2. analog
  3. 1161981289

What happened to Linear Tracking Turntables

After a lengthy discussion with a fellow audiophile who owns a B&O 4004 linear tracking turntable, he wondered what ever happened to the genre. According to him, they do less harm to the groove walls than do current arm geometries. He claims that records he has played hundreds of times sound basically the same as new with minimal wear. My response was--if they were so good, why do so few companies offer them? I'm sure there is a valid reason, but neither one of us is knowledgeable enough in the area to argue the point. Any analog gurus out there who could clarify the reason they fell out of favor.
jig

Showing 1 response by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
A decent linear tracking arm is much more expensive to manufacture than a pivoting arm. That's why they disappeared from low cost record players. Linear tracking arms are still around in the high cost category. Another factor is that a well designed linear tracking arm does not require the many delicate adjustments, and periodic readjustments, which audiophiles seem to enjoy doing, so many of them steer clear of linear trackers. No fun!

Some linear tracking arms, using air bearings for example, are overly complex, and have their own share of problems.
More to discover