Linear tracking arms


Forgive my question,I am not an analog expert.If properly designed linear tracking arm is better why should we put up with lesser design? Or they are not compatible with most turntables and cartridges? Or difficult to make work?
Will you educate me on the subject.
inna

Showing 3 responses by tobias

Amen to all above. In addition, I am told there is a danger that a linear tracking arm which is not stratospherically high-quality will shorten your cartridge's life a good deal.
Mikelavigne : ouch, what a graphic description of the shock of the stylus landing on the record ! I got a good feel for the leverage effect from the groove. Thanks very much for a very clear explanation of the issues involved in linear tracking arm design as they affect cartridge wear.

I certainly believe you when you say the trouble can be worth it. UHF magazine, for example, swear by their Pierre Lurné-designed linear tracking arm and Audioméca TT. I mentally place this setup, yours and a few others in the very select group of successful linear trackers. At the other end of the spectrum, I also note the regular appearance of used Rabcos on eBay...
Leep--hi, yes I meant the SL5. It's in UHF's Alpha reference system, see

http://www.uhfmag.com/reference.html

Thanks very much for the benefit of your experience with it.

Toby