[Alvin]

Originally Posted by GT182

These new LPs can be super expensive. What's this 180 vinyl they're talking about?

If you can, put your favorite music on USB drives. Our 2014 Focus has as USB slot and I can play music on it. Sounds great and you can swap change music on it if you want. The bigger the USB drive the more you can up on it. Far easier than using CDs.

I bought a YouTube downloader subscription for 19.99/year and I'm saving all the music I can think of in MP3 format. It will save the video (most of them) and convert them to MP3, all at the same time.

Are your USB collection creations any easier or more straight forward than described here at this link http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/top...usic-playback/
Hope so

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by ra96

well as a pontiac guy and a musician and as a vintage audio junky first -half inch is right-and ill also mention an additional format quadraphonic im a big fan nothing like it -but and however like anything else there is a series of componants to make it work
that said yes analog is the way to go but for those that want to bridge get a 70's 80's reciever and hook your cd player to that while not 120% it will mell the digital edge off
and to the OP records are fantastic have hundreds meself-be carefull with the ole
too sensitive a cartridge will accenntuate more flaws than attributes

Man I haven't thought about QUAD in years! About as esoteric as Elcaset - remember that too?

Elcaset was a short-lived audio format jointly developed by Panasonic, Sony and Teac in 1976, building on an idea introduced 20 years earlier in the RCA tape cartridge.

In 1976, it was widely felt that the compact cassette was never likely to be capable of the same levels of performance that was available from reel-to-reel systems, yet clearly the cassette had advantages in terms of convenience. The Elcaset system was intended to marry the performance of reel to reel with cassette convenience. The name "Elcaset" may simply mean L-cassette, or large cassette, since the 1/4" tape inside was double the 1/8" width found in standard cassettes. They were divided into six tracks.[1]



Size comparison of Elcaset (left) with standard Compact Cassette

The cassette itself looked very similar to a standard cassette, only larger—about twice the size.[2] Like the earlier RCA tape cartridge it contained 6 mm (0.25 in) tape running at 9.5 cm/s (3.75 in/s), twice the width and twice the speed of a standard cassette, providing greater frequency response and dynamic range with lower high-frequency noise than the compact cassette. Another notable difference from compact cassettes was that the tape was withdrawn from the cassette when run through the transport mechanism so that the manufacturing tolerances of the cassette shell did not affect sound quality. The top-of-the-line Elcaset decks also had all the features of deluxe open reel decks, such as separate heads for erase, recording, and playback, remote control, and heavy duty transports for low wow & flutter.

The system was technically sound, but a complete failure in the marketplace, with a very low take up by a few audiophiles only. Apart from the problem of the bulky cassettes, the performance of standard cassettes had improved dramatically with the use of new materials such as chromium dioxide, Dolby B noise reduction, and better manufacturing quality. For most people, the quality of standard cassettes was adequate, and the benefits of the expensive Elcaset system limited. Audiophiles turned away from Elcaset and towards high-end cassette decks from companies like Nakamichi, which began making very high-quality tape decks using the regular audio cassette in late 1973. The tapes they made could be played on any standard cassette machine. Also, the machines were expensive.[2] Elcaset began a fast fade-out in 1978.

The system was abandoned in 1980, when all the remaining systems were sold off in Finland.[3]
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elcaset

Here's some interesting comments below about QUAD and link for a full interesting read IMO

Quadraphonic audio reproduction on vinyl records was problematic, because some systems were based on discrete sound channels (allowing for full separation of the four original recorded channels, albeit with restricted high-frequency response and reduced record life), while others were matrix encoded into two tracks that would also play back in standard, two-channel, stereo on normal audio equipment (so-called 'compatible' quadraphonic).[citation needed] Also, there were inexpensive "derived" solutions that only provided back ambiance channels, not a defined placement of individual instruments.[1]

Quadraphonic systems based on tape were also introduced, based on new equipment capable of playing four discrete channels.

A full, four-channel (Quadraphonic) system will reproduce the Left Front, Left Back, Right Front, and Right Back audio signals in each of four separate speakers. Regardless of discrete or matrix formats, in four channel stereo the rear speakers should be of the same or almost same size or quality and have the same or almost same frequency range as the front speakers...
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadraphonic_sound

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by GT182

These new LPs can be super expensive. What's this 180 vinyl they're talking about?

If you can, put your favorite music on USB drives. Our 2014 Focus has as USB slot and I can play music on it. Sounds great and you can swap change music on it if you want. The bigger the USB drive the more you can up on it. Far easier than using CDs.

I bought a YouTube downloader subscription for 19.99/year and I'm saving all the music I can think of in MP3 format. It will save the video (most of them) and convert them to MP3, all at the same time.

Below is interesting info regarding 180 Gram etc. vinyl

"Otto

120-140 g is a "normal" vinyl LP, like most new releases in the 20th century. 180 g is considered audiophile grade and most new releases and re-releases available today come out in this format. The record is thicker and heavier so it may be less prone to warping over time. Some claim sonic benefits on 180 g's like better stereo imaging, less noise, wider bandwidth, etc. Another factor is "virgin" vinyl (often a feature hand in hand with 180 g and heavier LPs) which uses no recycled plastic which can contain impurities leading to a noisier record.

Another factor is playback speed. 45 rpm records inherently sound better than 33.3 rpm's. I own Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief" on 12", 45 rpm, 180 g LPs. I think this is the highest quality though you get less time per side. Plus I've only listened to it a few times as I have to take apart my turntable to switch the belt to 45 rpm mode. It sounds great.

I don't think you can say that all 180 g sound better than 120 g as the quality is largely dependent on the recording, mastering and pressing.

