Why not use a non-contact stylus on a turntable?


I read comments about static-free playback of LPs with some amount of satisfaction.

When CDs were introduced, I quit worrying about the mechanics and started enjoying the music. More so with computer audio.

However, lots of folks like vinyl .... apparently. ;<)

Why not take all the worry, wringing of hands, and frustration out of the equation by insisting on touch-free stylus technology?

What is the technology? Hell if I know! But if nerds can sample the bits on a CD, they can sure as heck track the grooves on an LP!

Not only track the grooves, but filter out the grunge!

Play your oldest vinyl in complete background silence!

Put technology to work on vinyl! You’ll breathe easier for it.

Kind regards,

Greg
cgregory4

Showing 5 responses by cgregory4

Your sugar cube is nothing but a digital filter. I thought you guys/gals wanted to eschew the binary domain?

I'm suggesting some basic improvement. Your existing stylus to audio technology is no more/no less than the original Edison concept. Logical, but not earth changing.

How about magnetically levitating the stylus?

How about levitating and lubricating the stylus via rare lubricating gas?

How about spherical resolution from the grooves, instaed of a 'pointy thing'?

Do y'all EVER think outside the box?

Two tin cans and a string. It's been around a while. Your stylus is the tin can. Get over it and make linear audio via LPs what it can be!

Or, acccept its mediocrity. Your problem, not mine.

Kind regards,

Greg

Dear Folks,

Thank you for your thoughtful replies -- especially yours, Elizabeth.

By 'non-contact', I'm not implying a huge gulf between the transducer and the grooves. Quite the contrary, as tracking the extreme analog fluctuations in the vinyl implies a marriage of the closest sort.

BTW I'm thankful for those who keep the torch going for the traditional recording and playback processes.

I've read the forum for years. A thread on eliminating pops and clicks in vinyl playback took me back to my AR turntable with its joys, and its frustrations. Hence, my first post I can recall on this forum.

I am confident there is existing technology that could make your LP lives more enjoyable in terms of the playback static. Who will find and  develop it? Who will push for it? The answer is in the transducer.

All the best to you guys and gals! Have a great Easter weekend!

Greg

Novotechnik U.S., Inc. - Southborough, MA

Manufacturer*


Types of sensors include potentiometric & non-contacting position linear sensors.

Honeywell Sensing and Internet of Things - Fort Mill, SC

Manufacturer*


Features include immunity to electrical noise, infinite resolution and miniature design.

Micro-Epsilon - Locations

Manufacturer*, Custom Manufacturer


Manufacturer and custom manufacturer of sensors linear motion transducers. Various features include wear-free, compact sensor designs, permanent linear output signals, high resolutions and current or voltage outputs.

TT Electronics - Carrollton, TX

Manufacturer*


Manufacturer of linear displacement (LDT)/motion transducers including linear sensors. Hall effect and position sensors are available.

>>> There have to be at least 1000 US companies engaged in the business of linear displacement transducers. Yet, not one of you ’audiophiles’ will admit there is a way to improve your favorite pastime of playing vinyl.

I guess we get what we deserve.

Kind regards,

Greg
"If you have a notion , instead of lambasting the forum and its members" 

Show me where I am 'lambasting' anyone? That's absurd.

"go right ahead and invest the time, money and effort required in this endeavor."

Why would I do that? I'm fine with the digital progress from my perspective.

The question, from the beginning, is why aren't you?

KInd regards,

Greg
parrotbee

Good list -- thank you. I never claimed there have been no attempts at progression.

Yes, it will take dogged determination and some significant capital to improve/implement other transducers.

I agree -- must be linear translation with no AD conversion in the process.

But aren't we talking about the survival of vinyl technology in playback?

We are way into the law of diminishing returns on the traditional stylus. Will there be a future in vinyl unless we try a 'new mousetrap'?

Kind regards,

Greg