New Vinyl Playback Technology

Jnovak, It's definitely not first generation. They offer three models based on a machine that was introduced over fourteen years ago. The lowest priced model has actually been updated again since this reintroduction, making it at least third generation.

Sound quality: they make a point of saying your LPs must be absolutely, pristinely clean. The laser pickups probably read everything, unless the dust in your grooves is transparent! As to the quality of their circuit design and components, who knows?

The top two models offer some great features for 78 collectors, like variable speeds calibrated to the nearest .1 RPM. Pretty cool, and all available from the remote.

I could live without all the TT/arm/cartridge tweaking. After all, I'd still get to clean records. ;) However, $11K+ is quite a stretch for a box that's too ugly for Radio Shack. I've been ashamed of several of my TT's, but never because of their looks!

I can't comment on how the laser turntable compares to the traditional high end tables but it is a lot better than my B&O 4002 model with either a EN-20 or CE-20 cartridge. I have only had it a week but can say that most of the opinions regarding the level of cleanliness of the record are overstated. You do need to clean your records but is spending a minute or two to clean a record that bad (many of my albums sure needed a cleaning). This was a major purchase for me and I spent nearly 2 years tracking down owners and getting their opinions (I did not find any that were not satisfied). I think it is a wonderful technology and deserves consideration. I hope Mr Chiba has success at the CES although this is a uphill battle when much of the younger population believes a 128K MP3 file is a quality recording. Have fun, Rick

Does it do a a/d conversion? Trying to imagine how the laser gets the signal to the phono amp or does it go straight to the preamp....

No A/D conversion. The laser reads groove modulations and generates an analog electrical signal which is RIAA equalized and boosted to line level at the outputs. No seperate phono stage needed, just a line level pre.

Also remember, this turntable only can play a black vinyl
record. At the Stereophile show a couple of years ago I picked up a Richard Thompson double album, The Best of the Capitol Years. Great collection, clear vinyl. For 11K I certinally would not want ANY limitations. If you have the bucks & like gadgets, go for it, but as far as wearing out a record, if properly set up, I should live that long.