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Ever since Thomas A. Edison patented the first phonograph in 1878, audiophiles have been seeking ever-better methods of reproducing music - and some believe that the CD (compact disc) player ain't it.
They prefer the "more natural sound" derived from a vinyl record spinning on a finely engineered turntable - or record player. (Though the terms are often used interchangeably, "turntable" is generally used to indicate a component of an audio system, while "record player" usually refers to a unit integrated with an amplifier and speakers, often for portability.)
While most people still in possession of record collections are satisfied with mid-range equipment, serious audiophiles are willing to spend thousands of dollars on turntables alone. A small number of high-end tables continue to be manufactured, but there is a serious market for well-made players from the past.
Would it surprise you to know that a Thoren TD224, introduced in 1962, recently sold online for $699? Or that a TD 124 was auctioned for $2400? Or that the legendary Garrard 301 regularly garners bids up to $2200+?
There are also, of course, collectors of antique equipment like gramophones and Victrolas, which are valued much more for their history, rarity, and appearance than for high fidelity, while others prefer to actively pursue children's or novelty players with colorful graphics on the cases.
And don't forget old advertising pieces, manuals, accessories, and spare parts. One recent online auction triggered a bidding war for a mixed lot of 30 cartridges and needles that the seller had found in an old box he had inherited. The winning bid? $510!
In their hurry to convert to digital formats, many people are literally throwing away analog technologies, like turntables. Not all of these are worthy of preservation, but if you can learn to separate the wheat from the chaff, you could make a tidy profit online.
The following resources can help.
Books:
"The Compleat Talking Machine: A Collector's Guide to Antique Phonographs," by Eric L. Reiss
http://tinyurl.com/2sr7mo
"The Compleat Talking Machine: The Restoration & Repair of Antique Phonographs," by Eric L. Reiss
http://tinyurl.com/2r277y
"Discovering Antique Phonographs," by Timothy C. Fabrizio, George F. Paul
http://tinyurl.com/2nsepz
"The Fabulous Phonograph, 1877-1977," by Roland Gelatt
http://tinyurl.com/3an4cq
"Illustrated History of Phonographs," by Daniel Marty
http://tinyurl.com/3xoswn
"Patent History of the Phonograph: A Source Book," by Allen Koenigsberg
http://tinyurl.com/3269m4
"Phonographs With Flair: A Century of Style in Sound Reproduction," by Timothy C. Fabrizio, George F. Paul
http://tinyurl.com/2l45sz
Websites:
Dual-Reference Website
http://dual-reference.com
Everything you wanted to know about the classic German-made Dual tables - history, troubleshooting, maintenance, links, more!
Garrard501
http://www.garrard501.com
Information on Garrard turntables includes history of the company, FAQ's, more
"$1000 Worth of Sound for $100 (or less): Refurbishing a Vintage Turntable," by Ed Kobesky
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue18/turntables.htm
The title of this article says it all!
Perfect Sound Forever
http://www.furious.com/perfect/vinylanachronist.html
Check out "The Vinyl Anachronist" articles by Marc Phillips and get his perspective on various turntables.
Phonophan
http://www.phonophan.com
This site is devoted to really OLD (i.e., antique) audio equipment. Check out the glossary, audio clips, and links.
The TD 124 Page
http://www.soundfountain.com/amb/ttadjust.html
Explains "Turntable Adjustment & Set Up" and "Phono Cartridge Alignment " and more!
Tim Gracyk's Phonographs and Old Records
http://www.gracyk.com
Wonderful site offers numerous articles for beginning and advanced collectors!
Association for Recorded Sound Collections
an international organization comprised of both private collectors of sound recordings as well the major sound archives around the world (Library of Congress, Stanford Univ and British Library.)
http://www.arsc-audio.org
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