Re: [ARSCLIST] Aren't recordings original sources?

[George Brock-Nannestad <pattac@xxxxxxxx>]

From: Patent Tactics, George Brock-Nannestad

just a snippet from Clark Johnsen's comment to elaborate on:

> 
> 
> Respectfully beg to differ about 78rpm reproduction. It's advanced
> considerably. But you won't hear that on any commercially available LP or
> CD, so the case is difficult for me to prove.
> 

----- yes, but not due to anybody sitting down with the requirements of the 
78 rpm linear velocity and groove dimensions (and vertical tracking angles) 
and specify a system. It is mere coincidence that e.g. an MC pickup is 
sufficiently linear to accept a large excursion. Ortofon a few years back 
took up again the manufacture of their 1948 design of the so-called C-head - 
a mono pickup with a vertical moving coil and a leaf spring for vertical 
compliance. However, they are using the old design and have not re-designed 
on the basis of e.g. new magnetic materials. Still, it is the best mono 
pickup around for mono records. And it is hideously - rightfully so - 
expensive and so ought to appeal to the $1000 crowd.

As to the optical playback of 78 rpm grooves: it is clear that all the 
present designers are floundering - they simply do not know how to apply this 
extremely versatile tool. 

David Williams and myself assisted Chiba Sanju in March, 2001 at the Boston 
Audio Society demonstration of the ELP Laser Turntable. It was supported by 
the best equipment and Magneplanar speakers. The sound of both a vinyl 
pressing of a 1936 cello and piano recording and a shellac pressing of the 
same were both astounding. The graininess of the shellac disappeared into the 
slightest haze (distributed in space, whereas the musicians were fairly 
centered and with an acoustic surrounding them) and the vinyl was simply 
incredible. There are some grooves and surfaces that work wonderfully with 
this simple (1980s) optical playback. And again here, we have equipment that 
ought to appeal to the $1000 crowd. If only they knew how to use it.

Kind regards,


George