For true audiophiles, you would probably know about the demise of the linear tracking turntable when CDs were introduced in the late 70s. While most people cannot discern between the linear tracking turntable and the standard turntable (heck, I think maybe 1% of the turntable audiophiles can know the difference), the linear tracking turntable is still considered a rare turntable to purchase, especially when the sound produced by the linear tracking turntable is reportedly to be the best!
What Is A Linear Tracking Turntable
A liner tracking turntable is essentially a truntable with a linear tracking tonearm. It is more popular in the past due to the heavy reduction in tracking error as well as having less problems with aligment. While the sound produced is the same as pivot tonearm, it is said that the linear tracking design actually able to provide a clear sound since there are less audio distortion issues.
Having said that, linear tracking turntables can be difficult to build and design, and hence is usually most costly than most of the turntables that you see these days. Also, if somehow the tracking tonearm gets misaligned, it will cause damage to your vinyl record.
There quite a few good and reputable companies that develop linear tracking turntables. One such company is technics.
History of Technics Linear Tracking Turntables
Technics was first introduced as a brand in 1965 by the Japanese electronics company Panasonic. The brand quickly became known for its high-quality audio equipment, including turntables. In 1977, Technics introduced its first Linear Tracking Turntable, the SL-10. This turntable was a breakthrough in the industry, as it used a linear tracking tonearm instead of the traditional pivoted tonearm.
The Linear Tracking Turntable was designed to address some of the common issues faced by traditional turntables, such as record wear and distortion. The linear tonearm allowed for more precise tracking of the record, resulting in less wear and distortion. The SL-10 was also the first turntable to feature a direct-drive motor, which eliminated the need for a belt-driven system and provided more consistent speed and accuracy.
Since then, Technics has continued to innovate and release new models of Linear Tracking Turntables, with the SL-7, SL-15, and SL-M3 being some of the most popular models.
How Technics Linear Tracking Turntables Compare to Other Turntables
There are many turntable brands and models available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. So how does Technics Linear Tracking Turntables compare to other turntables?
One of the main advantages of Technics turntables is their build quality and durability. The brand has a reputation for using high-quality materials and components, which ensures that their turntables are built to last. In addition, the direct-drive motor provides more consistent speed and accuracy than belt-driven turntables, which is essential for producing high-quality sound.
Another advantage of Technics turntables is their versatility. The brand offers a range of cartridges and styluses to suit different needs and preferences, from entry-level to high-end audiophile options. This allows users to customize their turntable to their specific needs and achieve the sound quality they desire.
Finally, Technics turntables are known for their precise tracking and low distortion, thanks to the linear tonearm. This feature ensures that the stylus stays perpendicular to the groove, resulting in a more accurate and consistent sound. This is particularly important for audiophiles who want to hear every detail and nuance of their records.
Which Is The Best Technics Linear Tracking Turntable
Inded, Technics is one of the world’s best authority when it comes to turntables. This includes the linear tracking turntable too. As such, when it comes to technics turntables, people usually go for the linear tracking turntables. As you all know, Technics do have a good range of linear tracking turntable, and one them is highly regarded as the world’s best linear tracking turntable. The particular model is the SL-M3, which constantly exceeds people’s expectation when it comes to linear tracking turntables by technics.
Technics SL-M3
To be completely honest, we were unable to find much detailed reviews of the Technics SL-M3 anywhere online. The rarity of the Technics SL-M3 ensued that many owners of the turntable might have forgotten about this vintage turntable already.
What we know, is that the Technics SL-M3 is developed in the late 60s to suit the renaissance turntable era. The linear tracking technology of the Technics SL-M3 ensued that every sound is detailed carefully, and hence most listeners were able to listen to a clear clean sound that comes from the vinyl record. However, with the introduction of the CDs, there is a demise in the technology as well as the vintage turntables, and hence the brief demise of the Technics SL-M3. It is only in recent years, that people started to rave about the wonders of the lineaer tracking turntable, that the Technics SL-M3 came back into prominence due to its sheer quality in terms of the sound produced.
Here are the key stats of the Technics SL-M3.
| Type | Fully Automatic |
| Drive | Direct |
| Motor | Brushless DC motor |
| Platter | 325mm, 2.5kg, aluminium die-cast |
| Speeds | 2 speeds (33 and 45rpm) |
| Pitch control | +-6% |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.022% WRMS |
| Rumble | -82DB |
| Tonearm | Dynamically-balanced linear tracking |
| Weight | 15Kg |
Design and Features
The Technics SL-M3 turntable is a classic and timeless design that is still relevant today. Its minimalist and sleek aesthetic fits in with any decor and looks great in any setup. The turntable is equipped with a direct-drive motor that provides a smooth and consistent rotation speed. The motor is also incredibly quiet, which is essential when listening to music at low volumes or in quiet environments.
The SL-M3 features a unique, one-piece tonearm that is both lightweight and rigid, resulting in excellent tracking performance. The tonearm is also equipped with a precision gimbal bearing system that ensures smooth and accurate tracking across the record surface. The turntable also features a built-in strobe light that allows for easy speed calibration, ensuring that your records are played back at the correct speed every time.
Sound Quality
The Technics SL-M3 turntable is known for its exceptional sound quality. The direct-drive motor and one-piece tonearm result in minimal vibration and distortion, which translates into a clear and detailed sound. The turntable is also equipped with a high-quality phono preamp, which ensures that the signal from your records is amplified and equalized correctly, resulting in a faithful and accurate reproduction of the original recording.
The SL-M3 also features a unique anti-skate system that helps to prevent the stylus from skipping or jumping out of the groove. This system ensures that your records are played back accurately and without any distortion or skipping.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Technics SL-M3 turntable is relatively straightforward. The turntable requires occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris from the record surface and tonearm. It’s also important to keep the stylus clean and free of debris, as a dirty stylus can cause distortion and damage to your records. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help to ensure that your turntable performs at its best and lasts for years to come.
Is The Technics SL-M3 Worth Purchasing?
Indeed! If you managed to find one a Technics SL-M3 on sale or on eBay, it is surely worth purchasing. This is because it is no longer in production, and the sound produced is considered to be one of the best of its era. If you are looking for the best linear tracking turntable on eBay, nothing comes closer than the Technics SL-M3 linear tracking turntable.
Here is a quick review of the Technics SL-M3 linear tracking turntable.
