mistwalker

The world of an analog record　　2009.3.3

It has been 8 years since I started a serious interest in audio.

I am finally in the world of analog vinyl records. I knew that the sound was great, but I didn’t get into it sooner because, actually, there were no records of the songs I wanted. My interest was triggered because of the recent analog craze and increase in vinyl records.

I immediately selected a record player with the help of an acquaintance. Through trial and error, I realized something slightly strange. The player was like a golf ball floating on oil, with an arm holding that ball. On top of that, the belt drive being so thin, should be called a “thread drive.” I was shown how it was assembled, and it was very interesting.

Connected it… dropped the needle on to the record… suddenly an amazing sound. The sound was rich, with a level of atmosphere that was above CDs. I think this sense of atmosphere is an ingredient that is not included in the audible range of the CD format. The sounds from the speaker is great, the sound itself feeling like it hovers in the air.

The records I collected are very nostalgic. Stevie Wonder’s “Key of Life,” Doobie Brothers’, Billy Joel, Steely Dan’s “Aja”….

On top of that, my drive into analog has also reawakened my interest in high quality digital formats such as SACD and SHM-CD. What I really hope to have is a fresh sense and mood.

Assembling the analog record player.
You can see the black golf ball.