You failed to mention; does the air pump continue to feed air/run, until the platter comes to a stop, or does it stop supplying air, allowing the bearing to grind it to a halt? A precision bearing won’t last long doing that.
I haven't seen one of these in many decades. Back in the late 70s, ancient times for some of you, there was an aftermarket air bearing tone arm available. I adapted one of them to my Linn LP12. As I recall, if your turntable is not ead level, the arm likes to travel laterally very quickly. Then there was air pump noise. As I recall, the Itok arm made a reappearance.
This is very interesting Paul as my first hifi was an all in one Sharp system, which had a linear tracking arm on its turntable. It didn't cost anywhere near £6000 though but it sounded pretty good for what it was. This Holbo turntable looks interesting, with some interesting technologies.
I’ve always wondered why a lathe can’t be invented which cuts the lacquer in an arc, that way pivoting arms will trace the same angle as the lathe. Having said that, I have a Technics SL7 which is a linear tracker and that works beautifully.
Since no one else mentioned it I'll add the comment that the viewer is left wondering at how loud is the air pump? I imagine that if it was very loud it would have been mentioned but unless its essentially silent, that would be at best distracting. As what good is a quite background in the listening chain with an external source of noise intruding into the listening...
The irony is that by the time people are wealthy enough to drop this sort of $$$ on audio equipment, they've aged to the point where they can no longer hear the difference.
The *reality* is that many people are able to buy a turntable like this without blinking an eye or ruffling even a feather around their wallet. If that wasn't the case then half of the hifi industry would not exist, neither would Stereophile magazine (USA) and HiFi News magazine (UK). Nor a host of specialist, high-end dealers who still exist on High Streets across the globe.
@@TheAudiophileMan You got me curious so I explored what Stereophile has to say about their own readership: "When it comes to the age range of the magazine's readers, again nothing major has changed since 1988, babyboomers making up the bulk of the readership, just as they do the magazine's staff. Since the earlier survey, however, we have acquired slightly more readers at the older end of the age scale, the above-50 group swelling from 15% to 21%, and the mean age increasing from 39 to just over 41." So whether this audiophile demographic is born rich or makes their $$, they are still mostly beyond the age range where they can hear the high end of the audible spectrum, which starts dropping off in the late teens and early 20s.
I would be interested to understand what kind of air pump they have in that box? like I would hope it is a very good one that lasts for a long time / not like an aquarium pump with membranes that wear out and crack over time
Nice and interesting review. I picked up a Harmon Kardon Rabco ST 7 last week. It uses a linear arm that moves mechanically with belts. Not done refurbishing it yet, but have my fingers crossed.
@@mescko Thanks. I had the service manual and stuck to the steps. It was a pretty long process. I paired it with a SoundSmith Otello cart and it sings.
Nice review. 👍 Regarding interconnects: Make sure you use screened cables as the signal coming from the cartridge is extremely small, so screened interconnect cables are an absolute must.
There isn't any real channel imbalance with either type of tonearm, however there is definitely an issue regarding groove and stylus wear. A fixed pivot tonearm produces skating force due to the offset angle between the tonearm and cartridge, a force vector which tries to push the tonearm toward the center, and wears out the inside of the groove, and likewise produces uneven stylus wear. Most turntables have a rudimentary anti-skate mechanism, usually a spring that counteracts the skating force. A linear-tracking tonearm, being at or very close to tangent to the groove, along with the cartridge, produces no skating force and eliminates uneven groove wear and increases stylus life.
Understanding this to be a review of an experience, and I am making the assumption I have missed something and Im in error - but is it strange to listen to a man talk about his experience with his turntable without any video or photographs of him actually doing so - the point of UA-cam over reading a review in a hifi magazine is to view the reviewer as he experiences the product he is reviewing. I’m probably wrong and missing something but I spent the entire review waiting for him to show me and not via generic google photographs.
This is an archive review initially created only for my website but I thought channel viewers might be interested too. You can see the style differences between this archive piece and, for example, my more recent reviews. If this is not your style, then I have more hands on reviews you can see, listed elsewhere. Oh and the images were all mine.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for your reply - I appreciate you taking the time and although I commented I took the position that I must have been missing something. Are your hands on reviews on UA-cam? You obviously know what you are doing - where would you suggest I head to to get more reviews hands on from you? Thanks again, T
Another excellent review! How does the Holbo compare with other turntables in its price point/general price range? As a follow up question, have you or are you planning to put out a price/performance comparison (including the Holbo) across the price spectrum? I realize that it isn't quite so straightforward to capture in two-dimensions, but I'd like to get a feel for how value changes with price.
