Arny Krueger wrote:

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

1. tracks at 2 grams or less

Lots.

Very good to know, this was one of my biggest concerns, as I'd probably use it
with a Grado black I have sitting around.



2. can accommodate a magnetic cartridge

Even more. There was a class of magnetic cartridge that was more-or-less
designed for changers. Robust would be a good word.


Again, good to know. I wouldn't want to bother with a ceramic or crystal cart.


3. does not damage records

Much more likely if you don't actually use them as changers...


That's a shame.


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.

A fair number, the better Duals, for example.


Excellent to know.


5. (preferably) platter stops turning before next record drops.

I'll tell you the truth - I owned at least two changers, but I don't recall
actually ever using them as changers. One was a Garrard Lab 80 which was an
overhyped POS, and the other was a Dual 1229, which was really quite nice.
Dual did a lot to make changers socially and technically acceptable, IMO.


My experience is limited mostly to Thorens and a couple Japanese single play
turntables. I did own a cheap BSR changer which was made in the late 70s, but I
only ever used it with 45's. To put it nicely, it's not the class of gear I am
interested in owning.


I am thinking Dual, or BIC, but these decks are all from way before my
time so I figured I'd ask here.

I never got any hands-on experience with BIC products (yes BIC once imported
Garrard, but I don't think that is what is being talked about here). I'd
like to hear about other people's experience with them.


I am talking about the range of BIC turntables which were made in the USA after
Garrard became its own distributor. These *may* have been OEM'd by V-M, but they
were higher quality than a typical console unit. There is a fair amount of info
available about them on the net, but what isn't mentioned is if they damage
records.


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.

Not to mention sound like @!$#!!. Add brands like VM and Glaser-Steers to
that list of brands to avoid. Miracord made some changers that looked pretty
nice.


Glaser steers is one of the ones I was considering... they did make one unit for
Heathkit in the early 60s, which looks decent enough, although I have a hard
time believing it could track a Grado properly. There is currently one on eBay,
I think.



thanks

Max