[net.audio] Linear tracking turntables

pn (06/29/82)

Does anyone know of the existence of any reviews of the Technics line
of linear tracking turntables, particularly the SL-5 ? Or if anyone owns
one, are you satisfied with it, any likes or dislikes ? Any information 
will be greatly appreciated.

		Thanx in advance,
						Pete.

wmartin (07/02/82)

I recently got an SL-7 as a second turntable for the main system, and have
high praise for it. It does its job quite well, and the Ortofon cartridge
sounds fine. I enjoy listening to records on it as well as on the Linn
with a Supex SDX-1000 and modified Marcof headamp, and the SL-7 cost about
as much as the Supex alone did at wholesale! (I got my SL-7 for $254 including
shipping from Wisconsin Discount Stereo, a fairly reliable mail-order source.)

I haven't noticed any sonic aberrations due to the linear tracking making
any corrections or over-correcting, and I had read about that problem with
other machines in various reviews. I actually chose the SL-7 based totally
on its external characteristics --its small size allowed it to fit in a
specific spot on my shelving without moving or rearranging any other gear.

The only bother is cleaning records. If you want to use a Discwasher or the
like prior to each play, you have to spin the turntable with a fingertip
on the edge to use the cleaner on the disc; the interlocks and sensors defeat
attempts to make the motor run with the lid up. I manage to do it and haven't
really minded it yet.

I don't think that there is much difference between the SL-7 and the cheaper
SL-5; the 5 has fewer controls and simpler cosmetics, and comes with either
no cartridge or with some Audio-Technica (I think). (I believe the dealer
determines this point, and I think I have seen the 5 listed both ways by
mail-order discounters.) Probably you will be as happy with the SL-5 as with
the more expensive model.

Regards, Will Martin

jj@rabbit.UUCP (02/08/84)

Sigh, I hate to do this (mostly because some of the
superstitious types <Tom?  Phil R.>  on the net will
have a fit) but I MUST come out against any of the linear
tracking turntables that I've ever heard.  None of
them <for whatever reason, I didn't analyze them> demonstrated
a good ability to reproduce what was on a record.

Oh well, to each his or her own.

Mine's CD, when I can get a GOOD disc.  
If not, I'll stick to my less than perfect, but
very well behaved Sony PS-X600.  <Yeah, it does
have a few artifacts that I could do without, 
but it's quite merciful on my older pressings and 
collection of awful WB discs.>

Phil R:  Have you tried the pink noise test with a CD player yet?
Buckley:  Have you ever considered that someone else could have
an INFORMED disagreement with you?  I'm STILL offended by your
incredibly insulting attitude, and it's been four days since
I read it.  That's threatening to become a net.audio record.
-- 
TEDDY BEARS ARE PEOPLE, TOO!

(allegra,harpo,ulysses)!rabbit!jj