking tables .
Click to expand...
Technics had the 'M' series P-pount tables as the serious conventional end of this standardised cart concept, the SL-M3 was the linear tracking model and worth checking out for a full-size full-weight version.
technics_slm3.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have both the Sony PS-X800 and the PS-X555ES. They are both excellent performers, although getting pretty pricey. Both have Biotracer arms -- they are pretty complicated machines and I hope they hold up for years to come. However, I think the Mitsubishi LT-30 is beautiful in appearance. The Sonys are the only linear trackers I've ever heard so I can't comment on other models.
 
The main things the SL-10 has over the SL-7 is a secure locking non-resonant lid and the rotate tab for record sweeping. The SL-7 is otherwise a really nice well-built compact LT.
 
Artie said:
I have the B&O TX and 4002. Both nice units. I also have a Pioneer PL-X100, but it needs work and looks like a cheapy.

Edit: By the way, if I'm reading this correctly, B&O is bringing one their Linear Trackers back. Looks sweet.

https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/us/speakers/beogram-4000c

Yowsa! It's going to retail for around $12k. They can keep it. ;)
Click to expand...

Not a reissue. Rebuilt old Beogram 4000c. Not worth that price.
 
amit46 said:
Recently I picked up a Pioneer PL-L50 linear tracking turntable. I already have Technics SL-DL-5, Sony and a JVC linear tracking turntables.
The Pioneer PL-L50 linear tracking turntable was serviced by me just like did for the other three units.
I replaced the following parts:
1). Linear tracking motor with same size motor frpmm Ali-Express with low rpm .5V-12V range motor which has an operating current of 20ma. This makes it super sensitive to any changes generated by the linear motor IC of the circuits. This motor turns three times about 1/5th of turn in one revolution of the record. where as the original motor due to age was responding very sluggish.
2). All resistors of the circuit where replaced with ultra low noise 1% accuracy from Vishay Dale.
3). All Polyester capacitors where replaced with Wima high end capacitors.
4). All electrolytic capacitors where replaced by high quality Nicihcon capacitors.
5). The variable resistor in the tracking circuit was replaced by multi-turn Bournes resistor for 20 times more accuracy.
6). The power supply circuits where modified to use latest LM series voltage regulator which give low noise power output and highly accurate and stable voltages.
7). All moving parts where cleaned and lubricated.
8). Tracking arm voltages where set to 1.000 and 3.000 volts accurately to third decimal point with my DMM.
9). The cartridge alignment and and turntable was done.
10). Fitted an Audio Technica AT311EP cartridge with Shibata stylus ATN 3472SA.

The turntable went through the test LP with flying colors with all tracks performing as required with no problem!
I am using high end two stage phono preamplifier ( assembled by myself using high end components and Ultra high fidelity Texas Instrument OPA 2134 op-amps) with bi-amping and home assembled speakers with high end cross-over networks. The power amps have been modified with new circuits with audio grade high end lateral MOSFETS...
The sound stage comes alive whether listening to Jazz or Pop-music....It is a pleasure listening to Analogue sound,
Now my comments about Linear trackers...
In 80's the models where good no doubt, but with new high end speakers, amplifiers the systems have become super quality and if you have a fairly good linear tracker than you can end up listening to the music just like the master!!!
attached are some images
Thanks Pals!!
Click to expand...

Re: Last sentence. A note: The disc recording lathes (which cut the master discs) and the true reference playback in disc mastering studios DO NOT HAVE linear tracking tonearms for disc playback. Those lathes are usually fitted with SME 3012 tonearms for playback. This is listening to the music in terms of master playback quality. Usually with Stanton 681 A or Stanton 681 EEE-S or S II cartridges (later on the Stanton 881S.)
 
This may have been brought up but I didn't see it. Most of the LT turntables listed here were new in the 80's. to answer the question properly the current condition needs to be at the top of the list.
All LT's are more complex than a standard turntable. There are a lot of LT's out there that need need to be restored if they are to be used. Comparing original specs is just plain silly.
 
