Linear Tracker ...I was wondering

Chakster
That Technics MC pmount cart would likely cost more than my SL-10 did , IF one could find one that is!

Technics SL-10 is hard to find "in a good shape", over 5 years of research almost every unit i've seen for sale required service, and most functions does not work. Belt replacement requires, lubrication, cleaning etc. There are some nice units already serviced, but the price is crazy nowadays, especially if there is a Technics P205c mk4 cartridge instead of mk3 (or some cheap junk p-mount).  

I must have struck lucky then Chakster and I will count my blessings!
Picked mine up of eBay few years back, working perfectly but no cartridge.
Got three different p mounts now ( no NOT cheap junk p mount ones).
Sure it does not have quite the same SQ as my 401/505 combo but for the price it does not embarrass itself in my main system at all.

A precursor of what might come next I may add......

You can't stop the signal!

Jond.

I have been on the fence for a long while and can't seem to persuade myself to take the plunge.

I am assured it really is not hard work but when you grown up on a life time of pivot arms it takes some getting used to it.

Maybe one day......

Jond
A member with a lot more knowledge of ET arms than myself took a look and said it's an ET1.0 arm, an early piece so more of a collector piece than SOTA ( sorry I just HAD to!).

Still the table itself might be a good buy at the right price of course.....

Also don't forget the slm3 was/ is a very complex piece of gear that you may find difficulty in anybody being able to service or repair.
Of special concern is that computer controled arm.

One of their technical tour de force for sure though.

I do not believe ANY of the crop of vintage Japanese linear trackers accept anything but a p mount Cart.
Which yes does limit the choices somewhat.

Chakster
That's quite a beast!

Just for a taste of linear tracking on a beer budget there is the much simpler SL-10.
An example of which I own.
Pretty affordable, very well built and managed to hold its own pretty well in the sonics department.
Sure it's not upper echelon but for under $400 not a bad way to dip ones toes into the water.

So true.
Mijo forgot to add "IMHO" ..... Again......

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa0g44-sota-sapphire-turntable-with-eminent-technology-air-bearing-tone-arm-turntables

A possibility.....

Or is it a worthwhile endeavour?

An excellent question that I have been trying to answer in my head for some time myself.

I am of the belief that done right it should be very good but done badly....
Well , done badly is probably the same as trying to do it on the cheap in this instance.

That's a fair point Jon.
Seen a number of old tables here on Audiogon with ET arms that might need a bit of love but well under a grand.

With ET still in business should be able to get any parts needed.

Some useful info in this thread.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/linear-tracking-turntables-whatever-happened

Be hard to find anything new for less than $1000. Unless you wish to take a chance on some designs from the UK?
Like this......
https://www.airprodigy.co.uk/

You may find a used ET arm for that price though.