Souther Linear Tonearm on A TD-124

[AVWERK]

I would stay clear of anything that touches the spindle
The last thing you want is rumble passing thru the tonearm track rails
If it cannot be used without it, avoid it

Regards
David

 

[directdriver]

I would stay clear of anything that touches the spindle. The last thing you want is rumble passing thru the tonearm track rails. If it cannot be used without it, avoid it.

I completely agree.

 

[TerribleT]

The idea of minimizing contact with a moving object that may transmit and/or produce noise is very appealing. When I was using my Souther/ Accuphase Ac-2 on a VPI HW19, I never heard any rumble or noise. I know just because I didn't hear any noise, does not mean there weren't. Maybe my system was unable to resolve the very low level of noise that was there. Anyway, I am just curious if anyone used this version of spindle support and their experiences. I guess the best solution would to just remove the spindle /arm support interface and use the special base that Souther offered. I believe Kevin has one. Can you comment on its efficacy?
Regards,
David

 

[TerribleT]

Here's the special base:

 

[kevinkr]

There were a number of variants, my Tri-Quartz has a teflon filled cup in place of the point, which I believe an option for certain spindles.

I still own the Tri-Quartz (loaned to a friend) and an SLA-3 which I am going sell soon as I have moved on to ET air bearing tone arms. (An ET-2.5 and an ET-2.0)

 

[jimchc]

I'm using Souther SLA mounted on an original Oracle Dephi with the pointy tip mount exactly like Davids picture above and can confirm that I can't hear any rumble getting through using Pearl 2 front end which does roll off a bit starting at 30 Hz.

 

[jimchc]

After having the Souther arm since early 80s I've had a few cartridges mounted on it and have found the heavier the cartridge the better. Right now I have a Koetsu mounted and it sounds pretty sweet for something this old. Bitch to set up and keep clean but when it is set up right I can't describe how much more open the sound is. Like switching from slow box speakers to electrostatics. Getting rid of all those arm resonances is simply wonderful. I think that short arm has much more to do with the sound than the linear tracking. This arm by the way is electrically isolated from the turntable so don't expect to expect to ground anything to your preamp. Also I have found it helpful it to touch something grounded after using record cleaner and before setting down your cartridge to the record.

 

[TerribleT]

Hi jimchc,
Does your Oracle's spindle top have an indentation for the pointed tip to ride in? I also agree with your observation on the heavier carts. My Accuphase at 9.5g was a great combo with the Souther.
Regards,
David

 

[jimchc]

Spindle originally was designed for screw down clamp which I found sonically useless and pain to use. I did not use it even when used other arms. Yes it was indented.