78s in a midi system

Subject: 78s in a midi system
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 12 Oct 01 - 03:32 AM

As I've mentioned a couple of times in passing I want to replace my existing midi system in which the cassette deck has failed, but have been trying to find one with the added facility of playing 78s. I have seen a Comet (UK) advert for an Aiwa system which specifically mentions 78s as well as the usual 33s & 45s, multi CD, twin cassette, radio tuner. It is the model ZL520 and I'm going to check it out and perhaps leave the advert up the chimney for Father Xmas.
At least it will take my mind off sarrusaphones!
RtS ("If you listen carefully, you can hear where Louis drops his handkerchief")

Subject: RE: 78s in a midi system
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 12 Oct 01 - 07:15 AM

I came across a wonderful American system that seemed to good to be true ... until I checked the price! At $20,000 (I kid you not!), it's to expensive to be true. I forget the name, but that's understandable.

I hope you get some constructive replies, mate: I could do with something myself. A new stylus for the old Dansette would do!

Steve

Subject: RE: 78s in a midi system
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 15 Oct 01 - 03:34 AM

Thought this was too good to be true! Checked them out in a couple of stores this weekend and despite what the advert flier said (probably written by a callow youth who's never seen vinyl or shellac!) this system only offers 33 or 45 rpm NOT 78.
Oh well, back to the drawing board!
RtS

Subject: RE: 78s in a midi system
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 15 Oct 01 - 03:59 AM


When I bought my last "decent" component stereo system back in about 1981, I objected that the turntables available didn't include 78 rpm. Way back then, they told me that it would cost me at least $2K (US) to get the 78 speed.

A little research showed that it might be dangerous to have a 78 rpm speed on a good turntable. The grooves on 78 disks are so wide that a "good" needle acts more like a cutting tool than a "tracing tool," and will destroy the records.

I had a turntable with a "flipover" needle back in the early '60s, and it was apparently necessary.

I won't guarantee it, but some sources - over the past 20 yrs or so - seem to imply that 45s can be played decently with the same needle as the 33s. Certainly the odd 16.5 works ok with a 33 table.

I have a number of 33s (33.33 if you're fussy) that I recorded onto tape more than 20 years ago - so I could save the "originals." Recent replays of the disks indicate that the disks, unused, have deteriorated more than the tapes that were played every once in a while. This makes it seem that your best bet might be to hit a few garage sales or antique malls and find one of those old '50s "portables" that go for about $20 or so to play the 78s. IMMEDIATELY, copy the 78s to tape, or something else that works with your "real" system.

Most of the old "phonos" that played 78s don't have an output jack, but it shouldn't be too hard to tap into them to add something usable. Maybe someone who has tried it can suggest how to do that.

John

Subject: RE: 78s in a midi system
From: Rank
Date: 15 Oct 01 - 06:00 PM

I bought a Dual CS455-1 (made in Germany) a couple of years ago. I think it was around £150 to £200 with an additional £50 for the 78 needle. I found the name in a hifi magazine. There was another one which was about £2000, but the Dual works fine for me. You will probably also need a preamplifier, about £15 or so.

If you go to a good hifi store they may find it listed, or maybe you can locate it on the net. Best of luck.