I've only read one article about these in a hi-fi mag awhile back so I'm not so sure they are as well known as you claim. At about $10k, I don't see them catching mass appeal anytime soon. They were supposed to be the replacement for conventional turntables in the 80's but the CD came along and swept them into obscurity. However, with the resurgence of the vinyl market, there may be hope yet.
ELP Laser Turntable & Trickle Down
ELP LASER TURNTABLE as most vinyl fans know is a turntable that uses a laser instead of a more conventional stylus. I read reviews on the audio critic site and out of the two reviewers the one who had a very high end table and arm combo,chose the ELP laser table this conventional combo. I am wondering why this technology has not trickled down the way Cd has with companies paving the way for cheaper machines and improving over time while becoming cheaper as the technology matures?