Pioneer Turntable Needle

Pioneer Turntable Needle

LOST in the hazy memories of my youth is a vague recollection of buying vinyl records to play on our second-hand Pioneer turntable.

The music store I frequented, now long gone, was called Carousel, and the thing I remembered most about this pleasant, air-conditioned haven was that it had a listening booth where you could check out the songs on an album before you bought it.

For the benefit of younger readers who may never have experienced this, a long-playing record or LP was about a foot in diameter and had a hole right in the middle of it to keep it in place on a phonograph's spinning turntable. Each side generally held 15 to 20 minutes of music, and you had to flip the record around to play Side B--also called the flip side.

This was analog technology through and through. Sound was miraculously produced by a stylus or a needle running along the grooves of a record. This was a mature technology that had already been around for about 70 years by the time I was old enough to buy my own music.

There was something wonderfully exciting about bringing home a new LP and slitting open the shrink-wrap plastic to get at the prize inside--an excitement that was missing from the next popular analog medium for music, cassette tapes.

Music cassette tapes started showing up in stores in the 1970s and peaked in popularity with the introduction of the Sony Walkman a decade later--the analog precursor of today's ubiquitous MP3 players.

The good thing about tapes was that unlike LPs, they were portable. The bad thing about them was that they were unreliable and prone to getting entangled inside the mechanism of a cassette player. Over time, tapes were also susceptible to molds.

I miss records; I do not miss cassette tapes.

All these analog media were swept away in the years that followed the arrival of digital audio compact discs or CDs in 1982.

Compact discs promised even better sound quality than LPs, which could get scratchy with constant playing. Nothing touches the surface of a CD, promoters of the new format said, explaining how a laser beam would read data off the disc. Expensive at first, CDs eventually became the most popular media for distributing music, especially as prices for CD players dropped rapidly. Today, after more than 20 years, the CD is still the dominant medium for music distribution.

But as a great songwriter once said, everything put together sooner or later falls apart. We're probably seeing signs that audio CDs and the whole record store culture are going to be the next victims of the Internet and digital technology.

Just recently, the Washington Post ran an excellent piece on the last days of Tower Records, a music industry institution that was closing its remaining 89 stores in the United States after filing for bankruptcy some time ago. There were many factors behind Tower's fall, but most accounts agreed that the downloading of music over the Internet had taken a heavy toll on the retail chain.

And it's not just Tower Records. Go to any "music" store these days and you'll probably see movies getting more shelf space than music. Consumers--with their iPods and MP3 players--know where to get their music.

From a technology standpoint, the trend is logical and irreversible. As broadband access spreads, more and more people will be able to quickly download music, cutting out the middle man. Moving bits over the Internet is simply more efficient than moving boxes from warehouses to stores.

Culturally, however, music lovers today who only know iTunes or Limewire will never experience the excitement of walking into a record store--with a bewildering array of choices laid out before them--and the joy of discovering a jewel or two after hours of flipping through record or CD racks. Serendipity works differently online.

They will also be unable to read through liner notes and appreciate some of the outstanding art and photography that accompanied record albums as they listen to their loot. Viewing the album art on an iPod just doesn't compare.

I forwarded the Washington Post piece to Bill and Ben, two friends who have done their share of treasure-hunting in record stores here and in the United States. They talked about Naida's Record Center in the old Sta. Mesa Market in Manila, The Rastro in Shoppesville in Greenhills, San Juan, and record stores I didn't recognize from New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. It's a good bet most of the stores are gone now.

"The past is a great place to visit; one just has to be careful not to stay there too long," Bill wrote at the end of his reminiscences.

Added Ben: "Tears are falling from my eyes, man, as my Powerbook fills up with the strains of 977 megabytes of Mozart's violin sonatas... My 30-gigabyte iPod is a wonderful thing, and I'm glad it's the present day instead of yesterday."

All of which reminds me of something Joni Mitchell wrote back in 1968. "Well, something's lost and something's gained in living everyday," she wrote--in a song aptly called Both Sides Now.

