Turntable Tech is on my mind

Last year I aquirred a rather large lot of 78 RMP records that I’ve been wanting to listen to and probably transfer into the computer at some point. Mostly though, I am looking forward to listening to the albums on the turntable rather than clicking a digital file. Yeah, eventually the records will wear, but that is the nature of the medium. I’ll take some wear and tear for the feeling of pulling a record from it’s sleeve, setting it on the platter and moving the tone arm to the edge. To me, it’s an art. Albums were compiled by the artist in a certain way for a reason and listening from start to finish exactly as the creator intended is quite an enjoyable experience. There may be tunes that I don’t care for, but there is a reason they were put between cuts 2 and 5. Cd’s and computers take the fun away; Too easy to just skip a track or download the one song.

So 33 and 45 RPM turntables are no trouble in my cave, but the 78’s have sent me to the net in search of a new [to me] turntable. Initially I wasn’t to sure if I wanted to go with something vintage or newer, but I think I’ve settled on going vintage because when I think about… older stuff usually works better, lasts longer and often in my opinion looks cooler (sometimes.) Plus, I was also thinking the technology for 78’s was perfected back in the day, so chances are the quality would be better because they really knew what was going on. Besides, in the end what matters most is the quality and type of needle you can get for the unit.

I think for quality purposes (most important to me) it looks like I’m going for a unit which requires a magnetic cartridge. Often cheaper units and portable units being sold today use a cheap ceramic cartridge. Ceramic cartridges have a more limited frequency range than their magnetic counter part, in addition the ceramic cartridges track at a significantly higher force (causing more damage and distortion.) I could go on, but if you are truly as interested in it as me I’d suggest reading about it on wikipedia as to spare the not-so-interested readers.

Unfortunately, I have yet to buy a turntable for the 78’s… but, I do have a few bids in on ebay. However, in the research and hunting I’ve come across some interesting turntable tech that I’d like to share [the point of this post!]

How about the i-pod of turntables? Designed in response to Sony’s walkman, this is one stellar unit. Meet the Audio Technica Sound Burger, a perfect complement to your morning paper read in the break room. Just pop in three “C” batteries with your fuzzy earbuds and you are good to spin. And if you are looking to make your player unique, be sure to personalize it with your very own color choice, just like your ipod.

Link 1, Link 2, Link 3 for more info on the Sound Burger

I mentioned earlier about the art of records… an exhibit in the Arizona State University art museum called, “The Grove” brings on an interesting form. This youtube video cleverly titled, “Step into the Grove” covers it well.

Finally, if you have some money to spend and you want some character in your turntable, check out these tables. I want the Oracle Delphi MK V Turntable or the Roksan Radius 5 Turntable.