Records, Cassettes, CD's, & MP3's - The Evolution of Music

!±8± Records, Cassettes, CD's, & MP3's - The Evolution of Music

Music media formats have changed quite a bit since recordings were first released to the mass market many decades ago, but is the current favorite, MP3 audio, really the best? In this article we will look at the different standard formats and how they've stood the test of time.

It all started with the gramaphone record, which were large platters made of shellac. They ran at a speed of 78 revolutions per minute and required a gramaphone player with a heavy needle to play the record. The records sounded really bad and would break easily no matter how careful you were. The advent of the vinyl record changed all that. Records were now lighter, sounded better, and later when releases came out in stereo, it seemed like there could never be anything better for consumers to listen to music in their own homes. The 33-1/3 rpm vinyl record reigned for decades, throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties.

Eight track tapes, reel to reel tapes, and other compact cassette formats tried to usurp the record as king, but it could never match the fidelity of a record on a good sound system. However, the cassette tape had a major advantage going for it. It was small, and you could carry a tape practically anywhere. Plus, they were recordable, so it was easy to customize your own "albums" of your favorite tracks. Cassettes were favored by youths in the mid to late eighties, but vinyl records still held it's place as the preferred format.

Around the mid to late 80's the compact disc became affordable for the masses, and by 1990, CD's had firmly taken their place as the preferred format. Vinyl sales dropped off and many pressing factories shut down for good. The CD offered relatively good sound no matter what system it was played on as it was a completely digital medium. The anolog dynamics of a record meant that if you didn't care for a record or play it on halfway decent equipment, it could sound really bad.

Cassettes soon heard their death knell as well, holding on for dear life in the urban market before being put out of print on a massive scale. The CD was the king of the formats from 1990 until about 2002 when more compact digital formats took over.

The MP3, a compressed audio file, changed everything. Starting off as a way to pirate music over the internet with great quality sound, it later gained acceptance as a viable format for sale and finally in 2003 sales online of MP3 took over CD sales. Mobile devices like the iPod made this change more staggering and record companies scrambled to get a piece of the action as consumers no longer had to buy a full album to get a favorite hit song, they could buy one song for about 99 cents.

The problem with these digital media formats is the quality of the sound. MP3, no matter how good it gets, can sound flat and sterile compared to the warm analog tones of a vinyl record played on good equipment. Enthusiasts have held on to the vinyl format for years, and the proof is in the sales figures. While CD sales steadily drop, vinyl sales are climbing year after year. Used record shops and specialty stores are thriving, while chain CD outlets go out of business. The MP3 and digital format still rules, but it's not necessarily the best, and the consumer definitely recognizes this.

Records, Cassettes, CD's, & MP3's - The Evolution of Music

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!±8± Crosley CR249-TA Radio Keepsake USB Turntable-Tan

Brand : Crosley | Rate : | Price : $119.99
Post Date : Dec 25, 2011 01:21:05 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Crosley CR249-TA Radio Keepsake USB Turntable-Tan

• USB Enabled for Connection to Windows Equipped PC and Mac
• Software Suite for Ripping and Editing Audio Content
• 3 Speed Belt Driven Turntable Mechanism
• Automatic Return Tone Arm
• Dynamic Full Range Speakers

More Specification..!!

Crosley CR249-TA Radio Keepsake USB Turntable-Tan

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Crosley CR49

!±8± Crosley CR49

Crosley CR49-Bk 33 and a third records, 45, & 78 Records.

Crosley CR49

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Crosley CR49 Traveler Portable Turntable (Tan)

!±8± Crosley CR49 Traveler Portable Turntable (Tan)

Rate : | Price : $110.13 | Post Date : Dec 10, 2011 13:51:14
Usually ships in 24 hours

Enjoy a whole new level of LP independence with the Crosley CR49 Traveler. Inspired by the original portable turntables of the late 1950s, the belt-drive unit is versatile enough to play all three common speeds-33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm-so you're not restricted to any one part of your vintage record collection. Crosley CR49 Traveler Portable Turntable. In addition, the table's tan-colored suitcase housing includes a pair of built-in, full-range stereo speakers, in effect turning the Traveler into a LP boombox (though without the battery power). The effortless portability makes this a great turntable for traveling, visiting friends, or simply enjoying albums in the garage, basement, or other secondary rooms. The case is stylish, too, with a vintage appearance that beautifully complements traditional furnishings. The Traveler even comes with an adjustable tone control, adding to its versatility, along with a diamond-stylus needle. So whether your tastes run to classic jazz or modern rock, savor your vinyl in style with the Crosley Traveler. The Traveler measures 17 by 7 by 11 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a 90-day warranty.

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• RCA RD-1006 Discwasher Vinyl Record Care System
• Crosley CR401-TA Record Carrier Case (Tan)
• Abbey Road (Remastered)
• Thriller [Vinyl]

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Modern Vinyl Record Turntables

!±8± Modern Vinyl Record Turntables

Are vinyl record turntables a thing of the past? The answer to this is a resounding no. In fact, many modern turntables are still in production. The bulk of these models are designed with CD burners which allow you to burn compact disks of your favorite albums! Nope, vinyl is no longer out of style and long time fans of LPs can come home once again. Here is a look at those vinyl record turntables that are still out there:

The aforementioned CD turntables bear repeating. They do not merely burn CDs, they play them as well. Some might even come with a full AM/FM stereo system. And yes, an excellent turntable will be included as part of the mix. Considering the excellence of modern technology, the sound emanating from the record will be much better than the sounds produced decades ago. Again, some may be surprised that turntables include CD drives. They really should not be. No producer of consumer electronics would miss out on the potential to produce a cutting edge system that combines the classic notion of quality turntables with modern day variants of them. Hence, the fusion of two different modes of systems is crafted.

There are those vinyl record turntables that are standalone items. That means they do not include CDs or other electronics systems. Such standalone quality turntables are decidedly less in cost and do provide an excellent sound. Some models are produced by top names in the industry such as Sony. So, you can definitely find a modern turntable system that truly delivers and not have to purchase used vintage models.

Of the many modern innovations, USB turntables open the door for you to transfer all your classic vinyl albums to MP3, iPod, or other formats. Some of those old LPs are long out of production. That means you won't be able to replace them or find them in any downloadable format. With a USB turntable, you do not have to worry about this. Compact vinyl record turntables can effectively and easily create perfect quality sound recordings quickly and efficiently. Simply plug the USB cable into a PC, laptop, iPod or other device and you can burn copies of LPs or individual songs with no problem. Yes, the process really is that simple.

There are also direct drive versions of such models. These models are known to produce amazing reproductions. The one issue people will have with these quality turntables is that they come with a relatively high price. Ultimately, quality is something you will need to pay for. Keep that in mind when weighing your purchasing decisions. Those that have a great many LPs to convert might wish to look towards these models. They do have tremendous value that most fans of perfect LP duplications will want to acquire.

Yes, you can still enjoy your classic vinyl records thanks to these modified turntables that integrate modern technology with the old. This way, you can preserve your classic old albums with ease.

Modern Vinyl Record Turntables

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Ray Conniff Singers - "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Version 1

!±8± Ray Conniff Singers - "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Version 1

One of 2 versions of the Ray Conniff Singers singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" from 1 of the Christmas medleys from the 1960's Ray Conniff Singers Christmas Album "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Played on the Crosley CD/record player turntable.

Ray Conniff Singers - "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Version 1

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Geek Brief TV #476

!±8± Geek Brief TV #476

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