Why hasnt a turntable manufacturer produced a table with automatic tonearm return/shutoff?


I'm listening to my old Technics 1700 turntable, which has the tonearm return/ shutoff mechanism. It's one of the reasons I don't upgrade. The idea that you have to get up to retrieve the cartridge and turn off the machine makes little sense when the technology has been there for years. I know the issue of the mechanism introducing sound into the table, but it seems to me that the mechanism can be isolated and kept off until the record ends. What gives?

kavakat1

Showing 1 response by oberoniaomnia

By extension, why are the spindle stackers no longer made? You could buy two copies of the record, put one on with A side up, second with B side up, and you can play both sides without getting up. And with each additional record, the tone arm is lifted to maintain correct VTA.

More seriously, there is a reason why automatic TTs are only found near entry level. The vast majority who are into vinyl embrace the inconvenience as a factor of appeal and value SQ higher than convenience. If it is that much of an issue, I suggest to stick to digital library of some sort, maybe CDs.

Additionally, once you get into more obscure vinyl, auto-TTs are more of a hindrance than a help. Say 33 rpm 7" or records with actual sound in runout. I have both.