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Trans-Fi Terminator Tonearm: 2019 Update

In reading a few related posts on linear tracking tonearm, in general,  and Trans-Fi Terminator , in particular, I thought I would give a brief update of the Terminator.

I purchased the arm directly from Andrey in Moscow two months ago. From what I understand, Andrey has taken over production after Vic's retirement. What I received is the most up-to-date version of the arm with the carbon fibre wand and brass counterweights, the direct wire leads from cartridge to  phono amp, and a new brass manifold ( not evident from the main web-site). Both the wand and the new manifold are Andrey's contribution to the continued refinement of the Terminator.

Also,  please visit this site: https://darklanternforowen.wordpress.com/2017/04/15/terminator-tonearm-new-arm-mount/. This gentlemen from NZ has developed a new arm mount for the Terminator which advanced the arm's sonics even further. It was reading through the the development of this new arm mount that convinced me to order the Terminator after much prior research. I did not purchase the arm mount from NZ as it would not readily fit my Verdier La Platine, instead Andrey made a custom arm mount. It is in essence a two point support mount rather than a single point support rod that is commonly used. 

My previous arm was a SME V of 1990's vintage mounted with a ZYX airy. The Terminator is several notch above the SME V. All the accolades given to the Terminator seem justified. My main point in writing is that the new developments by Andrey, i.e. the carbon fibre wand and the newest brass manifold, seem to improve upon the Terminator even more ( see link above ). This is the news that I wanted to share with existing Terminator owners. I asked Andrey to start a blog on all the new stuff that is happening with the arm, but it seems that he is busy making 'things'!




ledoux1238

Showing 3 responses by dgarretson

dgarretson
2,614 posts
 
My Terminator is not currently set up, but I like the idea of a second surge tank made of stiff material like a capped PVC tube and placed close to the tonearm. I suspect the underlying issue is that a long, soft silicone hose modulates in sync with the pump. It’s likely better to have a short length of hose near the arm, or a stiffer hose material such as automotive hose inside steel braid.

To get an idea of the level of bearing turbulence, place the stylus on a stationary record with the pump running and listen to the speakers with preamp volume turned high.

BTW it’s a great arm. I modified it extensively with a lightweight carbon fiber slider formed over a foam core, and various custom wands and detachable headshells. However, some vintage MM/MI cartridges had tracking issues with it and were better served with an SME 3012R or Kuzma 4P. But the TFT’s general performance is up in that league.
dgarretson
2,614 posts
 
Concerning pressure gauges and valves. My Terminator rig is in storage, but I recall that optimal results were obtained with a Weiss pressure gauge in combination with a high quality brass needle valve. You need simple brass automotive fittings and nipples to make the connections. A good brass needle valve is less turbulent than a plastic aquarium valve. To obtain the most accurate display of operating pressure at the tonearm manifold, place the valve between the gauge and the manifold. With the valve closed, the gauge displays maximum pressure available from the pump. As the valve is opened, the gauge displays a drop in pressure from the pump that is equal to the pressure at the manifold. Try it, you’ll like it.
dgarretson
2,614 posts
 
I used a Fabco NV-55 needle valve.
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