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VINTAGE AUDIO GEAR  
Tube Equalization Preamp
George Gott GDP50
The George Gott GDP50
A binaural tube preamplifier and record compensation unit used for mono LP, 45 RPM and 78 RPM records.
This is the George Gott GDP 50 Binaural Tube Preamplifier and record compensation unit. We have used this little equalization unit in conjunction with the Bogen DB130 for a number of 78RPM re-masters. It features a wide variety of roll-off and turnover settings enabling you to achieve close to a flat response of nearly any pre RIAA equalization curve.

We really were amazed with this very small and light piece. As with most tube electronics, rectifying hum is at times a challenge but the device has proven well worth the effort. We really never did any physical restoration on the Gott and finding an owner's manual was impossible, even after a trip to the County Library. This required really close listening and monitoring with proper speakers instead of just turning a dial to a specified setting.

 

In case you are wondering; "binaural" is not stereo but can actually be better than stereo. The problem is finding recordings actually done in "binaural." We offer this quote on the subject;

It is important to recognize the difference between a stereophonic system and a binaural system. The former system uses loudspeakers but requires an infinite number of channels for perfect reproduction. The latter requires only two channels for perfect reproduction but involves the use of a pair of head receivers [drivers] held tightly to the ears for each listener. All listeners with such a system can be given the illusion of sitting in the best seat in the concert hall. Harvey Fletcher; The SMPTE Journal Vol. 61, September 1953.

Be that as it may, there is still only one "out" on the GDP50 and we don't have the amp that went with it. Furthermore there is no headphone jack. We have to use this unit as run through the Bogen (integrated amp) for listening purposes, but straight to soundcard for transfers.

Aside from the need to rectify hum this compensation amplifier really is a blast to use. The results a of couple of 78s we transfered to CD with this unit in addition to a Technics SP10 MKII turntable, an SME 3009 tonearm housing a Shure M78s cartridge still stands up next to the professional jobs I have heard of the same discs issued by the Melodie Classics label.

We were told that the Bigg Company, who manufactured the George Gott, was sued by McIntosh for copyright violation as they used the same circuitry that is in the McIntosh C-8. One of the big things to look for if you are buying tube audio for CD transfer and re-mastering purposes is; make sure the unit has a "tape out" or an "aux out." If not, you have no way of plugging into a soundcard, mixer, CD recorder or A/D converter when transferring to CD.

Remember these things are fun to experiment with, but several companies make solid state record compensation units today that are a heck of a lot easier to use. Allow yourself ample time for your transferring projects and you will enjoy the experience a lot more.

Click here for inside circuitry of the Gott GDP50
Remastering tip; If using software to edit hiss, hum and pops; record with as little bass or as "flat" as possible and if necessary introduce bass by re-equalizing. Higher, high end levels, allow most software to work better. The reason is that most of the hiss, pops etc. are going to be at the high end of the sound spectrum. If using software remember; less is better. Take one of your favorite remasters and listen to the sound of the highs and lows. Countless times we have spent good money for new CD re-masters and found them to be way over processed. One of the absolute best sources for amazing quality remasters of 78 RPM records is Dreyfus Jazz France. His work tops that of even the pricey Mosaic Records remasters. I assume Mr. Dreyfus to be using some type of Surround Sound. His work is absolutely stunning on Ellington, Billie Holiday and Basie remasters. If you can achieve even a quarter of what this man has in the remastering realm...apply for a job at Sony!


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