From Digital Life by Chin Wong

http://www.chinwong.com

Chin Wong has been covering the technology industry since the 1980s, starting as a reporter for Business Day, Southeast Asia’s first daily business newspaper. He is now a lecturer in journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines and associate editor for the Manila Standard Today. Before that, he also served as technology editor of the Manila Times until October 2004.

Pioneer Professional Multi Player Turntable $1899.99 This turntable enables playback of MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF audio files from CDs, DVDs, USB devices and Secure Digital memory cards. Create loops with the touch of a button and use needle search to jump to a specific part of a track.

Pioneer DVJ-1000 Professional DVD Turntable $2274.99 Pioneer DVJ-1000 Professional DVD Turntable

Pioneer Cdj-800Mk2 Professional Cd/Mp3 Turntable $799.99 Pioneer CDJ-800MK2 Professional CD/MP3 Turntable

Pioneer Dvj-1000 Professional Dvd Turntable $2499.99 Pioneer DVJ-1000 Professional DVD Turntable

Used Pioneer Dvjx1 Pro Dvd Turntable $1199.99 In Store Used USED PIONEER DVJX1 PRO DVD TURNTABLE

Used Pioneer Dvj-X1 Dvd Turntable 032312 621 $1199.99 In Store Used USED PIONEER DVJ-X1 DVD TURNTABLE 032312 621

Used Pioneer Cdj800 Mk2 Cd Turntable 050512 621 $399.99 In Store Used USED PIONEER CDJ800 MK2 CD TURNTABLE 050512 621

Used Pioneer Dvj-1000 Professional Dvd Turntable $2274.99 Offering the same operation and layout as the CDJ-1000MK3 with enhanced DVD specifications, the Pioneer DVJ-1000 allows DJs to easily create and add visuals to their sets. Several groundbreaking features enhance its core CDJ-1000MK3 capabilities, plus you can manipulate DVD visuals as you would music; so digital video scratches, loops and instant cues are all possible. DJs can perform audio-only sets while having the option to mix DVD with a powerful and versatile range of effects on hand. The best of both worlds. The DVJ-1000 can be slotted into existing booth setups, making it a logical purchase for clubs looking for a high-quality CD deck with the future in mind. Speaking of visual artistry, research shows that around 70% of clubs and 60% of music bars are installing visual equipment, so there's a definitive need in the market for creating imaginative and engaging visual sets. All the more reason to step up to a DVD turntable. Additional features include MP3 compatibility (with an intuitive navigator), a brighter and larger WAVE display, studio-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio and several innovations like 4X hyper jog mode and a back-and-forth loop button. The DVJ-1000 offers the standard features and enhanced specification of the CDJ-1000MK3, allowing DJs to easily add visuals to their sets. It includes 'JOG feeling adjustment' that tailors the deck to performers' individual styles and retains the familiar look and feel of the CDJ-1000MK3 with pitch control, cues and loops executed in the same intuitive fashion. Formats and MP3 Navigation The deck supports CD (CD-R/RW) and DVD (DVD-R/RW) media and performers who work with DVD in Europe and the States will value the convenience of built-in PAL/NTSC compatibility. The DVJ-1000 sets a new benchmark for music portability--up to 1,000 MP3 tracks can be accessed on DVD-ROM--and provides the most advanced deck for working with this ever-popular format. When connected to a preview monitor, the MP3 Navigator makes track selection a breeze: the information is displayed on a larger screen, DJs can search for music by file and up to eight subfolders (for example, genre of music, artist, track) and seven lines of text are available. For ease, a cursor button is included on the deck to scroll through and select files. Track information DJs also receive more information from the Preview Output Display. This enhanced feature provides an extensive dashboard (through a preview monitor) that displays key information for DVD, CD and MP3 including: DVD content, WAVE, title, artist, album, main cue points and three hot cue points. The DVJ-1000 retains the recent display improvements to the CDJ-1000MK3. The 360-degree On-Jog Display is improved by being raised on the wheel and lit fluorescently, the cue marker is larger and the 45-degree angle marks make it easier for scratch DJs to time their effects. The track display's resolution has been doubled and the lighting is multicolor and fluorescent, while the WAVE da

Eurolite Case for Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK3 / CDJ-800 MK2 $99.99 Turntable case fits Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK3 or Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2. Features recessed latches, a fully foam-padded interior and steel ball corners.

