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Does anyone know about the Souther SLA-3 linear tonearm? I got one tonight and I do not know if it is complete. The manual does not have a complete parts list and the only picture does not show a clear cover yet one on eBay does.
Not sure if this thing is worth trying to get going.
Regards,
Phil
Follow Ups:
I owned a Souther for about a minute, but don't know the model number. The time was the mid 1970's and it might have been the only model available at that time, but it was an SLA something.
In the arm I owned, it supported itself via a nylon end post riding on the turntable record spindle.
The end support was used to level the arm. I would avoid this design.
I think later designs moved all the support to the hinge side, so you don't have the random friction from the support interface on the other end . I thought it a poor design, since the platter spindle is not the same in every case, and is also not finished as a bearing surface. Call me picky, but the concept of using the rotating spindle post as an end support bugged me, although the two surfaces mated up well.
I didn't choose it, it came with a table I bought. It had too many tiny exposed wires for my taste, they seemed to be a potential weak spot. (if they break, I'm screwed, type of deal) I liked the idea of a linear tracker but it seemed to be a design who's main attraction was just a different approach. I would suppose the design has matured by now, but the early design I owned lacked.
I think the attraction for these arms was that In those days there were few linear designs and this was one of the few that worked dependably. It was less expensive than air bearings, which were very new and much more expensive.
That road has been well traveled in the meantime, other designs have somewhat put the appeal of this arm in the shade.
It rested on the center spindle and part of the leveling adjustment was there. It also adjusted on the hinge.
These were not cheap new. I bought mine new in around '83 and the list price was $895. The dealer sold me that and the Dynavector for $1100 for both...
Dave
and mounted it on a Transcriptor Hydraulic Reference. I loved it though it had some funky goings on. Like has been mentioned because of the low mass you will be limited to what cartridges you can use. I found the Dynavector Ruby to be a perfect match though the Karat series would work great also like the 23MR.
Some things to watch for:
Always remember after lifting the stylus from the record to return the arm to the hinged side before lifting the arm to change the record or the arm will slam back from gravity.
The quartz rods and bearings have to be meticulously clean or the arm will hang up.
Be careful what you clean the rods and bearings with. the "micro bearings" are "lifetime" packed with some light grease or oil and alcohol or other cleaners can wash that out and ruin the bearings.
The arm must be perfectly level and also parallel to the record, the arm doesn't like climbing uphill.
It takes some futzing to get it to work properly but it sounds fantastic. I'm sorry I sold mine. I still have the Transcriptor.
Anyhow it wasn't any worse than setting up my Marantz SLT12u :)
Dave
Mine had a clear cover though I saw that later models had a tinted cover.
Another weak point was the little silver plastic post that sticks out under the cover that you use to position the arm - they break off very easy like in normal everyday use...
Dave
HI,
olddude 55, in my opinion, if you have never even seen a product, as you clearly have not in this case, you should refrain from comment. You know nothing. Uninformed opinions are a dime a dozen and worth even less.I have no experience with the Clearaudio version. I do have experience with your version. At one time I was very interested in the Souther arms. I researched them and came close to pulling the trigger.
Then, when I ran my high end repair shop I did a new install on the SLA-3 during which time I got to know the arm well. Not to rain on your parade, I hate the Souther. I'm really glad I did not buy one.
First, it does not use an air bearing. It uses conventional ball bearings for the cartridge carriage. The carriage is driven across the record directly by the stylus pushing against the carriage bearing friction.
I have several major problems with the design. There are MANY bearings that can and do rattle and resonate. This can be heard if you know what to listen for. If you don't, the resonances reveal themselves as short term raspiness, almost a low level high frequency clicking. Bearing friction is relatively high because of their sheer numbers, always undesirable. Perhaps, now that Clearaudio owns the design, the bearing problems have been overcome. I doubt it. It's inherently a bad design.
Next, the extremely short tone arm causes a lot of warp wow when tracking warped records. The very low mass arm makes cartridge selection difficult. Souther and Clearaudio had a long term professional relationship, one result of which was several special Clearaudio cartridges designed for the arm.
I have nothing against Clearaudio. In fact, I own their expensive Discovery cartridge. I wonder why they got involved with Souther.
I found the arm to be very difficult to set up. I also found it awkward to use. All in all, I consider it a kludge. The best I can say is it works....sort of.... sometimes. The arm is a resonating nightmare.
I do think it looks pretty sexy. If you want a linear arm, get an Eminent Technology ET-2 or, perhaps, a Rabco. Air Tangent is another posibility but it is very expensive. Or buy a good pivoted arm. I prefer linear arms but good pivoted designs can be very good and are simple.
Sparky
Edits: 01/21/09
I've owned this arm since the early 80s. It is the 5th arm for my old Delphi (the original). I found it blisfully free of resonances. Yes there are some rumbles when not kept clean. Sort of like dirty glasses verses the wrong prescription. I always used it with pretty heavy cartridges that needed moderately high tracking weights (mostly Koetsu)and I never had troubles even on terribly warped records. To keep the same arm for nearly 30 years and really not have any desire to swap it out. What other piece of equipment do you have you can say that?
