Has Vinyl Playback Technology Gone About As Far As It Can Go?

For the XPert stage at High End Munich 2024 this past May, I was asked to assemble a panel to answer the question. On this panel is: Döhmann Audio's Mark Döhmann, designer of many innovative turntables, Wilson-Benesch's Craig Milnes whose GMT One turntable system can be seen and heard elsewhere on this channel, Leif Johannsen Ortofon's Chief Officer of Acoustics and Technology, and WAM Engineering''s (WallyTools) J.R. Boisclair.
Thanks to the High End Society for sharing this superbly shot and edited video with Tracking Angle. It's also available on the High End's website. The response from viewers there is very strong and I hope it will get the same response here. Left to right in the thumbnail photo: Johannsen, Boisclair, Döhmann, Milnes, me (using the stage to gain a
Subscribe to TrackingAngle KZbin channel!
Follow Tracking Angle on social media!
Facebook group: / 605454337542602
Twitter: / tracking_angle
Instagram: / trackingangle

[@itsjim2875]

Outstanding panel & discussion. Thanks to the High End Society, Michael Fremer and all participants for your excellent contributions to the analogue world!

[@thegrimyeaper]

Finally a panel with GREAT SOUND!

[@SgtMjr]

I took a couple of things from this panel. One; The emphasis on dampening of high end turntables is something that we may see creep into the 'affordable' sphere most of us have access to. Two; Phono cartridge and stylus mfg will improve. and lastly turntable set-up will get better and easier for everyone eventually.

[@davidkent2804]

This was fascinating and informative - nice job. It made me realize there is a universe of signal information hiding between quantization. We should have realized that.

[@AudioRamblings]

Excellent discussion and great contributions from all. Reducing vibration getting to the turntable has been an area I have been looking at for a long time and each improvement I make to reduce vibration results in significant improvements in what I hear from my system.

[@Kezleu]

Good evening, I am always fascinated by advances in the field of sound. An urban legend tells that pots and vases were turned by hand and that we could hear the surrounding noises in a low pitch. seriously the sound and image are progressing and it's excellent..

[@chrismckee4154]

Why does it matter how far the tech can go if only .000001% of the public can afford to own it? All of this discussion is great for people like Bezos, but not for the average Joe.

[@Kowinaida]

So high end turntables can't be discussed because it doesn't interest you? Narcissistic, arrogant c***.

[@Kowinaida]

So high end turntables can't be discussed because it doesn't interest you & you can't afford it? Narcissistic, arrogant tool.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Well said.

[@MrRom92DAW]

Things trickle down. Yesterday’s space age technology is in everyone’s pocket today.

[@trackingangle929]

The tech "trickles down" and proper set up is not costly.

[@patmeadows4759]

I have been into vinyl since 1964. (showing my age) . The reality for most audio hifi equipment sellers is that for every TT sold, 6 or more streamers and dacs are sold. TT issues discussed by this highly regarded panel highlighted all those realities that is also contributing to the shift away from vinyl. I admit to be streaming more each passing month.

[@trackingangle929]

True. Streamers are more popular. McDonalds is bigger than Michelin star restaurants. So?

[@nickb6380]

Loved it loved it i want more!! im a thinker this is right up my alley and I just got into vinyl 2 months ago. The passion in that room was wonderful makes it easy to learn. THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@brianmoss5483]

Educational

[@user-pt7mm1so8g]

So if the head designer at Ortofon adjusts cartridges in the head shell to get the best performance while leaving the tone arm in the ideal position, then why doesn't Ortofon design and build a tone arm where all the angles be adjustable in the head shell to get the best performance? Why doesn't SME do it as well as others? It would make life so much easier for the prospective owner of the turntable.

[@trackingangle929]

I think in part they don't because it would affect rigidity which is critical

[@icysasakimusic]

👏👏👏

[@jazzboy]

I really enjoyed the panel discussions. Everything that was said is true...but...there are other much, much more economical ways to achieve great results without hoping for trickle down. I start my designs by listening to awesome people, like the ones on your panel. Incorporating modern turntable designs concepts such as those expressed by your panel can start right now if one actually listens and doesn't poo poo the presentation as pure unobtanium for the filthy rich I have been using and programming with SimpleFOC for the last year and a half and the resulting specs are undeniably good when driving a bldc with a cheap mcu producing a sine wave drive signal. It allows for a feather weight platter; tech over brute force massive weight. And 3d printing allows for quick prototyping of things like tonearms. This is a link to where the available tech has gotten me. Please excuse the noisy 2023 Geffen/Universal pressing, just don't have the $$$ for the UHQR at the moment.😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJfGZqt_j9Odqassi=r7lXuKeCu44dN7Ok

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Absolutely, it is a rich man’s toy that is impractical and antiquated. Saying that, I do enjoy my vinyl. P.S Mikey you have lost a lot of weight big lad! Eat something matey!!

[@trackingangle929]

I'm happy trim and fit thank you.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@trackingangle929 OK, but you look like you could do with a fish supper and a pasty bap smothered in HP sauce. I’ve seen more meat on a humming birds wabber me aul mucker.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@trackingangle929 you need a pasty nap me aul mucker.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@trackingangle929 . I’m being blocked