What now? 78 rpm

[WOStantonCS100]

I've just acquired the first part of a large record collection passed down to me. I now have a box of approximately 150 78rpm records. Almost all of them are in "VG+" condition or better (Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, King Cole Trio, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Eddie Durham, Benny Carter, Eartha Kitt's - Santa Baby w/ picture sleeve, etc. etc.).

But... I do not currently own a turntable equipped with 78 rpm. I do have 2 Techie's that can be modded by KAB.

Does anyone have a recommendation for 78 rpm playback? The TT would have to be as good or better than what a modded 1200 can do. Cartridge recommendations? Cleaning solution recommendations? I'd love to have an ELP for this purpose. Somehow, I don't think the wife is going to go for that.

Luckily there were a handful of 10" LP's (Les Paul & Mary Ford, etc.) included, which I have already cleaned and enjoyed.

[Clive]

The cheapest and a very sensible option would be a Lenco.

Then there are Garrards.

Also Trans-Fi's Salvation can be set up for 78rpm too.

[hifi_dave]

I've helped a few customers to achieve 78 rpm playback. I've not yet got round to it myself but they say that it betters even mono LP playback !!!

First you need an idler driven deck like a Garrard 301, 401 or a Goldring GL75, G99 or G88. Something with a bit of torque and most important, you need to be able to vary the speed slightly + and - of the 78 rpm setting, as the records were not cut at exactly 78 rpm.

You will also need a phono stage or pre-amp with variable/selectable EQ settings to suit the recordings.

[WOStantonCS100]

I'd be happy with any one of those goodies!! I thought the Garrards were a rather expensive option? Getting one in good nic would be my concern as restoring one, I've heard, can get quite pricey. I'm not familiar with the Lenco's other than having heard the name.

I hope to get a T3 Pro arm this year for one of the 1200s. I didn't know the Salvation TT could be setup for 78 rpm. Is it adjustable? Can a "speed box" be added to it? Could I squeeze 90 rpm out of that if needed? For the money, the Salvation seems quite reasonably priced for what it offers.

The Audio-Technica MONO-3/SP ?? would be my first inclination for a cart then a 68x with appropriate stylus. However, with a Salvation, that would also open up the option of using a Grado. Maybe?

[Clive]

Garrards are expensive, Goldring Lenco would be the cheapest way.

For Salvation to run at 78 rpm you need a power supply that puts out around 14V vs the standard one that maxes out a little under that. It's easy enough to do as a special (my PS does this). 90rpm is easy too.

[WOStantonCS100]

Garrards are expensive, Goldring Lenco would be the cheapest way.

For Salvation to run at 78 rpm you need a power supply that puts out around 14V vs the standard one that maxes out a little under that. It's easy enough to do as a special (my PS does this). 90rpm is easy too.

Which PS is it?

[Clive]

The standard Salvation PS is not designed for 78, it does 33 and 45. To get 78 I have a diy PS, I don't know whether Trans-Fi will offer this as an option, I'm sure that's down to demand, technically it's straightforward.

[hifi_dave]

The standard Salvation PS is not designed for 78, it does 33 and 45. To get 78 I have a diy PS, I don't know whether Trans-Fi will offer this as an option, I'm sure that's down to demand, technically it's straightforward.

Can you vary the speed either side of the set 33, 45 or 78 ?

[DSJR]

You don't need a foo turntable to play 78's as the discs are rigid (no probs with coupling vinyl), they're in mono, so Lenco drive noise, for example, is cancelled out at a stroke.

As for foo 78 cartridges, bear in mind the narrow bandwidth of 78's. The quality and dimensions of the stylus are far more important as getting the tip profile to fit the groove kills much of the noise. I remember a Glenn Miller compilation in the 70's that used several styli to properly fit the grooves of these old records when doing the transfers. What deck was used? from memory, a GL75

I'd look out for a GL75 (they're fetching nearly Techie money now in good nick ) and get an OM Pro cartridge with the 78 stylus (or an old Shure M75-EJ with 78 stylus). As well as getting good performance on LP's, it'll be perfect for 78's too. These decks have now been discovered by the great unwashed now, so the prices are shooting up sadly.

I still have a few 78's left and two decks to play them on. Now my little ceramic pickup buffer

[Rare Bird]

Rega 'Planar78' i'm certain they made the old 'Planar's available in a 78 version aswell!