"I don't know a whole lot about the Souther," said I.
The original poster wanted information, so I directed him to the Vinyl Engine's website.
"...you bet its worth using. Once you get a linear-tracking arm set up and working you'll be hooked." The original poster has the arm; do you propose that he throw it away?
And my opinion about linear tracking is an informed opinion since I use a Rabco arm on my main table.
IMO, any decent linear-tracking table/arm is worth a try from the lowliest Technics close and play right up to the Kuzma Airline.
And some other folks have posted here (see above) to report at least some success with the Souther.
If I had a Souther or Clearaudio arm, you can bet I'd at least give a good long evaluation and I hope the original poster does too.
But of course, what do I know?_
Just another old audio fool.
Edits: 01/21/09
HI olddude55,
I never said you have no experience with linear tracking arms. That was not the point nor was it brought up. The point was the Souther arm. which you have never seen or experienced. To me you were being irresponsible. This happens a lot on any forum.
I'm totally with you on linear tracking. Until last year when I bought my Oracle Delphi V and put a Graham 2.2 Deluxe arm on it, I have had linear tracking arms exclusively since 1975. My first was a B&O 4004. Next came the Yamaha PX-2 which would accept MC cartridges. Then in 1990 I upgraded to the Eminent Technology ET-2 air bearing arm, which I still have, on a Sota Nova turntable. Check my profile. Believe me, I know the advantages of linear tracking. You are preaching to the choir.
It's too bad that the Souther designs don't live up to the promise.
Sparky
nor did I imply that I knew anything about it other than Clearaudio now manufactures a version of the arm
But the guy at the top of the thread already has the arm, so why not use it?
I don't see anything irresponsible there at all. Who knows--it might be exactly what he wants in a tone arm.My first taste of linear tracking was a crapola Fisher/Sanyo with a fixed cartridge and non-adjustable arm. Despite its flaws, the advantages of linear tracking were obvious.
I'd love to get an ET-2 but they sell so fast. Posted on Audiogon during the day, sold before I can get home from work.
Also considering the MG-1. Got a closet close by to hide the pump, and a Technics SL-1210 ready and waiting.
_
Just another old audio fool.
Edits: 01/21/09 01/21/09
HI,
I think you would be very happy with the ET-2 and I hope you can find one. If you do, contact me. I have learned a lot about optimizing the arm. It's a beauty.
You might check this. Bruce Thigpen of Eminent Technology did a limited run of ET-2's last year. I saw this on his web site. He may still have some.
The prices have gone up a lot since the $995 I paid for a new arm. Inflation takes its toll.
A used Air Tangent may also be a possibility.
Good Luck,
Sparky
There's a new air bearing arm on the market that sells for $900 which is entirely reasonable but beyond my budget.
The last time an ET-2 popped up on A'gon, I think it sold for about $500. I can swing that.
There's a B&O for sale in the Asylum Classifieds and I would have gone for it except that I've already got five turntables stuffed into a smallish room. Mrs. Olddude would have gutted me.
_
Just another old audio fool.
HI,
I can't vouch for this one but it is an air bearing arm. $600 is not bad.http://adanalog.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=58&category_id=10&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=35
Sparky
Edits: 01/22/09
HI,
I don't blame Mrs. olddude. There is no Mrs. Sparky. Wish there were but it would crimp my style. Life's a tradeoff.
Do you know who is making the $900 arm? I try to keep up with these things but I have not heard about this one. I know the Kazumi sells for about $8000. That's way too much for me. Plus, I don't need one. Still, that's crazy expensive.
Sparky
Is made by Trans-Fi in the UK. Looks like it's based on the Loudergaard arm.
Price is 470 Pounds Sterling plus shipping.
You know--looking at this arm on the website, it looks like a hell of a deal.That link you provided, that's the MG-1 I mentioned in one of my posts. Oh, yeah, I've got my eye on that one. There's some stuff about it on Art Salvatore's website and on A'gon. It's crude but effective.
Mrs. Olddude is pretty good about my proclivities. She thinks its "cute."
But there's a limit to everything and I'd rather not reach this one. Tonearms are one thing, but I've got vintage/spare/broken audio gear stashed all over the house as it is.
_
Just another old audio fool.
Edits: 01/22/09 01/22/09
I don't know a whole lot about the Souther except that Clearaudio apparently bought the design and sells its own version of the arm, the Clearaudio Tangent.
I've never been able to tell for sure, for example, if the Souther uses and air pump to float the arm or a motor to drive it (apparently, it's motor-driven).
At any rate, you bet its worth using. Once you get a linear-tracking arm set up and working you'll be hooked.
Vinyl Engine has a manual available for download. You'll have to register to get it, but registration is free_
Just another old audio fool.
Edits: 01/21/09
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