Eurolite Case For Pioneer Cdj-1000 Mk3 / Cdj-800 Mk2 $99.99 Turntable case fits Pioneer CDJ-1000 MK3 or Pioneer CDJ-800 MK2. Features recessed latches, a fully foam-padded interior and steel ball corners.

Crosley CR49 Tan Record Turntable $121.99 12 V DC 15 W 33.33rpm 45rpm 78rpm 90 CR49 Tan Record Turntable AC Adapter Diamond stylus needle Adjustable tone control Chrome Snap Closure Corner Guards The popularity of CR49 is due in no small part to its portability, but also to its suitcase styled finishing touches that became a Crosley hallmark. The Crosley Traveler Turntable is designed to reflect the portable stylings of yesteryear. This fan favorite is a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. The Traveler includes modern conveniences such as a diamond stylus needle and dynamic full range stereo speakers. So whether you choose Ella Fitzgerald or Elvis, celebrate your vinyls in portable style. Belt Drive CR49 CR49 Tan Record Turntable CR49-TA Crosley Crosley Radio Corporation Manual Record Turntable www.crosleyradio.com

Crosley Radio Cr6002ABk Revolution Turntable $149.18 Portable Turntable; Usb Enabled For Connection To Windows Equipped Pc Mac ; Software Suite For Ripping Editing Audio Content; Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism; Plays 2 Speeds: 33 1/3 45 Rpm Records; Plays 7 12 Records; Fm Transmitter; Hi Tech Abs Construction; Integrated Handle; Diamond Stylus Needle; Manual Return Tone Arm; Auto Shut Off; Requires 6 Aa Batteries; Black

Replacement Needle $14.99 Combines vintage charm with modern conveniences. Features programmable CD player with LED display, 3-speed turntable, cassette tape deck, AM/FM radio, and stereo speakers. Made by Crosley®. Wood and wood veneer cabinet is hand-rubbed to a beautiful finish. Specify Oak or Paprika finish. 17 1/2"W x 9 1/2"H x 12 3/4"D. Sorry, no Express Delivery.

Traveler Turntable in Tan by Crosley Radio $134.99 The portable turntable was introduced in the late 1950?s and provided music lovers with a sense of independence, allowing them to easily cart their record player from one locale to another. The popularity of this unit was due in no small part to its portability, but also to its suitcase styled finishing touches that became a Crosley hallmark. The suitcase is made of vinyl wrapped solid wood for durability and features corner guards and chrome snap closure. The metal resin handle is durable enough to tote the turntable around for many years to come. The Crosley Traveler Turntable is designed to reflect the portable stylings of yesteryear. This fan favorite is a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. The Traveler includes modern conveniences such as a diamond stylus needle and dynamic full range stereo speakers. So whether you choose Ella Fitzgerald or Elvis, celebrate your vinyls in portable style. The belt driven turntable mechanism and manual return tone arm are classic reminders of a simpler time. Features: • Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism • Plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM Records • Plays 7", 10" & 12" Records • Diamond Stylus Needle • Adjustable Tone Control • Dynamic Full Range Stereo Speakers • Solid Wood Construction • Vinyl-Wrapped • Chrome Snap Closure • Corner Guards • Metal Resin Handle • Manual Return Tone Arm • Color: TanSize: 7"tall x 17"wide x 11"deep