Hi Mitch - it compares very well and is a valid choice if you want to venture into that direction. I would request a home demo, if possible to hear it for yourself.
This is an interesting piece of kit at a relatively low price for the technology incorporated. However space & dedication is required to get the best from this type of set up & sadly many music lovers will not be bothered with all the fuss associated with it.
They caught on in the 80s, but they disappeared when CD all but wiped out the turntable market. When the vinyl revival happened, I suspect they were too complex for what was considered a niche market.
@@thisisnev Your explanation seems as good as any. I have owned two turntables in my life. The first one was purchased for me as Part of a high school graduation gift in 1983 by my parents. That was a Fisher and it was linear tracking turntable that I thought at the time was the most futuristic looking turntable a lad could ever own. I lost that turntable in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. My second turntable was a Rega P2 that I purchased in 2008 or 2009 that I have since given to my son.
@@GasPipeJimmy I became a recent convert to Sony linear trackers and they just sound better than my very nice pivot arm. I honestly believe audiophiles wounded linears because many believe you need to tweak with as much stuff as possible. If one arm and turntable can achieve fantastic sound, you lose all the excess stuff to buy. Except for carts which you can throw at a Sony.
As I recall, another advantage with linear-tracking tonearms was that the tonearm could be made shorter, reducing vibration. Looks like Holbo didn't get that memo. On the rare occasions when I listen to my vinyl I'll stick with my humble Panasonic SL-H350 (a/k/a Technics SL-3). It may not have air suspension but, on the plus side, at least it has its speed selector in a sensible place!
Cracking review, Paul. What are your thoughts on the exposed tonearm wiring? I find it a bit messy, almost an afterthought that detracts from the clean lines. In addition, does it come with a cover and would you expect one at this price point?
Many years ago I worked in a number of car dealerships, and attended a number of sales courses, one thing that was explained was, never assume anything, because if you do, then you will make an ass out of u and me ! Ass u me.
3 роки тому
Outstanding review, turntable as well but I rather wait Mk II or wait to see how “the new technology” works after a while
The tonearm is 'pulled' across the record regardless of tonearm type, that's how it plays the record. Micro-azimuth? gotta love buzzwords. Azimuth is the angle between the cartridge body and the record surface, which should be 90°.
A feature on second hand turntables would be great. I know Paul doesn’t like the idea of online secondhand purchases but people are often gifted the turntable in the loft/under the stairs by a family member and if they’re in reasonable condition there’s a decision to be made to reinstate it (belt/cables etc.) or buy brand new. Must be lots of people that throw the old one out when with a light fettling it could be superior to the new one. I’d like to see some classic Thorens and Garrard with a new cartridge on - how do they compare to Project or Clearaudio.
@@ricochet243 Hi there, a review and comparison of vintage turntables would be great indeed. Wasn't there a similar product from Eastern Europe (Rational Audio?) way back in the early 90s?
@@ricochet243 Agreed. Not all vintage turntables sold online are dogs, and many of the Japanese turntables of the late 70s /early 80s could put a lot of today's offerings to shame, with 'lost' technology like quartz-locked direct-drive motors and vibration-deadening resin compound plinths. It would be interesting to see how, say, a Pioneer PL-200 or Sony PS-T22 compares with today's entry-level Audio Technicas, Fluances and Pro-Jects.
You failed to mention; does the air pump continue to feed air/run, until the platter comes to a stop, or does it stop supplying air, allowing the bearing to grind it to a halt? A precision bearing won’t last long doing that.
I haven't seen one of these in many decades. Back in the late 70s, ancient times for some of you, there was an aftermarket air bearing tone arm available. I adapted one of them to my Linn LP12. As I recall, if your turntable is not ead level, the arm likes to travel laterally very quickly. Then there was air pump noise. As I recall, the Itok arm made a reappearance.
Got a air hockey table for $150 new. I put a vinyl record directly on the table and it spun very smoothly. Now I just need a tonearm. 😂
Just got a serviced Technics J33, linear arm that plays well for me.
This is very interesting Paul as my first hifi was an all in one Sharp system, which had a linear tracking arm on its turntable. It didn't cost anywhere near £6000 though but it sounded pretty good for what it was. This Holbo turntable looks interesting, with some interesting technologies.
I’ve always wondered why a lathe can’t be invented which cuts the lacquer in an arc, that way pivoting arms will trace the same angle as the lathe. Having said that, I have a Technics SL7 which is a linear tracker and that works beautifully.
Good point.
It's Saturday! Finally! Great video again Mr. Rigby.
Since no one else mentioned it I'll add the comment that the viewer is left wondering at how loud is the air pump? I imagine that if it was very loud it would have been mentioned but unless its essentially silent, that would be at best distracting. As what good is a quite background in the listening chain with an external source of noise intruding into the listening...
