New Vinyl Playback Technology


I've seen the ad in Stereophile for the vinyl playback device that uses a laser to "read" the grooves. Anybody heard one that would want to comment on the sound? Are vinyl lovers excited by or interested in this technology?
kthomas
It's not that new...I remember hearing about it ten years ago or so. Based on what people have said here and at Audio Asylum, they have flaws a plenty. Do a search at Audio Asylum and you'll find some info.
I am curious. I have never listened to one and would like to know more about it. I believe "Plays LPs like a CD player!!" referred to its ability to skip tracks that is a convenience I really like. I also like the fact that it won't put wear on LPs. On the other hand, it takes away the tweaking part of vinyl playback. To many vinyl lovers, tweaking is half the fun.
Phild is right. This appears to be the old Finial laser turntable from years ago. Looks like they finally got a company to manufacture and market it, hopefully for far less than the original $30K price (which back then, was in Goldmund Reference territory--now, with the Rockport, Walker and SME tables out there it doesn't look so imposing, does it?). The biggest problem it had before, as I recall, was that if there was a speck of dust on the record it would cause terrible sounds through your speakers. There are some who like it quite a bit, others who could pass on it; check the AA archives. I believe that Ralph Glassgal, of Ambiphonics fame, has one and a friend of mine has been trying to get me to go listen to it with him, since we're nearby, but I'm still having trouble getting myself interested in it, particularly since I have a major dust problem in my house.
I understand that it costs $11,000 and if anything goes wrong with it, the unit must be returned to Japan for service. I'd rather have a VPI HRX.
Rcprince, I once asked Ralph Glasgal about his Finial TT and he intimated that the tics and pops caused by dust were a real issue. In fact, he used it in conjunction with some sort of electronic device that was designed to minimize the tics and pops. But it would be nice to have instant track access for all my LPs, if it works that way...