The History of Vinyl (2)
We live in 1958. The stereo record has just had its introduction. In the previous blog we described the technology of the two channels.
During this time LPs were released in various formats. Typically singles are 7 inches (18 centimeters) and long playing records are
12 inches (30 centimeters). By the ban, LPs are black. The reason is that carbon is added to extend the life. Carbon can be ground finer
than most other dyes. Today LPs come in many more colors.
Record Industry from Haarlem (see photo of a cutting machine) is a Dutch press
that releases many other colors. With the exception of transparent plates, with colored plates, you run the risk of hearing slightly
more noise in quiet passages and at the entrance and exit.
Vinyl comes in different weights. In the past we mainly encountered 120 grams, nowadays there are also 140 grams, 160 grams, 180 grams and even 200 grams.
Audiophiles think the 180 and 200 gram versions sound better. At least it feels a bit more solid.
Most LPs that are released are suitable to play at 33 1/3 rpm. Many audiophile LPs are also released at 45 rpm these days.
A label like Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs in particular releases reissues at this speed.
There is logic behind these 45 rpm.
It is the result of a calculation - devised in 1948 by RCA Victor - of which the result is that at this speed the inner groove has half
the diameter of the outer groove. This formula also takes groove dimensions, frequency range and allowable distortion into account.
There are interesting theories about the suggestion (or not) that a 45 rpm LP also sounds better.
Because the 45 rpm LP runs faster than a 33 rpm LP, more information is possible in the same time unit.
Manufacturers can therefore simply provide more information.
Compared to a 33 rpm LP, there is more room for the signal. More room for greater frequency response and wider dynamics.
That all 45 rpm LPs sound better is not said.
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