'PRODUCTION GOALS Master analogue tapes are used to produce each and every "Super Analogue Disc" in or-der to achieve the highest quality possible, taking full advantage of the special charact-eristics and appeal of analogue recording. Compact discs (CDs), now the main media on which music is recorded, also have a number of strong features. However, it is an accepted fact in the music world that the expertise acquired in the long years of analogue disc production enables music to be produced with a beauty unattainable from the technical charact-eristics of high-tech CDs. We are proceed-ing with research and development of analogue audio technology to reproduce a softer, more refined sound. The "Super Analogue Disc" has already won high acclaim among connoisseurs of music in Japan, as well as around the world. Produced for people who truly appreciate the value of great music, this new series of records is manufactured at a plant eq-uipped with the highest quality pressing techniques.
•SUPERIOR QUALITIES (1) Frequency Range : A cutting (mastering) system with an extremely wide range of 10Hz to 45kHz is used to provide the lar-gest frequency range possible. This ensures the select master tapes are utilized to their fullest, recording the full spectrum of sound from very low bass to the highest treble. (2) Transient Response : Clear, instant-aneous reaction gives music outstanding momentum and superior resolution. (3) Dynamic Range : Technically, dynamic range refers to the range from the mini-mum noise level to the maximum level. Special priority was placed on providing the quality necessary to precisely repro-duce the full range of musical energy generated whether performed pianissimo or fortissimo. For example, analogue re-cordings have the unique ability to give fortissimo music tensional power. (4) Low Distortion : Clean, crisp tone charact-eristics and superior resolution ensures music is never offensive to the ear, no matter how high the volume is turn up. (5) High Density : A smoothness found only with analogue recording gives the sounds of instruments and voices a special warmth that people can identify with. Each and every little change and expression that artists impart to their music is faithfully reproduced, representing what music really should be.
THE SUPER ANALOGUE DISC
•PRODUCTION PROCESS (1 ) Direct Connection : The head amplifier of the tape recorder used for reproduction is directly connected to the cutting power amplifier, with no extraneous equipment such as a graphic equalizer, pass filter or limiter. (The bypass circuit is shown in the block diagram.) This enables flat trans-mission of the master tape signal to the cutter head, substantially improving transient characteristics and virtually eliminating deterioration of sound quality, for an extremely natural and fresh sound. As a result, the record may contain a little hiss, hum and background noise if they are on the master tape. The reasons for this are the wide frequency range and the fact that no technical alterations are made to the master tape in the cutting process. (2) Half-Speed Cutting : By reducing both the tape and cutting speed by half, groove cutting accuracy has been considerably enhanced, yielding a wider frequency range and maximum recording density. This technology requires an especially high level of expertise. Specifically, groove width on the "Super Analogue Disc" is between 30 and 280 microns maximum. (Normally, the approximate width is between 30 and 80 microns.) This attests to how high the maximum level really is. (3) Vacuum Tube Amplifiers : Special vacu-um tubes developed by our technical staff
are incorporated in the high power cutting amplifier (Effective output : 300W + 300W) and head amplifier. These provide power to spare, giving music a richness only found with an analogue sound. (4) Heavier Weight Disc : The "Super Analogue Disc" weighs approximately 180 grams, 60 percent more than standard records. This allows the extra deep grooves of 30 to a maximum of 280 microns to be cut and minimizes resonance when the record is being played. In particular, the heavier disc weight is especially effective in stabilizing the sound of music at a high level and bass sounds. (5) High Quality Material : The metal mat-rix is produced with extreme caution during a time-consuming plating process. Combined with very specially selected mat-erials and careful processing, the finished product reproduces the sound on the lacquer master, with almost perfect accuracy and improved sound-to-noise ratio.
With the wide range of specialists over-seeing every aspect of its development and production, the "Super Analogue Disc" is indeed a handcrafted product, made using an entirely different production process from normal record production lines.
BLOCK DIAGRAMS OF DISC MASTERING SYSTEM
TAPE REPRODUCER
MAGNETIC HEAD
PRE-AMP (TUBE)
(THE SUPER ANALOGUE DISC)
DIRECT CONNECTING
•USAGE GUIDELINES (1 ) Cartridge and Player System : Take special care with regard to stylus chip wear and the adherence of any dust. We recom-mend that the stylus chip be cleaned after playing one side of the record. Stylus force should be set at the recom-mended value or slightly heavier. Extreme caution should be exercised when adjusting the tone arm to ensure optimum tracing of the micro-groove-(2) Cleaning of Dust : The record surface should be cleaned in such a way to prevent any dust from being forced down into the deep grooves, which could result in a higher noise level. (3) Amplifiers : If the natural level of hiss or background noise on the record are bothersome, adjust the control amplifier accordingly. The higher the output of the main amplifier, the more powerful the music sounds. High-end audiophiles, as well as many other users with quality audio equipment, appreciate the special sound that analogue discs reproduce, even after experiencing compact discs. We are confident that the "Super Analogue Disc" represents a new dimension in enjoyment for the true music lover. Nov, 1992. Motohiko Takawa
STAFF OF THE "SUPER ANALOGUE DISC" (KING RECORDS, JAPAN) PRODUCER : MOTOHIKO TAKAW A A & R : MINORU FLTKUDA MASTERING ENGINEER AKIRA MAKINO ASST. ENGINEERS : TERUHLKO AOKI, HISAO NISHIDA
MADE IN U.S. A.