I don't know if it's the 'best' linear tracker, but I think the sony PS-X800 is certainly the most 'over engineered' linear tracker (electronics wise).
I think it internally has 34 trimpots to adjust the complete system.
Compare that with any other 'over engineered' 80's masterpiece and they have less than half that. (and something as a technics sl-10 has maybe 4 internal trimpots I believe)
Of course it makes the ps-x800 less reliable and finicky to service, but it shows how far sony took the electronics in that turntable at the time. So many feedback monitored systems.
 
isRelative said:
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 :)
Click to expand...

Yamaha PX-1, РХ-2, РХ-3 is superior in class to those named by you

Yamaha-PX-2-Original-Sales-Brochure1_800x.jpg

956604-f09392bb-rare-yamaha-px2-linear-tracking-turntable-hiend.jpg


Yamaha-PX-1.jpg




Yamaha-PX-3-1024x600.jpg
 
I had an audio epiphany after the past few years sticking with the Sony PS-X series, which I think is the secret tt workhouse considering how much R&D was put into these monsters. I loved my Sony PS-X60 but got tired of having multiple expensive cartridges eventually sound muddy at the inner groove or the incessant tinkering during each song was not what I signed up for, tho I understand everybody has a different need, which is great when it's repair time. So when I had my Sony serviced, I picked up a cheap Sony PS-X55s for the interim and audibly gasped when my ears said, "Dude, this sounds so much better than the PS-X60 with a D103 or Stanton 681 or...Wha' Happened?" And I can only claim I might not be the best VTA setter but I can balance a tonearm with a perfectly aligned cart and still get IGD during the best last tracks. I didn't realize how much the Sony arm was quite different than the sturdy PUA but I realized this X55 had something unique that was doing a lot of good work.

Eventually, I climbed up the Sony PS ladder and discovered the Biotracer arms just this past year as I had avoided LT for no reason except audiophiles seem to hate them but I realized I've always wanted one since I was a kid. They seem a more advanced way to play vinyl and based on my own sound test with the Sony PS-X600, there's no going back for me. I LOVE this TT and will stop and look at it like Miguel Ferrer in ROBOCOP and say, "You are a bad mother---!" It just goes after those grooves and tracks like a Japanese bullet train. I can see how some audiophiles claim that the constant motor adjustments might restrict the full cart dynamics but big whoop when there's almost zero IGD on my expansive collection and the stereo separation is audible and a huge upgrade to my Sansui QRX 7001 quad set-up. The true test is when I put on bad LP's from the Toss Bin and the Sony says, "Play!" and a previous unlistenable Mancini is now going back into my soundtrack row.

A week after I got the PS-X600, I had to pick up a mint Sony PS-X555ES for a rising song -- that sadly arrived nicely bubble wrapped but in a rumpled box with newspaper, no foam. It was indeed mint but no transport screws used and the tonearm was not secured and that gave me a bad vibe and of course it froze after I hit stop within a moment of first playing. Then the green Start/Stop light went out but I could hear the tonearm whirring and the other buttons were lit but none functioning with the tonearm transport. SIGH. Hard for me to believe how awful sellers pack this obviously very delicate equipment. I had intended to get it cleaned up anyway but not like this...so I found an excellent local TT repair pro who has it now and I'm crossing my fingers I didn't just buy a paperweight...In my research it seems these Sony are described as tough to service but most people find a way to get them serviced. And they pop up so rarely that I assume the owners keep them forever, likely retiring them after a few years. The Sony LT TT market is going up but the most common and inexpensive one commonly under 500 is the Sony PS-X600 and I would grab this incredible TT now as there's quite a few on the auction sites for great prices that won't last as people discover them...I would LOVE that Yamaha P-2 but I'm sticking with Sony for now and until a PS-X800 shows up cheaper, I plan on the PSX-555ES being my last TT. For now.

Oh, my Sony PS-FL7II is on its way as an addition to the TV set-up. I figure I can teach myself some belt basics if need be as that sounds like a typical problem. Got it cheap and I love that sliding tray. Yes, I have a Sony sickness.
 
Last edited:
I still own my first "real" turntable, a Maplenoll Athena. My god that thing was fiddly! It has all of the upgrades of the time and, of course, there are a million other upgrades/mods that can be made to the table, ET-1 arm, and air supply (no 70's music jokes please:rflmao:).
One of these days, I am going to pull it off the storage shelf and bring her back to life.

Dan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom