What happened to linear tracking?

[Nat]

Well, perhaps I'm not a true audiophile by some peoples' definition, but cheap is definitely part of my vocabulary. I have heard inexpensive systems that were wonderful, and incredibly expensive systems that left me cold, even repulsed. It is true that spending more can lead to a better system, but there obviously is no direct correlation between cost and quality, and this is spectacularly so if used equipment is involved.
There is so much luck involved in buying used stuff that cost is completely unassociated with result. Of course, you have to be open to the idea that excellent older equipment can still be as good or close to as good as excellent new equipment (I mean this without regard to the differential in cost of buying used and buying new, but once you take cost into account, at a given price point, the scales are tilted dramatically in favor of old stuff.
And with luck, you can find a Marantz 9 at the dump -- I haven't yet, but I've got my fingers crossed -- so, yes, cheap is in my vocabulary.

 

[WntrMute2]

This arm works amazingly well and punches well above its price point. You need to slide the record under the arm, like mailing a letter. There is an aquarium air pump to locate but the end result is pure magic. I compares well to my audio friends' systems some lower priced but many much higher. Not tweaky at all.

http://www.trans-fi.com/manual.htm

 

[zedex]

I had a LT Technics in the 80s, i cant remember the model but it was very small physically. It was great, the sound was good and it sure was easy to make recorded tapes. Was an absolute dream to use, you could not damage a record or arm or cart as it was in accessable when the tt lid was closed. When cd came out i tossed it in the garbage as im sure alot of people did. I would probably buy another one if one were available.