Jeff wrote:
The only turntable I ever saw that would automatically detect gaps between tracks and let you select by track number was an ADC one back in the 70's. It used a light beam and photo detector and had a row of buttons on the front, something like 1-10, you could push, as well as a skip forward and back control. I've only ever seen one of these in the flesh and that was over 30 years ago.
There were actually quite a few:
- ADC Accutrac 4000 (the one you mentioned)
- ADC Accutrac +6 (6 record autochange version of above)
- Akai AP-L95
- Technics SL-15, SL-6 and SL-Q6
- Aiwa LP-3000
- Optonica RP7100 and 9100
- JVC L-F71
And quite a few cheap Japanese decks found on the top of 1980s midi systems!
As mentioned, it is surprising that B&O never offered this facility. The second arm on the linear trackers beside the main arm would have been perfect for carrying the sensors and I'm sure the electronic technology was well within their abilities. Heck, the ADC decks were actually designed and made by BSR and if they could do it, anyone can!