Vinyl playback using laser reader
I've recently learned that there is technology that allows using lasers to read the analog data on the LP record. There is no physical connection with the disk itself (same as with CDs). There is no noise picked up by the laser due to dust particles. RIAA equalization is still required.
In every respect, this laser reader should be the ideal "phono pickup". Somewhat amazingly, those who have heard such a system often say it sounds more like digital than a cartridge-based playback of the same record.
What could be the cause of that? The only explanation is that magnetic cartridge generates AC signal without depending on any kind of power supply. It generates the signal by the virtue of mechanical motions of the stylus/cantilever.
With any other sound reproduction technology, the initial AC signal (which then gets amplified) is generated depending on the power supply. It is hard to deny that power supply does come with all kinds of issues which can interfere with the quality of the generated AC signal.
This fact may help explain perceived differences in the sound reproduction between turntables and digital sources (such as CDs, SACDs, digital streaming).
Your thoughts?
Don't you just hate it when you cannot detect where the post ends and a signature line begins?
Alex.