Dear Geoffrey, I advise that you re-watch the video. I do address that very point.
@@TheAudiophileMan My mistake. Thanks.
For 6k, the level of technology, and included equipment, this is amazing. I applaud Holbo and you, because I guess you are the instruction manual. 🧐📖
The irony is that by the time people are wealthy enough to drop this sort of $$$ on audio equipment, they've aged to the point where they can no longer hear the difference.
The *reality* is that many people are able to buy a turntable like this without blinking an eye or ruffling even a feather around their wallet. If that wasn't the case then half of the hifi industry would not exist, neither would Stereophile magazine (USA) and HiFi News magazine (UK). Nor a host of specialist, high-end dealers who still exist on High Streets across the globe.
@@TheAudiophileMan You got me curious so I explored what Stereophile has to say about their own readership: "When it comes to the age range of the magazine's readers, again nothing major has changed since 1988, babyboomers making up the bulk of the readership, just as they do the magazine's staff. Since the earlier survey, however, we have acquired slightly more readers at the older end of the age scale, the above-50 group swelling from 15% to 21%, and the mean age increasing from 39 to just over 41." So whether this audiophile demographic is born rich or makes their $$, they are still mostly beyond the age range where they can hear the high end of the audible spectrum, which starts dropping off in the late teens and early 20s.
Excellent description of the rather exotic tt and the technology and philosophy behind it. Nothing for me, but highly interesting. Thanks a lot, Paul
Many thanks, Guido.
I would be interested to understand what kind of air pump they have in that box? like I would hope it is a very good one that lasts for a long time / not like an aquarium pump with membranes that wear out and crack over time
Nice and interesting review. I picked up a Harmon Kardon Rabco ST 7 last week. It uses a linear arm that moves mechanically with belts. Not done refurbishing it yet, but have my fingers crossed.
Hope it worked out, the learning curve on the Rabcos is pretty high.
@@mescko Thanks. I had the service manual and stuck to the steps. It was a pretty long process. I paired it with a SoundSmith Otello cart and it sings.
Nice review. 👍
Regarding interconnects: Make sure you use screened cables as the signal coming from the cartridge is extremely small, so screened interconnect cables are an absolute must.
Seems like one channel would always be favored in the tangential method.
There isn't any real channel imbalance with either type of tonearm, however there is definitely an issue regarding groove and stylus wear. A fixed pivot tonearm produces skating force due to the offset angle between the tonearm and cartridge, a force vector which tries to push the tonearm toward the center, and wears out the inside of the groove, and likewise produces uneven stylus wear. Most turntables have a rudimentary anti-skate mechanism, usually a spring that counteracts the skating force. A linear-tracking tonearm, being at or very close to tangent to the groove, along with the cartridge, produces no skating force and eliminates uneven groove wear and increases stylus life.
Any one else think about Cilla Black whilst listening to this? Air.... nice idea, hope the design idea develops
This design offers a lorra, lorra sound quality, I have to say.
@@TheAudiophileMan sadly missed - good on you Audiophile Man✌
Understanding this to be a review of an experience, and I am making the assumption I have missed something and Im in error - but is it strange to listen to a man talk about his experience with his turntable without any video or photographs of him actually doing so - the point of UA-cam over reading a review in a hifi magazine is to view the reviewer as he experiences the product he is reviewing. I’m probably wrong and missing something but I spent the entire review waiting for him to show me and not via generic google photographs.
This is an archive review initially created only for my website but I thought channel viewers might be interested too. You can see the style differences between this archive piece and, for example, my more recent reviews. If this is not your style, then I have more hands on reviews you can see, listed elsewhere. Oh and the images were all mine.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for your reply - I appreciate you taking the time and although I commented I took the position that I must have been missing something. Are your hands on reviews on UA-cam? You obviously know what you are doing - where would you suggest I head to to get more reviews hands on from you? Thanks again, T
I recommend searching my channel content via The Audiophile Man channel.
No doubt it sounds as good as any well designed $500 turntable.
Always wanted to try a linear tracker, but I just haven't had a chance and I don't think I could take the leap without handling one first.
Another excellent review!
How does the Holbo compare with other turntables in its price point/general price range? As a follow up question, have you or are you planning to put out a price/performance comparison (including the Holbo) across the price spectrum? I realize that it isn't quite so straightforward to capture in two-dimensions, but I'd like to get a feel for how value changes with price.
Hi Mitch - it compares very well and is a valid choice if you want to venture into that direction. I would request a home demo, if possible to hear it for yourself.
My linear tracking turntable costs only 650$,a Yamaha PX 3
Reminds me of the rabco turntable from H.K. from way back
Why is the counterweight mounted sideways?
