Terminator T3Pro meets PTP VADER

[rfgumby]

Yes you need to relocate the arm forward, not quite like the Clearaudio / Souther position, but yes closer.

I thought T3Pro's were fixed mounting, how do you get the record on and off?  I know you've already dug through the logistics, no insult intended, but inquiring minds want to know.   

[daiwok]

There's enough room to slide the record under. While it might not be the easiest way to do things, but you get use to it. So yes the arm is fixed. May be I need to figure a way where you can swing the arm, but I think you start compromising on a rigid position.

Prices for the arm are on his website http://www.trans-fi.com/

This may be the only linear tracking arm which allows swapping of SME fit headshells.

[wesley]

   david, that's a very interesting arm  , i'm looking forward to a review.  maybe it should be referred to as the HEADSHELL ARM  .

[hatehifi]

There's enough room to slide the record under. While it might not be the easiest way to do things, but you get use to it. So yes the arm is fixed. May be I need to figure a way where you can swing the arm, but I think you start compromising on a rigid position.

Prices for the arm are on his website http://www.trans-fi.com/

This may be the only linear tracking arm which allows swapping of SME fit headshells.

I did not find it David, oversight? I know the Pro is ca. 750 Stlrg

[daiwok]

John I think you need to email Vic for pricing.

Now for the new arm, the position is very close to the spindle and also makes placing a record much more difficult, however you get use to it. Now for the sound ......its mind blowing how clean and transparent it can get with super micro dynamics. Everything is much more revealing. Obvious drop in air pressure helps with the lighter arm - also no arm to resonating takes it further as we are now fitting just a headshell ! There is an issue with the counter weight which when using the arm lift to the maximum WILL SCRATCH your records !! however, I have asked Vic for a skinny counter weight which is narrow and thin so this should give me much more clearing. Again this takes some getting use to when lifting the cart, basically once you hear the pop you just glide the cart back and fourth with only like 2 to 3mm clearing - scary !

I have been revisiting a number of my carts as I have never heard it so good ! I am sure the arm combo with the new bearing http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=2564.msg37729#new In fact my current cart which I fitted just a couple days ago is a SONY MC broadcasting cart from the 70's which I collected while I was in the US! and the transparency and uncanny Master Tape sound is so awesome I dare not to even touch or replace the cart. I just kept playing more and more records. The SONY cart is not as revealing as my other carts, but the combo is just making music like I never heard before. I am sure the bearing has opened up, as I also heard my Transfiguration Temper W, Grado Reference and MIDAS before my overseas trip and they also sounded stunning !

Everything is sounding so good, I don't care if its the bearing, arm or just the dust which has collected over the last 2 weeks which is making it sound so superb ..........I am just glad to be blessed to enjoy music like this, its just a dream ...........ok I need a motor controller ..........later  

Before getting too carried away, I am in debt with Vic for doing this for me !  your the MAN ! 

will post some photos when I get a chance and will talk about some interesting new carts I have  

[daiwok]

I am really spooked now !

Every cart in that line up I have tried sounds much more dynamic and fantastic soundstage, wide and deep. From a Vanilla Denon 103R on a standard Magnesium headshell to the Nagaoka MP500 with the factory fitted headsell, to my Orsonic with Transfiguration Temper W, Yamamoto Wooden Headshell with Dynavector 17D2 and Grado Reference sapphire cantilever paratrace stylus they all sound consistent with the improvements.  

Cannot stop listening ...... I am going nuts .....Sorry Scott - I am old enough not to wet my pants but its close !  

Please note while the bearing mod does contribute, I had the bearing running in the system for about a week before I had this new short wand. I am convinced that with no wand and just a headshell, the resonance control is much better.

Come-on Ian, you need to do some plumbing, but having the arm setup like this is so unconventional you will hate it - Malcolm its down to you 

[daiwok]

ok some photos - not for the faint hearted !! 













especially the SPU !!! 

[hatehifi]

 

Glad you are enjoying it - what a treat but obviously, at least me, I'd prefer at least a inch 'off' to the side of the LP with my cartridge before attempting to change a record.

[daiwok]

Glad you are enjoying it - what a treat but obviously, at least me, I'd prefer at least a inch 'off' to the side of the LP with my cartridge before attempting to change a record.

I prefer a convention arm to be honest, but you have to compromise, but when you can hear what I can hear and in this case there is no compromise - its a must !  

[willbewill]

Come-on Ian, you need to do some plumbing, but having the arm setup like this is so unconventional you will hate it - Malcolm its down to you 

It's on the list of things to try - need to get another deck up and running to be able to get my Terminator in that position though

[jaspert]

Living on the edge.. I fear for the health of some of my cartridges if i go down this path and have a clumsy moment...

[daiwok]

Living on the edge.. I fear for the health of some of my cartridges if i go down this path and have a clumsy moment...

Don't worry, I am working on some new counter weights with Vic  the ones I am using are just too fat 

[odey]

Wow  talk about ground clearance. No pain no gain. I understand your no compromise approach when it comes to the sound. I was already very impressed when I last heard this rig. Can't imagine it could still get better.

I was wondering how you get away with using the Ortofon SPU on this new armwand. Will I assume this also has a sapphire cantilever with a higher compliance?

Do you have an Idea what the tonearm mass is at this point?

[daiwok]

Wow  talk about ground clearance. No pain no gain. I understand your no compromise approach when it comes to the sound. I was already very impressed when I last heard this rig. Can't imagine it could still get better.

I was wondering how you get away with using the Ortofon SPU on this new armwand. Will I assume this also has a sapphire cantilever with a higher compliance?

Do you have an Idea what the tonearm mass is at this point?

Hi Rodney,

kind words - yes, things have gone up a couple of gears since last time - I am amazed myself. The SPU has a paratrace stylus no mods to the cantilever. I have no idea of the tonearm mass, but its certainly much lighter than before. Having said that, I linear tracked the SPU before with the standard wand and that was heavy ! Will need to get a new scale to weigh this new stuff 

[Jos]

What a great arm. It's a machine ! and a beautiful one
A bit scary indeed. I like to drink some wine or a nice Belgium beer whilst listening to records, not sure if that's a good idea with this setup....

Have fun with it, and be careful ...

Jos