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Experience With Linear Tracking Turntables

Ever since the advent of the Bang & Olufson linear tracking turntables of the 70's & 80's I have always wondered about their sound, function and longevity.  If you own a linear tracking turntable, I would appreciate your thoughts compared to standard pivot tonearm turntables.

Was looking at the Bergmann Magne Turntable & Tonearm "system".

Would appreciate some first hand experiences.  Do these turntables and associated tonearms function without many issues?  Does the arm track without friction?  And so on.

Your experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks and Happy Listening.
pgaulke60
fusian
133 posts
 

Well at least @mijostyn is correct about the immutability of sex. And very sorry (belatedly) that you lost someone to (presumably) gender dysphoria-related suicide.

 

hb22's avatar
hb22
21 posts
 

The Holbo mk2 Airbearing Turntable System is a great turntable that has an air bearing platter and airbearing linear arm . It is VERY easy to set up and use. The compressor is completely silent and is used in the same room as the turntable. Unlike other air bearing tonearms on the market, the Holbo mk2 tonearm has the ability to adjust the VTA while playing the record and adjust the azimuth!! which is very, very important. Without this, there is no top sound, because every cartridge has at least a small inconsistency, which a good tonearm like the Holbo can fix. Tracking is excellent without problems, as is the choice of cartridge; you can use any!

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,941 posts
 

The Modern World has actually produced possibly in 2024 or more recently 2025, a TT that has a Platter with a Platter Spindle that is rotating and is in transit, travelling towards a Tonearm that is laterally rigid but has horizontal bearing freedom. 

If anyone who wants one let me know, I will put them in touch with the Brand. 

 

billstevenson
1,201 posts
 

I have been contemplating whether or not to contribute to this discussion for a couple of days.  Ben Franklin said to say all the good and mum on the bad.  Following his wisdom, I could easily justify silence.  There is benefit in disclosure in this case though.  So here goes:  All so called linear tracking tonearms hunt more or less constantly and in truth almost constantly have tracking error.  Seeking perfection in the fine art of playing records is very much akin to seeking the Holy Grail.  Ours is a flawed endeavor, best embraced for what it is.  If perfection is your goal you would be nearer to the mark in the digital realm.

dover
2,499 posts
 

@billstevenson 

All so called linear tracking tonearms hunt more or less constantly and in truth almost constantly have tracking error. 

This may be true for some mechanically driven linear tracking arms, but can you explain why you think air bearing linear tonearms "hunt".

If perfection is your goal you would be nearer to the mark in the digital realm.

Yes digital - only a little bit out ALL of the time. If you are a cyclist it would be like riding a bike on wheels that have 36 sides.

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