If you re like most record lovers you ve probably flipped speeds from time to time in order to hear your music faster or slower than normal.
Why different rpm vinyl.
The higher the rpm the greater the length of vinyl picked up by the stylus and ultimately the more accurate our sound reproduction becomes.
Jerry shafer has covered everything except the 16.
33 45 and 78 rotations per minute rpm.
Vinyl records come in numerous speeds that impact playback and compatibility.
So let me complete that.
Each not only has a very specific reasoning behind the speed but the state of technology at the time of invention has much to do with the playback speed as well.
Most turntables can play 33s and 45s while 78s require a certain kind of stylus and motor speed.
In 1931 rca victor introduced the first 33 rpm records and players but they were a commercial failure.
Anyone who s as old as this reporter will recall they had 78 4.
As it turns out the height of the great depression was not the ideal time to launch an expensive novel consumer technology.
33 45 and 78 rpm represents the speed at which the record spins on your turntable.
But hollywood exerted its influence in a different way.
The fidelity possible at 78 rpm could now be had at a much slower speed 33 1 3.
It s a funny little experiment but what are there three different speeds to begin with.
Vinyl records typically come in three speeds.