Date:         Fri, 25 Aug 2006 09:54:36 -0400
Reply-To:     Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
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From:         Tom Fine <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Can 78s sound better than LPs?
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with 45RPM 12" disks, beware your preamp's sensitivity. These disks can be cut LOUD, especially on 
fff sections. Most modern preamps are not designed for that sort of headroom, especially in the bass 
frequencies. I have heard of cases where they can overload the cartridge itself, but I suspect most 
"distortion" issues are with solid-state/op-amp preamps that are optimized for average LPs and thus 
don't have a ton of headroom.

As long as your turntable runs at 45rpm without increase rumble or mechanical noise being 
transferred up the tonearm -- and your cartridge is flexible enough to ride the faster and sometimes 
deeper grooves, 45RPM 12" disks can indeed be the cat's meow. The value issue is a whole other can 
of worms. Personally, I'd rather just have a properly-remastered CD.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles Lawson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 9:39 AM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Can 78s sound better than LPs?


> Marcos wrote:
>>My question is: is the 78 "system" inherently an inferior product?
>
> No.  In principal, a 78 rpm disc can have better frequency response and
> wider dynamic range than a 33.  In fact, the idea of faster=better was
> revived briefly during the 1970s to make 45rpm 12" classical and jazz
> discs.  The problem, of course, is perceived value.  Most people were not
> willing to pay the same price (or higher price!) for less content.  Money
> and marketing will always determine what the standard becomes.
>
> FWIW, while working at another radio station nearly 20 years ago, I was
> introduced to some very fine 78 rmp discs that were made to very high
> standards during the early 1950s.  In spite of some disc wear (from being
> played so many times over the years), these discs had remarkable fidelity
> and superior dynamic range to the best LPs that we had in the library at
> the time.  However, these discs were made by real craftsman woriking to
> the limits of the technology available.  Most 78s that you run across will
> not be produced to such a high standard.
>
> Chas.
>
> --
> Charles Lawson <[log in to unmask]>
> Professional Audio for CD, DVD, Broadcast & Internet