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

@dwette

There is no logic in it and I do not remember which 2LP set I was playing, but a couple of weeks ago there was a work and on no side change was I able to just flip the record.

I agree that 1&3 + 2&4 makes sense for the old drop and scuff systems.

Blame the AR XA “manual” turntable. It converted a slew of automated TT users to the idea that manual is better, 1970-ish.

@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.... 

@richardbrand 

I sometimes wish I had something that just raised the arm from the run-out groove.

There are numerous manufacturers of add-on tonearm lifter, such as "Little Fwend", etc. Just google "Tonearm Lifter" for a choices.

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.

Do you mean to say you’ve ended a listening session for the evening and just gone to bed with TT running and stylus in runout groove? Amp and preamp powered up as well?

Lew, I had a Dual 1009 (changer) with my first stereo system, then an AR-XA in my second system.  I've owned more than twenty tables since then and ALL have been manual, except a SL-7 for a bedroom system.  So maybe you are on to something.  ;^)

@reubent 

Thanks for the auto-lifter suggestions.  Most seem to be mechanically activated and I really do not feel like putting any extra side-strain on my cartridge, especially with the very low tracking force possible with the Shure V15, and even if it is only towards the end of the run-out groove!

Yup, I use The Little Fwend lifter and even that's a pain half the time- because I have to remember to reset it after every play. And I find records an annoyance filled experience regardless- despite having a great table and cartridge I find vinyl to be outrageously priced, mostly poor, noisy recordings, require too much care in handling, cleaning, storing - and - never sound as good as streaming- while also not having the ability to change tracks remotely like I can and do all the time when streaming. Other than that though- after investing 6k into it I leave it sit unused.