For example, you could have the original UK pressing of an early Black Sabbath album that will sound better than any US release because they were initially mastered differently.

If it's available and I can afford it I always opt for a 180 g pressing, I just assume it must sound better, though this may be a sonic placebo. When I'm shopping I take the 180 g sticker a stamp of quality though I'm probably just falling for marketing. On the other hand it is much more expensive to press 180 g virgin vinyl so you must assume the band or label cared enough about the record to do it.

Read more: http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...#ixzz3bWfJjVkO "

[bird72]

Morning Mix
.

[Alvin]

Missed this Quadraphonic sound info during my quick pass view yesterday, which is on topic regarding playback, Pink Floyd, etc.

Live concerts Azimuth Co-ordinator used by Pink Floyd


Azimuth Co-ordinator used by Pink Floyd, made by Bernard Speight, 1969 (Victoria & Albert Museum, London)

In 1967 the rock group Pink Floyd performed the first-ever surround-sound rock concert at “Games for May”, a lavish affair at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, where the band debuted its custom-made quadraphonic speaker system.[20] The control device they had made, the Azimuth Co-ordinator, is now displayed at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, as part of their Theatre Collections gallery.[21]
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:...k_Floyd_VA.jpg

[GT182]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Are your USB collection creations any easier or more straight forward than described here at this link http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/top...usic-playback/
Hope so

All I do is drag and drop the MP3s to the USB stick. In the car you need to search media and then play them from there. It's not like sliding a CD in the slot and it automatically starts playing.... you need patience and need to read the manual. But it does work.

Imagine the amount of music you can put on a little ol 8 GB USB stick. Even a 32 or 64 GB stick.

[Dick Boneske]

LP's resurgence is partially due to the very limited quality of MP3 (USB) devices. That includes nearly all internet downloaded music.

The quality of LP's and CD's is much better than MP3 recordings which is the only format many young people ever hear.

[Alvin]

Insert your fave Pontiac memory here, then click on the link here ==>http://youtu.be/gdDNFJpil50

I'm in Love With My Car
By Queen

Oooh
The machine of a dream, such a clean machine
With the pistons a pumpin', and the hubcaps all gleam
When I'm holding your wheel
All I hear is your gear
With my hand on your grease gun
Mmm, it's like a disease, son
I'm in love with my car, gotta feel for my automobile
Get a grip on my boy racer roll bar
Such a thrill when your radials squeal
Told my girl I'll have to forget her
Rather buy me a new carburetor
So she made tracks saying this is the end, now
Cars don't talk back they're just four wheeled friends now
When I'm holding your wheel
All I hear is your gear
When I'm cruisin' in overdrive
Don't have to listen to no run of the mill talk jive
I'm in love with my car (love with my car), gotta feel for my automobile
I'm in love with my car (love with my car), string back gloves in my automolove

Songwriters: TAYLOR, ROGER MEDDOWS /
© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
For non-commercial use only.
Data from: LyricFind

[carbking]

Been collecting vinyl since it came out. Personal collection is mostly car albums, with a few other items, but also have more than 1000 country albums we inherited from my parents.

We have a few CD's, but too lazy to play them. Compare the new CD to the original release in vinyl. Set the volume control for vinyl when you start the record and leave it alone. Adjust the volume control maybe 400 times on the reissue CD before the end. Not impressed. However, the CD player does take up less room in the car than a record player. Seems to be its only virtue. I probably have more "78's" than CD's.

Jon.

[Alvin]

Did you just say - The Cars?

[Alvin]

One of my fave CARS album covers

http://youtu.be/YEkGqb2wu5k

[carbking]

Interesting, but not what I had in mind.

Try this link: http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Pon...lia.htm#Albums

Or maybe: http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Carbshop_records.htm

Jon.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by carbking

Interesting, but not what I had in mind.

Try this link: http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Pon...lia.htm#Albums

Or maybe: http://www.thecarburetorshop.com/Carbshop_records.htm

Jon.

K No worries. I remember those Drag Race LP's in Stereo was a BIG Deal!

[Alvin]

any other Steve Miller fans here?

Edit: This === > http://youtu.be/OnlTrq6wLf0

[Alvin]

Funny, broke out New Riders of the Purple Sage - Home, Home on the Road album and also Sanatana Abraxas LP and found original Santana Poster inside the dual-fold LP cover, playing now

[Alvin]

Posted this (links below) on another thread
...looks like I'll be breaking out the Robin Trower and More vinyl tonite! he wrote while listening to original Santana Abraxas LP side 2

Robin Trower http://youtu.be/UOB9pt9UKNc

Winter http://youtu.be/P0NlgriaC4I

[Alvin]

Next - gonna have to break out the original pressing Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland, and once again play my fave track - "All Along The Watchtower"

[Alvin]

Album label w "SOUND GUARD" "11-27-80" playing now - Excellent Sound!

"Snowflakes Are Dancing" Virturoso electronic performance of Debussy's beautiful tone paintings"

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Album label w "SOUND GUARD" "11-27-80" playing now - Excellent Sound!

"Snowflakes Are Dancing" Virturoso electronic performance of Debussy's beautiful tone paintings"

Album Backside

[Diego]

Originally Posted by rohrt

I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and they had a center section full of brand new vinyl records. Boy that was a nostalgic blast from the past. All the classic records with they original album cover art.

You'd be surprised but this has been going on for about 10 years already.

A lot of reissues - especially of rare albums - appear on vinyl, and over the past several years contemporary groups have been releasing their new albums on vinyl. In some instances, I've seen the vinyl as limited editions that have tracks or what-not that the CDs may not have.