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?
@analog_tiffer - Not sure about that 'staple' - Auto-return is not a feature on my Japanese-made Technics SL-1200G. |
@larsman ….fair enough lol. I was thinking more about the Japanese tables all of us had in the 80s and 90s; it seemed like virtually all of those now-vintage Technics tables had it. |
@analog_tiffer - Ah! I see what you mean. I had a Dual 1019 in the 80's until I let it go when CD's came in and alas, I had no turntable at all during the 90's.... |
The Teac TN-5BB lifts the tonearm and shuts off the motor. It is their top of the line $1,999 turntable. I have one and really enjoy the sound and the semi-automatic operation. The removable headshell, SAEC knife-edge bearing tonearm, balanced output option, and heavy acrylic platter are all thoughtful features that make it their premier turntable. Currently running it with Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC star cartridge and Schiit Skoll F (balanced phono preamp). Highly recommended. I have lost cartridges (or at least the stylus) from forgetting to check before turning in for the night. |
