"Bruce J. Richman" wrote:

Max H wrote:

I know this dosen't qualify as hi-fi, but I figure I'll ask here anyhow.
Did anyone manufacture a record changer capapble of the following
functions?

1. tracks at 2 grams or less
2. can accomodate a magnetic cartridge
3. does not damage records
4. wow and flutter, as well as rumble are low enough as to not ruin
enjoyment of music, while played through a hi-fi speaker system.
5. (preferably) platter stops turning before next record drops.

I am thinking Dual, or BIC, but these decks are all from way before my
time so I figured I'd ask here. I have been considering getting a
changer just for casual listening, but I don't want something like an
old BSR or Collaro which is going to eat my records.

thanks

Max








I can only agree with what's already been said. I think it's hghly unlikely
that if you purchase a changer, you can avoid damaging your records.
Therefore, I 'd encourage you to get a decent single-play record player, either
used or new, depending on your budget. Among the brands you might want to
consider are the following:

1. VPI
2. Rega
3. Thorens
4. Project and/or Music Hall

If at all possible, try and purchase a belt-drive turntable, and avoid Japanese
brands powered by direct-drive motors.

For reasonably priced cartridges, it's hard to beat Grado, which makes a very
large range of magnetic cartridges at many different price points.

Bruce J. Richman

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the advice. Here is my logic behind the changer idea. I already have a
couple decent turntables, the changer idea is pretty much for listening to sets of
records where one has sides 1 and 4, and the other has sides 2 and 3. It would also
be handy for when I have people over, and don't want to do the whole taking off one
record and putting on another ritual every 20 minutes. If I limited my changer use
to records which I picked up for $5, or are already fairly worn, that could be OK
too... all the same I don't want to end up ruining my collection for convenience.
(I have experience with BSR and Garrard units and it was not very good!!) I could
save the expensive records for the good turntable. My McIntosh Preamp does have two
turntable inputs, so it would be no problem to have the changer as a second
turntable.

I agree with you completely about Grado - I've been using one for a while now, and
find it a cut above the other low priced cartridges like Audio Technical and Shure.
If I do buy a changer, I intend to fit it with a Grado.

Max