Recently I came across some of my favourite bollywood classics available on 10" 78 RPM records. The same are also available on 33rpm records. Is it worth trying the 78 rpm versions ? Will the SQ be any better or is it just about collecting singles ?
78 RPM, are they worth buying ?
- Thread starter Dr.Bass
- Start date
Hi Dr Bass
The 78 rpms were the first press. By that logic and the fact that spacing between grooves is more, it should sound better. But what you need to really check out is the quality of the grooves. Most of the used Hindi lps were played on sub standard equipment resulting in damage of the grooves.
The 78 rpms were the first press. By that logic and the fact that spacing between grooves is more, it should sound better. But what you need to really check out is the quality of the grooves. Most of the used Hindi lps were played on sub standard equipment resulting in damage of the grooves.
while 78s have their own charm for those who have memories of that sound (From what i hear/read), there are several factors you need to consider before you get them , the main being that they need a different Stylus..cannot /should not be played with cartridges used for playing regular vinyl..this is because of the thickness of the grooves is very different and all are Mono and hence both the Shape and Size needs to be different. i also understand thatshellac is a much harder material than Vinyl and not as elastic..i would suspect the needle material may also need to be different
Also during that time the RIAA curves were very different and hence the regular Phono amps might not make it sound as well..But thats a personal choice
BTW i also remember reading somewhere that ideally you needsd one needle per side for Shellac and else due to wear and tear it could actuallly cut into the records but did not understand the reason behind it !..does anyone here know that ?
Also during that time the RIAA curves were very different and hence the regular Phono amps might not make it sound as well..But thats a personal choice
BTW i also remember reading somewhere that ideally you needsd one needle per side for Shellac and else due to wear and tear it could actuallly cut into the records but did not understand the reason behind it !..does anyone here know that ?
I have kept few Indian classicals etc. 78s just because they are not available on 33. Speed plays important part, otherwise there would not be half speed mastering. With slower speed more detail is accommodated and needle will be more faithful to the groove. 45 rpm pressings are considered audiophile but 45rpm choice is because of frequency response limitation in the inside grooves. Even though this is factual theory, I have heard 78s and they sound good.
Regards
Regards
The replacement styli (long metal needles, actually) were used on the old wind-up gramaphone players, the ones with the flaring horn. They'd wear out quickly and needed to be replaced after a few playings.
On the other hand, there were many regular record players in the 60s and 70s in India, that had 78 rpm speed, with ceramic cartridges having a flippable stylus, one side for 33/45 and the other for 78. In recent times, we've had Rega offering a dedicated 78 rpm player (it's still available, I believe), and even the Shure V15VxMR (introduced in '97) had a separate replaceable stylus for 78s only.
Incidentally, many of the early 78s (recorded before the advent of tape technology in the 40s) were recorded direct-to-disk, in a single take, and the sound quality (within a limited frequency range) is often amazing in its immediacy.
On the other hand, there were many regular record players in the 60s and 70s in India, that had 78 rpm speed, with ceramic cartridges having a flippable stylus, one side for 33/45 and the other for 78. In recent times, we've had Rega offering a dedicated 78 rpm player (it's still available, I believe), and even the Shure V15VxMR (introduced in '97) had a separate replaceable stylus for 78s only.
Incidentally, many of the early 78s (recorded before the advent of tape technology in the 40s) were recorded direct-to-disk, in a single take, and the sound quality (within a limited frequency range) is often amazing in its immediacy.
Thats a very moot point , maybe thats why the emotional connect was so high in those recordings.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
While considering 78rpm records, the following matters:
1) You'd have to use a TT which has a 78rpm speed settings.
2) You'd have to use a 78rpm stylus/cart for the purpose
3) There is a great possibility that your 78rpm records may have been played on a wind-up gramaphone with a steel needle. If so, you'll hear loads of noise if you listen to them on audiophile equipment.
4) 78rpm records were often, victims of various speed permutations, and at times, some where even cut at 80 rpm.
5) Storage of 78rpm records needs to be special as are quite heavy and they can chip, crack or break easily.
1) You'd have to use a TT which has a 78rpm speed settings.
2) You'd have to use a 78rpm stylus/cart for the purpose
3) There is a great possibility that your 78rpm records may have been played on a wind-up gramaphone with a steel needle. If so, you'll hear loads of noise if you listen to them on audiophile equipment.
4) 78rpm records were often, victims of various speed permutations, and at times, some where even cut at 80 rpm.
5) Storage of 78rpm records needs to be special as are quite heavy and they can chip, crack or break easily.
Wharfedale Linton Heritage Speakers in Walnut finish at a Special Offer Price. BUY now before the price increase.
