Laser read Vinyl

[Tenorman]

Has anyone heard the Vinyl deck that uses a laser (like a CD pick-up) to read the groove in the Vinyl.

I believe it is out in the US. Is it any good or does dear old MM/MC still have edge?

If anyone has seen it, what is the price band?

[BeBop]

This technology has been around many, many years (20+-) in prototype or limited production. There's an article by Michael Fremer in the (December?) Stereophile magazine on current production. May also be something on Fremer's website.

[porcy 62]

Here you got the website of the product

http://www.elpj.com/

and a review of Stereotimes

http://www.stereotimes.com/turn030300.shtm

That's all I know about it.

[Tenorman]

Guys,
I was sure that I had replied to this at the time, but obviously not. Thanks for all the info.

From the web sites, it looks like the LP must be absolutely pristine. a small bit of dust that a needle would ignore, apparently sounds like an explosion in a cymbal factory.

Good idea, but fairly impractical unless they can sort out that problem with dirt and scratches.

Re Philco - are they any relation to Phillips. They must have used a narrow focus beam on a 78 to get a result. There is nothing new under the sun.