Crosley CR49-TA Traveler Turntable-Tan $139.95 Traveler Turntable-Tan by Crosley CR49-TA. By the late 50's, stereo records reached a peak in the marketplace as hi-fi sound reproduction attained its largest audience to date. The portable turntable was introduced in the late 1950's and provided music lovers with a sense of independence, allowing them to easily cart their record player from one locale to another. The popularity of this unit was due in no small part to its portability, but also to its suitcase styled finishing touches that became a Crosley hallmark. The Crosley Traveler Turntable is designed to reflect the portable stylings of yesteryear. This fan favorite is a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. The Traveler includes modern conveniences such as a diamond stylus needle and dynamic full range stereo speakers. So whether you choose Ella Fitzgerald or Elvis, celebrate your vinyls in portable style.Belt Driven Turntable MechanismPlays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM RecordsPlays 7", 10" & 12" RecordsDiamond Stylus NeedleAdjustable Tone ControlDynamic Full Range Stereo SpeakersSolid Wood ConstructionVinyl-WrappedChrome Snap ClosureCorner GuardsMetal Resin HandleManual Return Tone ArmSpecificationThis item includes:CR49-TA Traveler Turntable-Tan - Crosley 17x11x7HPlease refer to the Specifications to determine what items are included since sometimes the image shows more or less items. If you are not sure, please contact us and our customer service will be glad to help.

Crosley CR40-RE Mini-Turntable - Red $99.95 Mini-Turntable - Red by Crosley CR40-RE. It has been said that the best things come in small packages. At Crosley we have put this into practice with our Mini Turntable. We have used the same great technology and design that our turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. The Mini Turntable features classic styling with suitcase vinyl housing and technology that proves its authenticity as a Crosley. The Mini comes complete with a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records and dynamic full range stereo speakers. With amenities like that you don't have to sacrifice any of your vinyl listening pleasure. Experience the soft crackle as you gently lay the needle down on your favorite vinyl that's been buried in the attic for decades. It may be mini, but it packs a big punch.Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism Plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM RecordsPlays 7", 10" & 12" RecordsDiamond Stylus NeedleAdjustable Tone ControlDynamic Full Range Stereo SpeakersAuxiliary Output SpecificationThis item includes:CR-CR40-RE Mini-Turntable - Red 14.17L x 7.5W x 4.6HPlease refer to the Specifications to determine what items are included since sometimes the image shows more or less items. If you are not sure, please contact us and our customer service will be glad to help.

Crosley CR40-BK Mini-Turntable - Black $99.95 Mini-Turntable - Black by Crosley CR40-BK. It has been said that the best things come in small packages. At Crosley we have put this into practice with our Mini Turntable. We have used the same great technology and design that our turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. The Mini Turntable features classic styling with suitcase vinyl housing and technology that proves its authenticity as a Crosley. The Mini comes complete with a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records and dynamic full range stereo speakers. With amenities like that you don't have to sacrifice any of your vinyl listening pleasure. Experience the soft crackle as you gently lay the needle down on your favorite vinyl that's been buried in the attic for decades. It may be mini, but it packs a big punch.Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism Plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM RecordsPlays 7", 10" & 12" RecordsDiamond Stylus NeedleAdjustable Tone ControlDynamic Full Range Stereo SpeakersAuxiliary Output SpecificationThis item includes:CR-CR40-BK Mini-Turntable - Black 14.17L x 7.5W x 4.6HPlease refer to the Specifications to determine what items are included since sometimes the image shows more or less items. If you are not sure, please contact us and our customer service will be glad to help.

Auna TBA-298 Turntable Built In Speakers $34.9 The Auna TBA-298 is great value turntable that can be used as either on its own using its built in speakers or as part of a larger hifi set up. The compact design is great where space is at a premium and a dust cover and needle are included. If you're looking for a great value record player you won't find a deal better than this!

Ortofon OM Elektro Single Turntable Cartridge $59.99 The Ortofon Elektro OM Turntable Cartridge isn't just another pretty face, despite its sleek white styling. With a reinforced rubber suspension, the Elektro OM is the perfect hybrid needle for the vinyl artist who both mixes and scratches. Enhanced tracking ability and excellent sound quality combine to form a unique balance of form and functionality. With bold, round sound, this Ortofon cartridge brings your music to life, whether you're in a club or the studio. The Ortofon OM Elektro Cartridge mounts to a standard turntable headshell.Sleek designReinforced rubber suspensionEnhanced tracking abilityMounts to a standard turntable headshell

Ortofon OM Pro Single Turntable Cartridge $51.99 The Ortofon Pro OM Turntable Cartridge gives you a nice balance of fidelity and tracking ability, amd works well with all styles of music. Perfect for scratching and back-cueing, the Ortofon OM Pro cartridge's spherical stylus and solid cantilever make it a great all-purpose turntable needle. Sonically, the Ortofon OM Pro tonearm cartridge gives you a quality, flat, transparent sound across the spectrum and has good handling ability, making it the kind of affordable turntable cartridge that benefits the amateur DJ honing his skills.

