[Vintage-Audio] M3D

[Robert Nickels]

Sandy Somers wrote:
> I will bet that most of the readers were not alive back when we had
> mono records....  let alone know what type of turntable
> you are talking about
>
>
Hi Sandy,

You're probably right - I know I learn stuff about the early hi-fi era 
every time I go looking on the web.  So here are a few good websites 
with some neat photos and links that I've found:

Some really cool old turntables:   
http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/analogpl.htm

"Retro Cool tonearms" like the viscous damped Gray I mentioned:  
http://members.myactv.net/~je183/retro.htm

A page on my favorite new word - "plinth" - and how to make them:  
http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/turntables.htm

Here is a photo of the Garrard "Laboratory Series A" like I've been 
playing with and the M3D cartridge:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v652/ranickel/Garrard/

By the way, the sites above seem to be interested in the music and in 
restoring old gear and comparing one vs another - I didn't see many 
signs of audiophoolishness, which is why I'm OK with passing them along 
here.   I for one got convinced back in the 70s that any turntable that 
wasn't belt driven was "junk" and here these guys have some stunning 
examples of idler-driven turntables that seem to work and sound great.  
I have no complaints about this Garrard Series A which isn't in the same 
league as some of the high end Thorens and Rek-O-Kut "Rondine" models.   
A new one to me is the Lenco (aka Goldring-Lenco) which is also 
idler-driven that seems to be held in high esteem.

Bottom line to me is, just like any component, there's a whole world of 
fun to be had finding, restoring and playing with vintage turntables!

73 Bob W9RAN