Linear Tracker ...I was wondering

I have two Trans-Fi Terminator tonearms. One on a modified Nottingham Analogue Mentor (Dais bearing, aluminum sandwich plinth, and premium power supply), the other a DIY air bearing job using aerospace components. Cartridges are Miyajima Zero and higher end Koetsu.

IMO the Trans-Fi is the best bargain in high end, maybe all of audio. I suspect that it outperforms anything costing less than a new car. Advantages: cost, adjustability, stability, tweekability (if there is such a word). It is the tonearm which registers the stylus to the record surface, and that must be both adjustable and stable, or that high end cartridge is worth no more than a mid-level MM.

Disadvantages: azimuth adjustment is intuitive but fiddly, and definitely not-on-the-fly. Badly warped records must be flattened. The beam of the tonearm must be perfectly horizontal (it is adjustable). Putting a record on the spindle requires attention. The compressor really should be in another room - but the tonearm is silent. Other disadvantages seem to me to be figments of the imagination from people who haven’t even seen one, let alone modified one for their own situation. But then YMMV. For me, the only ’side grade’ which I would consider would be a Durand. And that’s after the Hyperion cartridge.

I setup and sold a lot of SOTA Sapphires with Souther back in the day... most w Dynavector Ruby or Diamond.
And of course a lot of pivoted arms as well.

the Souther, Transfi and ET-2 are all quite good but fussy in own way. The only way to really understand the setup, quirks and sonic +\- is long term ownership. I am betting few have been there.

advice on older SOTA or one you cannot inspect prior to sale - have it drop shipped to Donna at factory! Inspection, tune up.

jagjag,

I have to disagree with the Debbie Downers that automatically bash the linear trackers.  I owned a Maplenoll Ariadne air bearing TT/arm combo with straight line tracking and it is right at the top of any analog setup I've had.  I also own a Trans-Fi Terminator with Tomahawk wand and all the best upgrades Trans-Fi had prior to selling the company to the current maker.  I used it with a super Lenco rebuild and the sound was very good.  I've had several good pivoted arms and it sounds better than all of them by a little bit.  I would be willing to sell my TF if you wanted to try it.  It is in very good shape and comes with all you would need to make it sing.  You could PM me if interested.  I had 2 full systems and am cleaning out the second one.

Bob

My experience with my SOTA Sapphire and Souther linear arm.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/sota-sapphire-in-the-house.891335/
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/souther-linear-arm.891679/

One small thing that I have picked up in all the very good advice given. There is a small difference in sound (pick up-ability) quality between  a good pivoted arm and a linear tracker. But, there IS a difference.

I have recently smallified (downsized)  my system to an integrated (built in phono stage) and a nice pair of speakers. I use a simple Yamaha CD player with built in internet radio and streaming capabilities for Spotify and Tidal. So, serious downsizing and simplifying. I have no issues with my current KAB modifed SL1200MK5. It is easy to use, and does the job well. A simple set up. 

I dont notice much distortion. Maybe my hearing and tinitus cancel that. Maybe the arm and cartridge are well set up. 

Terminator dude says he can supply the armboard for the turntable.

Now I have to decide if the gain in sound quality is worth the effort and reversing the simplifying of my system. I do t want to fiddle and tweak. I just want to.listen. My primary source is my turntable. Time to meditate (with food of course)  and think. You guys have all been amazing and I can't thank you all enough.