Ortofon Om Elektro Single Turntable Cartridge $59.99 The Ortofon Elektro OM Turntable Cartridge isn't just another pretty face, despite its sleek white styling. With a reinforced rubber suspension, the Elektro OM is the perfect hybrid needle for the vinyl artist who both mixes and scratches. Enhanced tracking ability and excellent sound quality combine to form a unique balance of form and functionality. With bold, round sound, this Ortofon cartridge brings your music to life, whether you're in a club or the studio. The Ortofon OM Elektro Cartridge mounts to a standard turntable headshell.Sleek designReinforced rubber suspensionEnhanced tracking abilityMounts to a standard turntable headshell

Ortofon Om Pro Single Turntable Cartridge $51.99 The Ortofon Pro OM Turntable Cartridge gives you a nice balance of fidelity and tracking ability, amd works well with all styles of music. Perfect for scratching and back-cueing, the Ortofon OM Pro cartridge's spherical stylus and solid cantilever make it a great all-purpose turntable needle. Sonically, the Ortofon OM Pro tonearm cartridge gives you a quality, flat, transparent sound across the spectrum and has good handling ability, making it the kind of affordable turntable cartridge that benefits the amateur DJ honing his skills.

Crosley CR40RE Mini Turntable RedTan $103.55 It has been said that the best things come in small packages. Crosley has put this into practice. They have used the same great technology and design that turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. Outstanding technology proves its authenticity as a Crosley product. It has been said that the best things come in small packages. At Crosley we have put this into practice with our Mini Turntable. We have used the same great technology and design that our turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. The Mini Turntable features classic styling with suitcase vinyl housing and technology that proves its authenticity as a Crosley. The Mini comes complete with a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3 45 and 78 RPM records and dynamic full range stereo speakers. With amenities like that you don t have to sacrifice any of your vinyl listening pleasure. Experience the soft crackle as you gently lay the needle down on your favorite vinyl that s been buried in the attic for decades. It may be mini but it packs a big punch. Size: 14.25 W x 4.75 H x 8 D.

Crosley CR40BK Mini Turntable Black $103.55 It has been said that the best things come in small packages. Crosley has put this into practice. They have used the same great technology and design that turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. Outstanding technology proves its authenticity as a Crosley product. It has been said that the best things come in small packages. At Crosley we have put this into practice with our Mini Turntable. We have used the same great technology and design that our turntables and entertainment centers encompass and scaled the size to petite. The Mini Turntable features classic styling with suitcase vinyl housing and technology that proves its authenticity as a Crosley. The Mini comes complete with a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3 45 and 78 RPM records and dynamic full range stereo speakers. With amenities like that you don t have to sacrifice any of your vinyl listening pleasure. Experience the soft crackle as you gently lay the needle down on your favorite vinyl that s been buried in the attic for decades. It may be mini but it packs a big punch. Size: 14.25 W x 4.75 H x 8 D.

Turntable Bot $10 Turntable Bot

Turntable Matinee $10.49 Turntable Matinee

Turntable Technology $11.99 Turntable Technology

Crosley Turntable CR42PA Lancaster Paprika $191.3 # Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism. # Plays 33 1/3 45 and 78 RPM Records. # Plays 7 10 12 Records. # Diamond Stylus Needle. # CD Player. # Programmable 20Track Memory. # LED Display. # Repeat Play. # Cassette Deck. # AM/FM Radio. # Airplane Tuning Dial. # Analog Tuner. # Dynamic Full Range Stereo Speakers. # Function Select. # Auxiliary Input. # Headphone Jack. # Portable Audio Ready Simply Plug in Your Portable Audio Device or MP3 Player. # Color: Cherry Oak Paprika. # Size: 17.5 w x 9.5 h x 12.75 d