[Vintage-Audio] Why 78 RPM - Another Explanation

[Bob Scupp]

To All-

Quoted from the http://stereos.about.com/ website.

"Anthony Armstrong builds and maintains his own audio
equipment in Chicago, Illinois. His two major passions
are real estate, and anything audio or sound related.
He is also a working DJ and has worked several
Chicagoland night clubs through his association with
ChicagoGroove.com. He has been a guest DJ featured on
WNUR-FM radio. 
Anthony spends his 'free time' at Saturday Audio
Exchange and is co-owner of a Chicago real estate
firm. 

Experience:


Anthony has been an audio enthusiast for over 15
years. In college, he worked for Norris University
Center Sight and Sound, the in-house A/V contractor
for Northwestern University. He has also worked for a
nightclub in Baltimore, MD assisting with the
maintenance of the club's 10,000-watt commercial audio
sound system. His most recent audio project is the
design and construction of a vacuum-tube powered
amplifier for use in his home.
Education:


Anthony has a BA in Economics from Northwestern
University.
>From Anthony Armstrong:


"Audio equipment and the pursuit of the best possible
sound has been one of the things that's motivated me
since I was a teenager. Music is an exquisite gift to
mankind and its proper reproduction is one of my
passions. This Guide site is designed to help you get
the very best performance from your home stereo
equipment. I want to share my experiences and ideas
with the visitors who seek to expand their knowledge
about home audio and stereo."
Find out more About Us: http://ourstory.about.com

“78 rpm record ”
Glossary

>From Anthony Armstrong,
Your Guide to Stereos.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Definition: First standardized phonograph recording
speed (exact speed was 78.26 rpm for 60 Hz power and
77.92 rpm for 50 Hz power). The reason for 78 rpm is
explained by Warren Rex Isom in his article, "Before
the Fine Groove and Stereo Record and Other
Innovations," published in the Journal of the Audio
Engineering Society, October/November, 1977, Vol. 25,
No. 10/11, pp. 815-820. The short summary is that the
first machines were handcranked and a comfortable
speed was heartbeat rate -- between 60 and 90 per
minute. (Interestingly, the same cadence as marching
bands and the same speed recommended for handcranked
farm equipment.) When it became time to standardize,
Victor machines operated at 78 rpm, while competing
Edison machines used 80 rpm, but Victor was the
predominate sales leader so it was picked for maximum
compatibility."

Bob K5SEP



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com