I talk all about that in the video.
This is an interesting piece of kit at a relatively low price for the technology incorporated. However space & dedication is required to get the best from this type of set up & sadly many music lovers will not be bothered with all the fuss associated with it.
I always wondered why linear tracking turntables never, ever seemed to catch-on
They caught on in the 80s, but they disappeared when CD all but wiped out the turntable market. When the vinyl revival happened, I suspect they were too complex for what was considered a niche market.
@@thisisnev
Your explanation seems as good as any.
I have owned two turntables in my life.
The first one was purchased for me as Part of a high school graduation gift in 1983 by my parents.
That was a Fisher and it was linear tracking turntable that I thought at the time was the most futuristic looking turntable a lad could ever own.
I lost that turntable in the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
My second turntable was a Rega P2 that I purchased in 2008 or 2009 that I have since given to my son.
@@GasPipeJimmy I became a recent convert to Sony linear trackers and they just sound better than my very nice pivot arm. I honestly believe audiophiles wounded linears because many believe you need to tweak with as much stuff as possible. If one arm and turntable can achieve fantastic sound, you lose all the excess stuff to buy. Except for carts which you can throw at a Sony.
Nice
As I recall, another advantage with linear-tracking tonearms was that the tonearm could be made shorter, reducing vibration. Looks like Holbo didn't get that memo. On the rare occasions when I listen to my vinyl I'll stick with my humble Panasonic SL-H350 (a/k/a Technics SL-3). It may not have air suspension but, on the plus side, at least it has its speed selector in a sensible place!
Bergmann have overcome all of the downfalls of Air Bearing and produce World beating turntables too.
Cracking review, Paul. What are your thoughts on the exposed tonearm wiring? I find it a bit messy, almost an afterthought that detracts from the clean lines. In addition, does it come with a cover and would you expect one at this price point?
Exposed wiring on high-end turntables is nothing new to be honest. As long as it doesn't get in the way then I'm ok with it.
With a few refinements and setup additions/tools, this turntable could be truly great. If they could have a setup video, this would do the trick.
Why not cut the record the same way the arm will read it.
Surprised that a turntable that cost so much has such a poor manual, there not doing themselves any favours.
Many years ago I worked in a number of car dealerships, and attended a number of sales courses, one thing that was explained was, never assume anything, because if you do, then you will make an ass out of u and me ! Ass u me.
Outstanding review, turntable as well but I rather wait Mk II or wait to see how “the new technology” works after a while
This feels like "Build another house for your turntable" which feels like defeating the purpose (and if you can afford it, good but...)
Earlier models from other brands might have triggered the 'build another house' thing but the Holbo is quite compact and takes up little footprint.
@@TheAudiophileMan Yeah, definitely see that here. If they could contain all this...
Eerr beerin´ 🤣
Why show the Bergmann Magne priced at €9,500 inc tonearm and show the Galder price. Please revise and do your research.
Three 1p or 2p coins, heads up & let the queen take it in the face
Major flaw with parallel trackers is the cartridge pulls the arm across the record. Also micro azimuth issues.
The tonearm is 'pulled' across the record regardless of tonearm type, that's how it plays the record. Micro-azimuth? gotta love buzzwords. Azimuth is the angle between the cartridge body and the record surface, which should be 90°.
On an err bearing 😉
Bed of er
Looks a lot like a Bergmann. . .
Ooh not for me looks like an early Edison machine lol ugly . But very interesting 👍🏻 a feature on vintage turntables would be great
A feature on second hand turntables would be great. I know Paul doesn’t like the idea of online secondhand purchases but people are often gifted the turntable in the loft/under the stairs by a family member and if they’re in reasonable condition there’s a decision to be made to reinstate it (belt/cables etc.) or buy brand new.
Must be lots of people that throw the old one out when with a light fettling it could be superior to the new one.
I’d like to see some classic Thorens and Garrard with a new cartridge on - how do they compare to Project or Clearaudio.
@@ricochet243 Hi there, a review and comparison of vintage turntables would be great indeed. Wasn't there a similar product from Eastern Europe (Rational Audio?) way back in the early 90s?
@@ricochet243 Agreed. Not all vintage turntables sold online are dogs, and many of the Japanese turntables of the late 70s /early 80s could put a lot of today's offerings to shame, with 'lost' technology like quartz-locked direct-drive motors and vibration-deadening resin compound plinths. It would be interesting to see how, say, a Pioneer PL-200 or Sony PS-T22 compares with today's entry-level Audio Technicas, Fluances and Pro-Jects.
@@thisisnev Let's wait and see if we can win Paul for the job...
unreliable