ELP Laser Turntable
Questions and Answers

 Why is ELP the only company that makes the Laser Turntable? Why don't other companies manufacture the LT?
 Why is the Laser Turntable (LT) so expensive? Why is it not mass-produced to reduce the unit price?

  •  Why does ELP use direct distribution to support end-users?
     What is the sound quality of a laser?
     Does the LT digitize the audio signal from the record?
     Can the LT play records that have been seriously worn?
     Can the laser play records that are warped, have large scratches or are completely broken?
     Can the laser play vinyl records of different colors, such as green, red, or white?
     Is it important to clean my records?
     How can I purchase the LT?

    Q: Why is ELP the only company that makes the Laser Turntable? Why don't other companies manufacture the LT?
    A: Laser Turntable (LT) technology was originally developed by Finial Technology USA. Just after completing the basic technology, they searched for a partner in the USA to promote it, but US companies felt the technology was not worth pursuing. In 1988 they came to Japan, but Japanses companies also denied the technology because they felt:

    1. Reproducing vinyl records was not a sound business opportunity after we had entered the digital music era
    2. Keeping costs low for LT production is difficult

    However, ELP of Japan accepted this new technology for preserving and revitalizing a culture of vinyl records, keeping a precious medium alive.

    Q: Why is the Laser Turntable (LT) so expensive?
    A:Vinyl Records have always been manufactured for needles, not lasers. Therefore, mass production — while easy for conventional turntables — is difficult for laser turntables. This is why:

    1. Our capable engineers manufacture turntables carefully, one by one.
    2. Key components for the LT are expensive. These parts been developed only for the LT.
    3. Equipment for production has also been developed solely for the LT.

    These are some of the reasons manufacturing costs are so high.

    Q: Why does ELP use direct distribution to support end-users?
    A: ELP feels it is better to work directly with our customers instead of using a third party because:

    1. We are able to support our clients more effectively
    2. We partner with UPS and FedEx to deliver the LT anywhere around the world quickly and for a reasonable cost

    Q: What is the sound quality of a laser?
    A: The laser of the LT reads all of the audio information in a record's grooves without any coloration. Much of this information has never been touched by a traditional turntable stylus, allowing the LT to produce audio as close as possible to the master tape.

    Q: Does the LT digitize the audio signal from the record?
    A: There is no digitization. The LT maintains a constant analog audio signal.

    Q: Can the LT play records that have been seriously worn?
    A: Yes. The LT is able to read audio information never touched by a needle.

    Q: Can the laser play records that are warped, have large scratches or are completely broken?
    A: Yes! There will be some additional noise during playback, but you will be able to listen to records you might have otherwise thought had been lost forever due to major damage.

    Q: Can the laser play vinyl records of different colors, such as green, red, or white?
    A: No, the Laser Turntable cannot; it only plays black records.

    Q: Is it important to clean my records?
    A: Yes, it is very important since the laser reads everything it "sees." The sound quality will be much improved if you clean your records.

    Q: How can I purchase the LT?
    A: Place an order
    via e-mail with ELP. ELP will then communicate with you regarding the details of payments, delivery schedule, and other related information.

    If you have other questions, feel free to contact us. ELP wants you to have your own Laser Turntable.